Could be no model to follow

Bella – Lady Isabella Beaufoyle – looked out of the carriage window and suppressed a sigh. Sure she was entire delighted to be going to Attervale to have a good long visit with Lady Emily Merrett and her companion Miss Lalage Fenster. But she was somewhat put out that it had not been considered proper that she might just be put upon a suitable train – o, with one of the maids to accompany her for propriety’s sake – for the nearest station and take the fly from there.

No, here she was not only with her eldest brother Essie – Lord Sallington, that the family still called by the fond baby-name give him by his wet-nurse, Betty Higgins – that she might have borne with, but Mama – Viola, Her Grace of Mulcaster – as well. Anyone might suppose her an invalid!

She did, indeed, feel perchance a little what Chloe was wont to describe as wamblesome lately – had been confined to her sofa for some weeks since the Hackwold Incident. And she had to confess, inwardly, that she had had no inclination to her usual activity and that it had been somewhat of a relief to be told that it would not be prudent in the least to resume her usual social round. While there were no longer any manifest symptoms of the chill that had resulted – and no wonder! all remarked – from a ride on a night that was not merely chilly but interspersed with flurries of sleet, she still felt undue languid and unlike herself.

It had been Essie that had sat down beside her and said, it could come about that some event would cause a shock to the nerves – Quintus – Dr Ferraby was an old friend of his from the Raxdell House nursery days – said 'tis quite to be expected that even such a horsewoman as yourself might be somewhat set aback by being bolted with thus.

But he knew that the being bolted with by that skittish mare Thessaly had been quite the least of the matter. While Society gossip put it about that had been provoked so that Lord Blatchett might effect a daring rescue, in truth it had been a device to drive her towards his hunting-box. Whether – as he had told her – this was merely in order to provide a compelling reason for her father to concede to his suit to her hand, or whether he had had actual ruin in his intentions, Bella had not lingered to discover. Left alone – a chamber on the ground floor – the window unlocked – she had escaped.

Well-trained by Belinda Penkarding, she was entirely capable of saddling and bridling the cob that stood in the stables – the mare Thessaly being still in a very poor way – and mount without the need of a groom to boost her into the saddle. Her first thought had just been to get away but shortly had encountered a signpost that showed her in known territory and she had made her way to Jupp’s farm, where, most fortunate, Mrs Penkarding and Gertie Jupp were in residence.

Sure she had never had any mind to marrying Blatchett! Had, it was true, found his admiration very agreeable – a fine upstanding fellow – showed to advantage in a ballroom – and quite unsurpassed on horseback and in the hunting-field. Mayhap she had been, just a little, impressed that he took an interest in her – praised her equestrian talents &C –

However, after that visit to Oaks Merriam she could hardly take him very seriously. It was a splendid enough place – seat of the Earls of Blatchett these several generations – but what she and Chloe had most particular noticed was that he and his forebears had not at all been given to reading. Sure, one did not perchance expect a fellow in his rank to be given to deep study, but the works on the library shelves – elegantly bound in leather with the family crest stamped upon 'em – had clearly been purchased for show and not for use. Was not a collection that one would commend to Hannah Roberts to write up under her style of Bibliophilia for The Speculum of Arts and Sciences! that she was very noted for and was quite besought to come look at libraries up and down the country.

Furthermore, as the daughter of a Duke that took a most conscientious dutiful part in the government of the nation, Bella had observed that Blatchett was conspicuous by his absence at the Palace of Westminster. Though had some doubts as to the soundness of his political views from idle comments he had passed.

Bella had been brought up in a set in which the ladies took the liveliest interest in politics – Lady Wallace, one of her mother’s oldest friends, wrote political sketches under the style of Aspasia – and her mother herself was wont to act from time to time as her father’s political secretary. Then, of course, there was Flora, Miss Ferraby, that shocking Miss Ferraby, that wrote and lectured upon political matters and even more unwomanly topics, that had been a dear friend of Essie’s from childhood, and that, even with her notoriety, the family would not at all have objected to him marrying. But although they seemed on terms of great affection, to Bella’s observation, did not come to have and to hold, forsaking all others &C.

She had taken advantage of being obliged to lie upon a sopha in the warm to undertake a deal of unaccustomed reading, and had desired to be brought copies of those radical journals in which Miss Ferraby’s thoughts were published. She had no doubt that there were households where, was this discovered, there would be an immense outcry, and indeed, she began to apprehend why that might be so. But Papa himself had come talk to her and explained that Miss Ferraby was a very estimable person – her views on the education of children widely praised – but that Bella might consider that, although she was widely received in Society, her station was very different from Bella’s. The Ferraby connexion was everywhere admired: however, Sir Josiah, though raised to the rank of baronet, had been a Northern industrialist of humble origins whose abilities had made him wealthy and influential. He had also had very radical notions about the position of women and had made his daughters independent rather than bestowing portions upon 'em to catch husbands.

So there was Flora’s elder sister Miss Elizabeth Ferraby that was now Lady Ollifaunt had taken her portion and put it into theatres and had some several in provincial towns and cities, and it was known that reputations were made in 'em – was an actress had got her start there was now quite the Queen of the stage in New York! –

And it was widely given out that had she so desired, Miss Margaret, instead of marrying Sebastian Knowles, might have made a career as a musician.

Papa went on to dare say that we might see somewhat remarkable with the daughters of Sir Harry and Dr Quintus, that were of a like mind to their father. Quintus had even been heard to express that he saw no reason why ladies should not become doctors.

But, even so, Bella understood that her lot in life was different. O, there was no expectation that she should marry in her first Season, and Mama somewhat deplored the rush to get young women married off. Better to wait a little, and look about, and learn at least something of the world, and obtain some degree of judgement of men’s character.

Nonetheless, though 'twas never said in so many words, she was supposed to get married in due course.

Even with the example of her aunt Jane before 'em! – though one understood that there had been there the matter of being left a generous bequest by the great-uncle that had conveyed her her classical learning, so that she had been able to maintain her independence until such time as dear Admiral Knighton had been in a position to offer.

It was all a puzzle to Bella. She had never yet seen a man she desired to marry, except for Mr Josh Ferraby, because then one might go with him on his explorations. People said you would have babies, as if that were a fine thing, and while she found Rollo’s and Cathy’s children amiable creatures enough, had no great inclination to motherhood herself.

But what was the position did one remain single? From looking about, she fancied it came to going live with one or other brother or sister and being Auntie in the household, that struck her as quite immense tedious. O, there were cases where a man remained single and had a sister that kept house for him and took care of affairs – she wondered whether, perchance, did Essie continue in his disinclination to wed, that might answer? Would that not even be sensible? Though one heard it also came about that men that were quite old took a sudden fancy to marry some much younger woman – had not Lord Fendersham been looking very doating on Lady Theodora Saxorby? it had been much remarked – and the existing chatelaine was thus deposed.

Yet – she almost started at the thought, as they turned into the short drive up to the manor house at Attervale – was not Lady Emily unmarried? And never had been married? Here she was, had been living at Attervale, one of the Nuttenford estates, as 'twere as Lady of the Manor, with Miss Fenster, this entire age – managed the home farm – dealt with the tenants –

However, when she thought a little further about it, did she mention that as an instance of a life that a lady might lead did she not marry, she fancied that all would groan and throw up their hands and say, o, that is the Merretts for you. For somehow, though Bella did not think their behaviour was so wildly out of the common, the family had the reputation of being eccentrique to the point of scandal. Lady Offgrange that had eloped with the Marquess – the Earl himself that had married lovely, witty and wealthy Miss Rebecca Gold rather than one of the young ladies of aristocratic breeding being paraded for his approval – she did not quite know exactly what it was about Mr Geoffrey, but there was something – Lady Louisa marrying Harry Ferraby –

She sighed. Even the entirely eligible union of Lady Rachel with Artie Demington had taken place within a flurry of his parents’ misplaced expectations.

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!