Reading Room

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!