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Sure marriage was very agreeable! – mayhap was just because this was the honeymoon, but indeed, she and Cecil were not about spending a deal of time in billing and cooing, they were, she fancied, friends that found this marriage a very eligible sensible matter. There was his dreadful mother, nagging and complaining at him to get married and forbidding him to undertake a deal of enjoyments for fear of danger, he being the last hope of his line, and indeed, he agreed, one saw that marriage was necessary as well as ordained &C&C as the service put it –

And here had been Zipsie, that had been out a while, and no offers, somewhat plain, rather awkward in her manner, but the finest musician in all the musical Parry-Lloyd family, and here was a prospective husband that appreciated that – had notions for musical soirées, quite understood that she must have time to give to practice and to composing –

They found they had a similar feeling towards the obligations of Society – might laugh a little at 'em together, and talk over company afterwards.

Was almost as good a friend as Thea – Lady Theodora Saxorby – and without that piety that was something in Thea that she could not share.

Furthermore, Zipsie had been given very proper training in running a household by her mother, Lady Abertyldd, and had soon had matters at Wepperell Larches, that had been somewhat neglected, running entirely smoothly.

After an hour or so on the household books, she might have a little musical recreation! She put the oboe to her lips and played a few notes.

The door opened and came in, unannounced, Lady Samuels.

My dear Zipsie – la, I should say Lady Rondegate –

No, please do call me Zipsie as you were wont, Lady Samuels –

– and do you call me Martha, I do not know myself with this Lady Samuels. But how charming, that you play to the birds.

It might have seemed a little peculiar, given that this was intended as their honeymoon, that they had this visit from Sir Jacob and Lady Samuels, but that esteemed surveyor and authority on forestry had written to say they were passing through this part of the country on their way to undertake some matter in connexion with Lady Bexbury’s Shropshire property, and understood Lord Rondegate was anxious for advice concerning his woodlands. Might they call, was it convenient?

Indeed it was, and even more so when Sir Jacob had pointed out that that neglected quarry on the estate should also be investigated, he fancied it might still come about to be productive with modern methods.

They had had a little concern about how local society would receive the Samuels – for although Sir Jacob’s ancestors had converted some generations ago, he was still of very Hebraic looks. But he was an FRS, and it turned out that the vicar knew his work on fossils, in which he took something of an interest himself, and, after all, had been knighted by Her Majesty as well as being quite part of the domestic circle of Lady Jane Knighton, the sister of the Duke of Mulcaster, the great philanthropic lady that so romantically married the late Admiral Knighton.

While his wife, a noted eccentrique, was perhaps an even greater success. Not only was she the sister of the Duchess of Mulcaster, she was the authoress of those delightful and instructive volumes on poultry that it seemed all the ladies in the neighbourhood read more religiously than the Gospels. So was extensively interrogated about hens – invited to come view this and that one’s chickens – oh, Lady Samuels also painted in watercolours? – there was a pretty ruined well – waterfall – picturesque antient oak tree – that would surely delight her.

Zipsie also entertained the guests at their dinner parties for the local gentry with what she and Cecil privately described as pretty little songs and jolly tunes, but she dared say all they would talk about for the next some several months would be Martha Samuels.

Indeed her works were delightful, and reading 'em, so that she might not show an entire ignoramus in conversation, Zipsie was struck by the notion of composing a Chicken Cantata – would serve very well as an entertainment for Mama’s birthday. For was usually expected that she would provide some matter that her brothers and sisters might perform.

Sure life at Wepperell Larches was more agreeable than she had anticipated, but they both agreed that now they had shown their faces in local society, and got that matter of forestry in hand, they might return to Town.

Do you think, dear wife, we might venture upon a house-party in the summer? The keeper offers that there might be somewhat in the way of shooting, Cecil asked as they drove away.

Zipsie wrinkled her nose. La, there is still a deal of work to do – was about to propose coming down in the summer with the intention of undertaking a good deal of refurbishment –

He grinned and said, sure he had a sad bachelor eye in such matters still!

– but mayhap a few good friends. I wonder might one persuade Grissie Undersedge, that has such a nice eye in decoration – will still be in half-mourning of course –

So they had amiable discussion on the matter, and also considered that they would doubtless be invited about to various other houses, and should not yet make any too definite plans.

Oh, but it was quite delightful to enter into the fine house that Cecil had took in Belgravia, that she had seen and approved before their wedding – such an excellent address – such fine modern edifices – and –

O!

They had already chosen this chamber as the music-room, and her violoncello was there, but also –

Quite the most superior of Broadwood’s pianofortes!

Oh, my dear, that is so very thoughtful!

Why, he said, shrugging a little in embarrassment, I thought you would like that better than some common matter of diamond parures &C.

Zipsie was already trying over its tone – its range – Why, she said, I could sit here all day, but I will not be so selfish, let us go and take tea like a calm and proper married couple.

It was exceedingly pleasant not to have brothers and sisters coming in upon her at all hours asking her to hear over their practice or to compose 'em some piece or play for 'em – had thought she might miss the bustle of Bexbury House but had not realized how much this quieter life would suit her.

Though 'twas very shortly indeed that her mother came calling with along with her sister-in-law, Mrs Brumpage Parry-Lloyd, and her younger sisters Charlotte – Lotty – and Georgianna – Gianna.

Mama looked exceedingly gratified to find Zipsie in good looks – praised the healthful airs of the Marches – all very impressed with her new residence – and to her considerable relief, since Lotty and Gianna were there, no opportunity for her mother to ask embarrassing questions.

And indeed, there was no need for maternal concern! There were no problems to do with the marriage bed!

They departed, leaving an invitation to dinner at Bexbury House, as was anticipated.

Much more welcome was a call from dear Thea – Lady Theodora Saxorby, Zipsie’s greatest friend.

Thea was, naturally, concerned to find out how Zipsie did – see over the house – very proper – admired the Broadwood greatly –

But Zipsie observed that her friend seemed in rather low spirits.

How are all at Trembourne House?

Oh, all are quite well – the children are flourishing – 'tis definite that Myo is increasing – but –

But?

Thea sighed, twisted her hands together, and said, here was her father, had after all this while being quite the recluse at Pockinford Hall, decided to open up the Town house, so Mama, that has been staying with Artie, will go live with him, and Simon – but 'tis no time before he goes to Peru with Mr Enderby – and thinks it proper that I should go reside in the bosom of my family as well.

I do admit, she went on, that it must be the proper and the dutiful thing, but – o, Zipsie, I am very much like to suppose that they will forbid my going to visit Aggie and Hughie and dear Sister Linnet –

Might you not, suggested Zipsie, interest Dump – Lady Pockinford – in the fine charitable work Aggie and that sisterhood are about in Hughie’s parish?

Thea groaned and said, alas, because Mama had been languishing so long in the country, found a great deal that needed her hand upon it in her usual undertakings, and sighs that 'tis very high time that Rachel returns from Harrogate to be her trusted lieutenant –

Zipsie’s honking laugh exploded. La, does she intend to send poor Rachel straight back there? Or mayhap to Malvern to be braced up?

Thea was forced to smile. 'Tis indeed placing rather heavy expectations upon her. Though Artie will say she comes round to flourish – But as well as that, I am in some fear that they will not look with approval at my going to my singing lessons with Miss McKeown –

Surely there can be no objection!

O, Mama has fears of abductions – has ever been so, was the like with my Aunt Lucas before she married, though she was a considerable heiress and perchance the dangers in those days were greater?

Zipsie snorted. But my dear, I have the entire solution to that difficulty!

Thea frowned a little. You do? This is not some wild device?

Tush, said Zipsie, folding her hands in her lap and looking prim, I am a married woman and have a great deal of responsibilities – she sighed – really, a deal of matters taking up time, having to be At Home, and go making calls, &C – and I said to Lord Rondegate, 'twill be a hard business finding time to go for my lessons, and he remarked that it would be quite usual for the Misses McKeown and Lewis to come here – we could send a conveyance – give 'em a meal – 'tis entirely a done thing to have music teachers come to one’s house – and do I have 'em here for my instruction, why, you may come and have the benefit as well.

Thea looked at her with some suspicion. Really?

Really! Is it not entirely answerable? She leaned over to feel the teapot. This is quite cold – let me ring for more – take another cake –

And when all that had been done, Thea nodded her head and said, entirely answerable, could not suppose even Papa could have any objections.

Zipsie had carefully not mentioned any possibility that her brother Oliver might come call while their lessons were in progress!

Clorinda, Dowager Marchioness of Bexbury, was visiting her old friend Mrs Dalrymple, ostensibly to discuss a new proposition concerning the philanthropic enterprize in which they both took an interest that had set up a number of optical dispensaries providing spectacles for the weak-sighted poor, or letters to hospitals providing operations were those necessary. Mrs Dalrymple, that was no longer young, had been having some little problems of health keeping her from recent meetings of the committee.

As Clorinda entered the parlour an elderly pug came up to sniff about her skirts, for had never abandoned the hope that, one day, a visitor would arrive that had happily concealed a rabbit or some such there. It snuffled around for a little while, sighed, and returned to snooze at its mistress’ feet.

No, cried Clorinda, do not put yourself to the trouble of rising, sure we are quite antient friends and need not stand upon ceremony!

They shook hands and Clorinda was waved into the one comfortable chair that was not already occupied by a pug.

The maid came with tea whilst they exchanged comments upon the weather and general matters – they say this government cannot last and there will be an election very shortly – the health of one another’s family and friends –

La, Mrs D had had a letter from her grandson Orlando in Sydney, where he was entirely thriving with his theatre company –

One was relieved to hear that, for not so very long ago Orlando Richardson had gone in some peril on account of the vengeful feelings of the husbands and other lovers of the ladies who had found the young actor most magnetic. Sure he was not the handsomest of men – nothing like dear Hywel Jenkins had been in his heyday – but had a charm that made up for any plainness.

And there was her grand-daughter, naughty Rosalind, that had run away from school to go on the stage under the name of Dalrymple, so that there would not be odious comparisons with her mother, that bright star of the London stage, Clara Richardson, doing exceeding well –

Of course, said Mrs Dalrymple, it gives one great confidence that she is in one of Lady Ollifaunt’s companies –

Oh, indeed, no vagabond player matter! Clorinda smiled. She had known Bess Ollifaunt since childhood, when she had presented the offspring of her dear loves Josiah and Eliza Ferraby with a fine superior toy theatre. And here was Bess now with some several provincial theatres that were agreed quite crack companies.

But, went on Mrs D, sure I might talk of the children for hours, let us to business.

So Clorinda took the papers out of her reticule, and opened the notion that Aggie – Lady Agatha – Lucas had had in her husband’s parish in the East End, that until one might get up enough interest to set up a dispensary, one might arrange for a visiting oculist, once or twice in a month.

One can tell she is Dumpling Dora – I mean, Lady Pockinford’s! – daughter! What a very apt notion. Or, she looked considering, there might be some local oculist that could be persuaded to give some gratuitous time to the work.

They discussed this, and various other matters to do with the charity, until there was a particularly loud burst of girlish laughter from the next room.

Clorinda raised her eyebrows.

La, said Mrs Dalrymple, as I daresay you know, since I apprehend Miss Allard is a connexion of your Sophy –

Clorinda nodded.

– here is that child Binnie that she gives refuge, the mother being most undesirable, comes shelter here a while and keep Clary company, as there is some fear that the mother may go kidnap her so that she can put her to earning her keep. And there she is, already has quite a little business in Covent Garden a-walking dogs and brushing 'em and teaching 'em manners, while being cared for by that excellent woman –

Clorinda fancied that Mrs Dalrymple did not know the precise nature of Marie Allard’s own business, providing special pleasures for gentlemen. Kept quite separate from her dwelling!

– and I daresay the mother wants to put her to making artificial flowers or some such trade, does she not have worse intentions. An agreeable child that has quite the nicest hand with dogs – the pugs doat upon her –

And Clary has not took that fever that had smitten her school?

Not in the least, in quite bouncing good health I am relieved to say.

At this moment the door opened as the maid ushered in Mrs Dalrymple’s son Danvers. That was still pointed to as a fine example of the style of the Regent’s day, when he had been one of the set around Clorinda’s dear friend Gervase, Viscount Raxdell. Had been living in a quite devoted unhallowed union with Clara Richardson for these many years, for the actress had had no inclination to dwindle into a wife and abandon the stage.

And Mrs Dalrymple was too delighted to welcome the grandchildren she had begun to despair of to cavil about the manner of their begetting!

Lady Bexbury! – servant – he bowed over her hand in the old courtly style – hoped he saw her well – how was MacDonald – here was Abertyldd went acquire a son-in-law that would be a great asset to his cricket-parties!

Further pleasantries were cut off by the bursting forth from the adjacent room of Clary, hurling herself at him crying Dada!

Followed more discreetly by Binnie, that dipped a very acceptable curtsey to the visitors. Looked in good health – clad in what Clorinda fancied to be an outgrown dress of Clary’s – one might convey reassuring report to be communicated to Marie Allard –

She exchanged glances with Mrs Dalrymple and they agreed that their business was concluded for the present.

So Clorinda went to where her carriage was waiting, and informed Nick Jupp that they might go straight home, and occupied the journey in making notes upon her convocation with Mrs Dalrymple in her little memorandum book.

Arriving home, Hector, her major-domo, informed her as he took her cloak and bonnet that Mr MacDonald was working in the library but would doubtless be grateful for some interruption.

Why, I will go interrupt him! Do you desire tea to be sent there rather than my parlour.

She passed through to what had become known as the library wing of the establishment. Sure it had been delightful to have been presented with the deeds of a pretty little house in Mayfair in her courtesan days! But when her life and circles expanded following her brief marriage to the ailing Marquess of Bexbury, that had required a widow to take care of certain discreet matters that he did not wish to entrust to the heir he loathed, it had become a little confining. But then the next-door house had fallen vacant, and, most fortunate, was part of prudent investments in Town estate made by an ancestor of her dear friend Biffle – Beaufoyle Beaufoyle, Duke of Mulcaster – that had been happy to make it over to her for a peppercorn rent.

So she had a fine library and a dining room for giving dinner parties, and had had room enough to provide lodging for her dearest friend Sandy – Alexander MacDonald, MA (Edinburgh) – following the death of his lover, and her friend, Gervase Reveley, Lord Raxdell. And also to provide refuge for Belinda, that had been married to the – supposed – Marquess of Bexbury that succeeded her husband, but had left him – set up training race-horses with her friend Captain Penkarding – returned to prevent a bigamous marriage – obliged to manage the estate when the Marquess was declared lunatic – and now, following Penkarding’s death, in business with Sam Jupp’s livery stables in the mews. Also widely consulted for her skills in horse-doctoring.

When Clorinda entered the library she found Sandy seated at the table with some several boxes piled on the floor about him, and stacks of paper before him. He was scowling at 'em.

La, my dear, have you found yet more bigamous marriages of that scoundrel O’Neill?

He looked up. Not yet, he conceded, but a good deal of evidence of debts and exceedingly dubious financial dealings. But what I am at here is trying to disentangle the matter of this lawsuit over Lady Wauderkell’s property in Cork. Occurred to me the notion that did it come about to be resolved in her favour, mayhap she might even go live there –

Clorinda grinned and said sure she would rather go live in Cork, that she understood to be a pleasant small city – healthful airs &C – rather than marry that dreary Evangelical bore Lord Fendersham, that still seemed so ardent to wed Lady W even after her elopement with O’Neill.

Sandy grinned back and said sure that might be exceeding amuzing – he fancied Lady Anonyma might get a novel or so out of the experience –

Alas that I do not have a fan about me to flap you with for impudence!

 –  But what I discover is very interesting. Her cousins brought the suit almost simultaneous upon her marriage to Sir Barnabas Wauderkell –

O! cried Clorinda, that puts a very interesting complexion upon it indeed – that perchance they did not want it to fall into his hands – one may well fancy that there was considerable family feeling against that match – and that tying it up in court proceedings, especial as I daresay he was reluctant to spend time in – I suppose 'twould be the Dublin courts? – pursuing it was one way to keep it safe for her.

Quite – he dies, and there is some compounding of the matter come to, as between family – and here is the widow with this comfortable share in a brewery to sustain her in her grief –

Clorinda snorted and said, that she might quaff the product of and mayhap distribute to the populace while she danced upon Sir Barnabas’ grave, the nasty fellow.

But here, she said, glancing at the table-top, I see Hector has brought in the post, and I should see is there aught of urgency – fie, an epistle from Naples! – I doubt 'tis anything imperative, but I long to hear how all goes on there –

She broke the seal, and sat down to peruse the letter – 'tis Alf goes write – Oh! Oh! Oh! Would you believe it! Who do you suppose has lately turned up in the vicinity of Naples?

Dearest Lady Anonyma, this is not one of your tales and you are not required to create suspense.

Basil Linsleigh!

Sandy swore in Scots. That mediocre artist had quit the realm somewhat precipitate a few years previous after his involvement in an illicit blackbirding scheme was like to be revealed, though rumour gave out that 'twas in fear of prosecution for sodomy.

Hmmm – hmmm – they go put in his way a very handsome confederate of theirs that he will doubtless desire as a model – so that is all under hand, and Marcello has refrained from employing his stiletto, the dear fellow, and we may anticipate to learn does he intend a return to these shores.

I might, however, said Sandy, inform Maurice that the wretch has not been murdered by Albanian bandits or kidnapped by Corsairs. For his lover had had an unhappy history with Linsleigh.