Chapter 12. Cavendish Square
Molly and Jenny had attended to every matter in regards to the comfort and necessities of Georgiana, Lady Colton, and Lady Selina while in the London residence of the Earl at the townhouse in Cavendish Square in the fashionable Mayfair District. Selina gave Georgiana a tour of the spacious townhouse. A long kitchen, pantry and servants’ quarters were on the lower floor. Above that, a foyer, staircase, sitting room, formal dining room, and two bedrooms occupied the main floor. There were three more bedrooms, a library, and an indoor bathing room on the third floor. The top floor contained an attic school room and extra servants’ quarters. The first floor sitting room was long enough to transform into a small but elegant ball room.
The bedrooms did not have their own sitting rooms as Wellbrook Hall did --but they did have attached dressing rooms in those on the third floor. The Earl’s suite on the third floor was easiest to identify as it contained many of his personal affects. Selina and Madalene generally shared the room across from that one and Edmund took the one beside that. This left Georgiana with the option to choose from the bedrooms on the first floor. She chose the room with French doors that opened onto the garden terrace, completely closed in by the stable on one side, guest house on the other and a tall row of shrubs, trees and wrought iron fence on the third side. The footman and driver chose to bunk in the loft room above the stable. Molly and Jenny chose bedrooms in the servants’ quarters near the kitchen. They set about to unpacking Selina and Madalene almost immediately. The footmen brought in the trunks and other baggage. Jenny would primarily prepare all meals while they were in London and Molly would take care of as many of the other duties as possible, including dressing both Lady Selina and Lady Georgiana, along with arranging their hair.
The ladies enjoyed tea on the terrace in the shade of parasols and a mature oak tree each morning and shopping in the late mornings or early afternoons for new gowns, shawls, shoes, parasols, gloves and bonnets. Selina accompanied her on each excursion, eager to choose new items with which to fortify her own wardrobe. The footman and driver proved to be patient in waiting near the coach for the ladies and assisting them with packages.
After breakfast, Molly, on the very first morning in London, had insisted upon opening both sitting rooms as all of the furniture in the townhouse had previously been covered with linens.
“I don’t plan to receive any company,” Georgiana had said in an attempt not to put Molly to any extra labor than necessary as she tied the bow of her poke bonnet beneath her chin. She was standing near an extravagantly framed mirror on the wall by the door of the upstairs sitting room.
Molly would have none of it. She was in her element, escorting two fine ladies to London as if it were the height of the Season. She ripped another linen sheet off of a piece of furniture in the upstairs sitting room to reveal a cushioned chair with gilt legs and arms. “Oh no, my Lady! Ye must be prepared! Remember, the Master said the Baron will be callin’ and uh, Miz what’s her name?”
“Ah, yes, Lord Cole Barrington and Lady Caroline,” Georgiana corrected, remembering. “And most likely, the Viscount, Lord Maxwell…”
“It certainly will be nice to see the Baron,” Selina said wistfully as she pulled a glove on one hand and peered out of a long window to the street below.
”It is a pleasure to finally meet you!” Georgiana curtsied a few afternoons later. She was feeling well prepared to receive guests in great part due to Molly, Simon and Jenny’s efforts to keep the house running smoothly. They had dusted every object, polished the silver and washed the china, swept and mopped the floors, changed the bed linens, stocked the pantry and unpacked the trunks.
She stepped forward to greet the young, well -dressed gentleman who entered the house on Cavendish Square. She held out gracious hands which clasped Lord Cole Barrington’s after Simon had announced the guest. She motioned him toward seating in the upstairs sitting room. She had heard so many nice things about him that she felt she almost knew him already. Madalene spoke of him rather like an uncle and Edmund had said he knew everything there was to know about horses, insects and all things boyish. Selina seemed to perk up with interest whenever his name was mentioned. He had been educated in agriculture at a fine university in Essex according to Nathaniel --and as the eldest son of a Viscount, he was titled a Baron and would inherit his father’s estate one day.
They were seated on the two sofas that faced each other across a low table for serving tea; he on one and she on the other. She had set her Bible aside on the sofa where she had been sitting, so he had chosen the other sofa. Another sign of his proper etiquette and upbringing she noted. She reached for the bell pull and rang for tea. Molly appeared in a short while with a tray while they talked of the fine weather in the country, the charm and appeal of the village in Essex near both of them and how pleasantly the recent Season had passed in London.
Georgiana poured the tea and passed Cole a cup without giving him an opportunity to turn her down. “You must not refuse this cup of tea, even if you don’t plan to drink it. You may be my only caller and it wouldn’t be right if I arrived and left London without pouring someone else a cup of tea.”
Cole laughed, “Yes indeed! I can see why the Earl seemed so impressed to have you as a governess for Lady Selina. Which, speaking of, where might she be hiding away today?”
Glad he had used his manners and not pointed out that she seemed too young to be a governess, she answered him. “She will be so disappointed to have missed you. She has taken a stroll to the library with one of the maids as a companion.” Georgiana found after only moments in his presence that she liked him at once. He was tall and lanky, about her own age, with lots of unruly blond curls atop his head. He also had a boyish and kind disposition and smiled good- naturedly often.
“Ah, I see. I do hope you will give her my best regards.”
“Of course! I will be happy to do so.” She promised. She didn’t mention that she had sent Selina out to the library on purpose. It wouldn’t do for her to be at home the first time a gentleman came calling on the Earl’s daughter. Surely the young man had better things to do than pay anything but a customary call upon a governess he hadn’t ever met before. He was merely doing his duty to look in on the interests of Lord Edwards. “We’ve been out and about shopping quite a bit these past few days, preparing her for a coming out ball, soon perhaps.”
“Coming out ball! She has grown so quickly!” He seemed to sit up with some surprise. “Seems like yesterday she was just a child… she must be very pleased to be in London to do shopping then, as most young ladies are at about her age. Edmund must be busy with his insect collection and Madalene is probably pushing Pickle about in her pram.”
Georgiana couldn’t help but laugh. He was such a good natured young man who growing up as a friend and neighbor, seemed to have taken a keen interest in the children of the Earl. Her like of him was growing by leaps and bounds. He was by no means the dandy she had expected to find after hearing how he had chosen to remain in London long after the end of the Season. Traces of a wholesome boy from the English countryside lingered about this man who had an endearing face of both innocence and maturity. One could not help but immediately like his character.
“Have you had the opportunity to have made the acquaintance of my sister yet?”
“Lady Juliana? Why yes, only briefly… and also Lord and Lady Barrington… though we were at church, so we didn’t really have a moment beyond introductions. I met so many new faces all at the same time…”
“Oh, yes, I see.” He seemed to flounder in what next to say.
“Your sister and family looked very well and in good health,” she added, helping the conversation along.
“Excellent!” he replied. “The Earl mentioned in his letter that you plan to stay in London for a week and then on to visit your sister in Yorkshire.”
“Yes, that is t
rue. She is looking forward to my visit. We’ve been apart since I was in France.”
“How are things there?” He inquired, sitting back on the sofa and sipping his tea, one leg crossed over and resting on his knee.
“Much the same as you have heard in the papers… political unrest everywhere. Travel is dangerous.”
“We are very glad you are safe here in England now, so long as our might and militia can hold off Napoleon’s forces, that is.”
“With God’s help, I believe we can,” she agreed.
The visit with the young Baron had gone well and he promised to return later in the week to call again, hoping to catch Lady Selina at home. The next morning they had an early start shopping. They meant to visit a seamstress on Bond Street, near Piccadilly, who had made dresses for Lady Selina before. Shops in that area were generally high end and offered the very best in services. The visit was not a mistake. There, they were both able to order five new gowns each and several ball gowns each, including Selina’s coming out ball gown. They would return for more fittings in a few days.
They were exhausted afterwards and the coach made its way slowly through the narrow streets back to Cavendish Square where Jenny had a delicious supper ready and waiting. They feasted on roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, cranberry sauce and buttered peas. Georgiana was so weary from the travel, shopping and fittings that she had only to lay her head on the pillow and she was asleep for a long afternoon nap.
She awoke to the sound of Molly sobbing. She poked her head out into the hall to see where the sounds were coming from. Molly was nowhere in sight. She looked toward the garden and there spied Molly with her head down on the table under the oak tree, spasms shaking her body with each tear. Georgiana decided to attempt to comfort her and immediately went to her side and sat down at the table.
“Oh, m’lady, I didna’ mean for ye to find me like this!” she sobbed again and wrung her hands in her crisp, white apron.
“What’s the matter, dear?”
“I just can’t take it anymore. I haven’t heard from Walter in so long… I jus’ don’t understand why he don’t write tuh me.”
“Oh Molly! You must be beside yourself with worry…”
“Yes, ma’am I ‘tis.”
“If it’s all right with you, I will write to the Earl at once and see what can be done. Surely there must be some explanation.”
“What if he’s…”
“He’s not Molly! And if he is, then… then we’ll have to cross that bridge if we come to it.”
“I won’t have any hope left in the world if anything has happened to ‘im. He’s all I’ve got my Lady. Me mum is dead an’ so is me fa’r. I ‘ave no siblings ye see. ‘e is all I ‘ave in this whole world, except an uncle I han’t laid eyes on in ye’rs.”
“Aye Molly, the good Lord knows. He knows your situation. He will make it all work out somehow.” She placed a hand on Molly’s shoulder. “The Earl will know what to do to get to the bottom of this.”
“Y’er so strong my Lady! I should not be crying after all ye have been through with y’er Lady Margaret.” Molly wiped her tears. “If you can manage to be strong, then I can too.”
“That’s the good and right way Molly! We all have our trials to bare. Chin up! Why don’t you tell Jenny I’ve asked you to take the evening off? You can have a nice cup of tea in your room and a nap… you’ve worked so hard to help us here in London. You must be exhausted. Lady Selina and I will be fine for a few hours. We’ll see you tomorrow morning bright and early. Go on now, take the evening off.”
“Are ye sure, my Lady?” Molly blew her nose on her handkerchief and wiped her tears on her sleeve.
“Yes, off with you now…” She must remember to write the Earl as soon as possible.
Lady Selina was a chatterbox that evening over their light dinner of clam chowder, a leafy green salad and biscuits with plum preserves and butter. She was delighted to report that the Baron had called during Georgiana’s nap. She had entertained him properly, with Simon’s presence in the hall and the door open to the sitting room. This greatly relieved Georgiana’s tension. Yes, she had offered tea, poured it, offered sugar and cream, offered scones and kept the conversation moving along nicely without any uncomfortable silences. She noticed Selina’s mood seemed much improved and made a note of that in her journal that evening after she’d spent time in reading the Bible and prayer.
The next morning they returned to Bond Street for fittings and stopped in at Hatchards to peruse the books for sale. They made several selections and Selina hurried them both along, eager to return home to receive any possible callers, particularly, in the event the Baron called, Georgiana suspected. Georgiana could have spent several hours at Hatchards had she not been weary from the fittings in the morning. That afternoon, there was indeed, not one call, but three upon the house in Cavendish Square.
The first was for Lady Georgiana, by Lady Caroline Sturbridge, upon receipt of a letter from Lord Edwards, who swept into the sitting room with a flourish and red hair tucked under a fashionable bonnet. Georgiana, remembering the Earl had spoken highly of this new caller, hoped to gain her immediate friendship and enlist her help in all endeavors toward the end of Selina’s ultimate benefit. She had already established the nature of her relationship with Lord Edwards. He had defined her as a first cousin, the daughter of his deceased mother’s sister.
“It’s very kind of you to call upon us here at Cavendish Square,” Georgiana said warmly as she motioned her guest to the comfortable small sofas. Simon had said Molly would bring tea up shortly, so she needn’t ring.
“Wonderful of you to receive me,” she said, shedding her pelisse and then spreading the skirt of her gown about her as she sat down on one of the sofas. “How is that cousin of mine? He must be glad to be tucked away in the countryside. London is dreadfully boring right now, though a few of my friends remain here year round.”
“Hopefully he is enjoying the seaside about now,” she answered, adding, “collecting seashells and spending time with the children.”
“Exactly as it should be!” Lady Caroline smiled to think of it. She removed her poufy cap bonnet with its floppy brim, tossing it beside the pelisse thrown over the back of the sofa. “I’m so terribly glad you aren’t wearing a lace cap and spectacles. Edwards said you were widowed, but you aren’t what I expected at all. How refreshingly young and beautiful you are!”
“Why thank you! I couldn’t bring myself to don a lace cap and don’t expect I ever will. Lord Edwards works terribly hard… nary a day passes that he isn’t shifting through endless stacks of letters and finding solutions for every problem that threatens to destroy our world. I am very glad he is enjoying a seaside holiday.”
“I have excellent news to share, but you’ll be among the first to know as I haven’t written Nathan yet. He will be happy for me I expect.” She removed her gloves, and held out her left hand to reveal a large diamond ring on her wedding finger.
“Have you become engaged?”
“Indeed I have! Sir Arthur Herbert and I shall be married during the month of April next.”
“How wonderful! Spring is a lovely time for a wedding. I offer my sincerest congratulations! I do believe the Earl will be very pleased to hear such happy news.”
Simon stepped in with the tea tray Molly had prepared. Georgiana poured and they settled into a comfortable conversation about the Earl’s parents, about Papa Duncan and France, about the decision to come to England and then, the progress of the Earl’s children. Georgiana was able to discover Caroline was not a former love of the Earl but that they had always been good friends and cousins, often accompanying each other to and from London events to avoid a collision course with the marriage mart the Ton was known for. Caroline chuckled when she shared that some mistakenly thought the Earl and she were ‘rather a couple.’ She shared that he had often saved her from many an unwanted bea
u.
“How does Lady Juliana take it?”
Lady Caroline was so taken with laughter she had to set her teacup down. “I can see the Earl has chosen exactly the right person as governess. You don’t miss a thing-- and I find that an absolutely admirable quality! She has been tremendously rude when the Earl isn’t looking in her direction. Terribly jealous!”
“Somehow that surprises me not! My guess is they are not as close as she would like them to be, though most of the staff has assumed otherwise. It seems he hasn’t set her straight on the matter.”
“Nay and only those closest to him know the better. I don’t think he has it figured out for himself,” Caroline said.
“Observation mode,” Georgiana noted.
“Indeed.” Caroline grinned mischievously. She appeared to be a few years older than Georgiana. She had a vivacious personality to match her red hair.
“Perhaps you can be of great assistance to me with regard to an endeavor for Lady Selina.”
“Of course,” Lady Caroline said as she sipped her tea. “Anything for our Selina! Where is she today? I was hoping to see her. How may I be of help?”
“She is preparing for one of our next callers, I suspect.” It was Lady Georgiana’s turn to grin.
“Might I, dare I ask..?”
“Lord Cole Barrington, the Baron of Rosewood Manor in Essex.”
“Ah! Splendid!”
“You know him. I am so thankful to hear that! He is a suitable match then?”
“An excellent match! He is perfect for Lady Selina! Is he interested in her?”
“It would appear so… mildly perhaps. I haven’t been able to measure the depth of his interest yet. I think he considered her little more than a child, having grown up near her estate of course. He seemed surprised to discover I am trying to make the arrangements for her coming out ball. She will be seventeen soon.” Georgiana poured more tea in their cups.
“Our Selina is growing up too fast! My mother would be so pleased. She is on an extended holiday of sorts, living in Scotland. She hasn’t seen the Earl’s children in a few years. She wasn’t well for a time and withdrew from everything to recover in the highlands.”
“I am sorry to hear that. I would be delighted to meet her and bring the children to visit when she is recovered and perhaps conditions warrant a convenient situation to do so.”
“So how exactly can I be of help?”
“Well, from talking to Selina, she is not a frivolous young lady. Her feelings run very deep and she has been very attentive in our Bible studies and during the service at church. I personally would like her coming out ball to be for a worthy cause and not simply an event that is an extravagant affair-- which will mean little to Selina. However, I’ve been in France for so long, I haven’t a clue of what charity to consider. I’m also not certain of a location or venue. Nor am I sure who should be included on the guest list. She confided in me that she has no interest in being presented at court, which I think will surprise Lord Edwards. She seems so happy and lighthearted each time Lord Barrington… Cole, is mentioned. I think the Earl will insist that she have a proper coming out ball, nonetheless, whether she is presented at court or not.”
“I see you have given this a great deal of thought! The Earl will be so pleased… I will be happy to pledge my full support. Might I recommend we do not hold a coming out ball at Almack’s? Since she isn’t keen on being presented at court, if she were to become engaged to say one… neighborly Baron… a smaller, elegant, country setting with exactly the right sort of guests… would be a huge success. The Earl might not see the need for a grand soiree in London simply to find an eligible husband for his daughter.”
“My thoughts concur! Perhaps a solid courtship might result in swaying Lord Edwards to forego a lavish affair here in London. Of course, I will need to consider more of Lady Selina’s wishes in this matter as this unfolds in the coming months. She could change her mind a few hundred times an hour. In any case, I somehow knew by the way the Earl described you that you would be exactly the one in whom I could confide and count upon to ensure the perfect occasion. The Earl has been so concerned for her well-being.” Georgiana breathed a sigh of relief.
“We simply have to come up with the right charity or cause to champion. I’ll need to give that some thought and prayer.” Lady Caroline’s facial expressions revealed that she was in deep thought.
Lady Georgiana sat back on the sofa facing her guest and new friend. She was deeply thankful that the good Lord had sent Lady Caroline Sturbridge along in her hour of need. “Aye, we will both pray and keep our ears and eyes open for the right charity or cause to champion. I think Lady Selina will find this to be more to her liking! But let us agree to keep it to ourselves for the time being… she will have a coming out ball, and she will certainly do it with more grace and style than the Earl could have ever have dreamt possible if the Lord will grant favor in this matter.”
Simon knocked on the door and entered the sitting room a little while later. He brought a silver tray to Georgiana’s side with cards for two callers who were yet present in the foyer downstairs: Lord Cole Barrington, Baron of Rosewood Manor and a Viscount, Lord Gerard Charles Maxwell.
“Thank you and yes, do send them in, Simon. Lady Caroline and I would be happy to receive them. And if you would be so kind as to send Lady Selina in after that, please. I would suggest we all retire to the garden and the terrace but the heat at this time of day is dreadful.” Lady Georgiana snapped open her fan and rose to ring the bell for more tea. Apparently, the gentlemen callers had arrived at about the same time. She hoped Jenny or Molly would send a plate of scones up with Simon.
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering… Colossians 3:12, Authorized King James Version
Chapter 13. Rewards of Patient Longsuffering
As Georgiana laid her head upon her pillow that night, she considered the many events of the day, indeed the entire week, to warrant cause for thanksgiving to God. She silently raised her prayers to Him. She believed circumstances had conspired to render yet another turning point toward the healing of Selina’s heart and soul.
For one, she had discovered the cause for the Baron to remain in London. He had revealed during the course of conversation with Lord Maxwell, a bachelor of about the same age of the Earl who resided year round in Mayfair, that he had been seeking investors to raise capital to breed the finest of horses at the stables of Rosewood Manor-- rather than to drain the accounts of “the Old Lady of Treadneedle Street.” Georgiana knew this to be in reference to the Bank of England. This seemed a worthy and satisfactory explanation and set her mind at further ease as to his character.
Secondly, the young Baron had paid considerable attention to Lady Selina. In fact, at one point he had offered his arm to her for a turn about the garden, despite the heat of the afternoon. He had risen, bowed and kissed her hand when Selina entered the room, following her to be seated beside her in the two chairs near the elegantly draped windows. He had in fact contributed little to the rest of the conversation in the room, sparing his words mainly for the Earl’s daughter, genuinely captivated with her for the duration of his visit. Upon leaving, he had asked permission from Lady Georgiana to call again before their departure to Yorkshire, which she had granted.
She had also discovered that Lord Maxwell had been friends with the Earl for a number of years. His news had been rather astonishing. He had received a letter from the Earl written from the seaside. Apparently, Lady Margaret was in fine health, the children were having a fabulous time and Ladies Georgiana and Selina were greatly missed. However, Lady Juliana had taken ill with an ailment, not of a serious nature. After two days, she had returned to Rosewood Manor with Lord and Lady Barrington, leaving the Earl and his party to holiday in peace.
“Yes,
those were his exact words as I recall,” he said in response to Lady Caroline’s question.
Lady Georgiana had raised an eyebrow to the news but chose not to comment. This was an interesting development indeed. She wrestled with whether or not she should pray for the health of Lady Juliana as she reflected on this news. I don’t wish any ill will upon Lady Juliana, Lord.
The next morning she rose early and took time to write a letter to Lady Margaret and one to the Earl. She implored his aid in the matter of Molly and Walter; offered a dutiful but brief update on the events of the week, conveying that his daughter and she were safe, well and appreciative of all he had done to ensure a productive journey upon them. Thankful they had no fittings to attend and no fashions or sketches to consult at the dressmaker; she accompanied Selina on a morning walk about Cavendish Square and admired the houses and townhomes. She wore a lightweight spencer over her muslin gown, glad for the shade of her parasol. It was decided they would walk a little further and spend the remainder of the morning at a nearby haberdasher to purchase trimmings of lace, braiding, ribbon and beads to refashion some of their hats and bonnets. They also selected fabric to make into shawls using their own sewing expertise.
That afternoon, Lady Caroline surprised them by calling upon the townhome on Cavendish Square with the intention of introducing Georgiana to a few of her dearest Mayfair friends. She expressed her desire to entice all ladies present into an excursion to Harding Howell & Company at number 89 Pall Mall, a visit which she promised would be like no other.
“It’s a very long building with four glorious departments! I believe we should all spend our time at the millinery and the perfumery.”
“They are both housed in one building?” Georgiana inquired as a group of ladies bubbling with conversation burst upon her in the upstairs sitting room. Simon had barely finished announcing them and looked completely amused. Georgiana was thinking of how diminished her perfume selection was and how beneficial such an excursion could be.
“Yes, we can shop for everything we want in one building! An astounding establishment… with fancy glazed partitions between the departments! Wait until you see it! You will enjoy the convenience of this new way of shopping. There are furs and fans when you first walk in the entrance. Then, a haberdashery with silk, muslin, lace and gloves… Next, jewelry… oh and French clocks… Then, the millinery, the perfumery and dress shop! Wait until you see!” Lady Caroline explained excitedly. “You won’t want to leave London!”
“That’s what I’m afraid of…” Georgiana said, breaking into a smile. “We do need to spend some time at the millinery and perfumery though.”
“Indeed we do!” Selina interjected. “We haven’t purchased a single hat yet.”
“Well, when I awoke this morning, it occurred to me that we cannot have your departure of London happen without having met my most trusted circle of friends. Lady Georgiana, allow me to introduce you to Lady Kathryn Frances. We call her Lady Kate. This is Lady Emily Belmore and this, is Miss Lydia Prescott. Selina is well acquainted with my dearest friends, and now you are too. We are always like this when we’re all together… spreading joy everywhere we go. My carriage is waiting out front. We’ve just enough room for everyone. Shall we ladies?”
“I’m very pleased to meet all of you. What a delightful day this will be! Let me get my bonnet and shawl...” Lady Georgiana wondered what the day would hold. Six ladies shopping and talking… all at once! This reminded her of youthful days gone by from finishing school in Paris. Lady Selina was already off to her bedroom to find a hat. “We’ll just be a moment.”
On the last day of their stay in London, Selina was happy to spend her afternoon in the company of the Baron. Georgiana felt she should give them a bit of privacy and found herself wandering about the Mayfair townhome. The last fitting had gone well and their dresses would be delivered to Essex in a few weeks, giving them ample time to be finished properly. The new hats in their hat boxes and trunks were mostly packed. The driver, Jeremiah, and Simon, were busy with a map spread out on the kitchen table downstairs, planning a route to the shire of York using the new highway that finally connected York to London.
As she wandered about the various bedrooms upstairs, saying good bye to the memorable week, she was keenly aware that she had been treated well by the servants in great part to her being a distant relation by her connection to Lady Margaret Colton. Lady Caroline had embraced her as a mutually trusted friend of the Earl. His letters had given her the finest of introductions into his world. No ordinary governess would have been treated as well as she had been. But then, seldom did ordinary things happen to her. Her life had always been unique. It was obvious to her that the servants and Nathaniel’s friends were following the express wishes of the Earl, for Lady Selina’s sake more than her own or any interest he may or may not have in her, and for the sake of heartfelt duty, perhaps.
She was thankful for every kindness she had been shown. There were still days when grief and loss threatened her mood but the many kindnesses of those around her in England had made things a great deal easier. The Earl’s kindness and grace to her desire to not accompany the party going to the seaside still rather astounded her, as did the unexpected news concerning Juliana’s mysterious departure to Rosewood Manor. She wondered if there was more to the story than what Lord Maxwell had divulged but this too would remain a mystery for the time being-- along with other things in life.
Ultimately she found herself reflecting upon these matters in the Earl’s suite, longingly sweeping a hand across the forest green, velvet bedspread and a fingertip along the cherry writing desk. She picked up the Bible on the round table beside the reading chair near the fireplace and inspected the pages as if to know this man better.
She had been treated with the highest regard, almost as if she were the mistress of the house. Eventually, she supposed the Earl would marry someone and she might never again be given such lavish treatment. She found she rather missed the company of Nathaniel as well. The world she was in seemed to be of the kind one only dreamed. He was handsome, strong, tall, stable, prosperous, kind, wise, sensible, protective, compassionate and intelligent. Could she be falling in love so quickly? Had she already forgotten her Benjamin?
“Ah, there you are my lady…” Simon found her sitting in the chair of the Earl’s bedroom. “We have a most disturbing situation. The Duchess of Arlington is waiting to see you in the first floor sitting room. She insists upon an interview with you… rather barged her way past me and sat down on the sofa. …Says she is not leaving until she speaks to the lady of the house.” Simon did not dare reveal that the Duchess of Arlington had also referred to the lady of the house as ‘that wretched former governess.’ None of it made any sense to him. He thought it best to leave that part out.
Rising, she placed the Bible back on the table beside the chair. “Truly? A Duchess? Downstairs? Demanding an interview with me?”
Simon nodded, “Yes m’lady. I’ve never seen her before though, nor heard of her.”
She crossed to the windows facing the front street and peered outside at the carriage and footmen in livery waiting outside below. “Hmmm. You’ve never heard of her before? Well then, it must not be someone we need to see immediately and I’m really not feeling up to what sounds like it will be hostile in nature. Tell the Duchess I am indisposed, taken ill… whatever you like. The Earl didn’t mention this person as someone I should receive. I think it best, given her demands-- that we don’t give in to such snobbery.”
“Yes ma’am,” Simon said, “I’ll do me very best, m’lady.”
A few minutes passed, the sitting room door slammed and the front door opened. A few moments later, Georgiana watched the well-dressed Duchess wearing a fashionable spencer, three layers of ruffles at the bottom of her dress and an ostentatious hat, climb into her carriage with assistance from a footman, looking rath
er ruffled herself. The carriage pulled away as Simon entered the room again.
“How did that fair?” she inquired.
“Very disturbing! She demanded to see you again, refused an interview with Lady Selina, began to barge her way toward the stairs and unfortunately, I had to stand in the way to block her.”
“What happened then?”
“I had to tell her you were taken ill,” Simon cleared his throat and coughed uncomfortably, “in the Earl’s bedroom, m’lady.”
“You’ve done well Simon! I simply cannot be an audience to someone with such ill manners.” Lady Georgiana tried to hide her amusement but burst into laughter. So did Simon. The incident was disturbing indeed… and there was little they could do about any of it.
“I’ll be in the garden Simon. I’m going to need some fresh air,” she said. “I have no idea how I’m going to explain this to the Earl.”
“You look like you could use some tea. Shall I bring a tray out?”
“That would be lovely. Thank you.”
There remained one thing Lady Georgiana was of a mind to accomplish before her departure from Cavendish Square and London. Lady Caroline had been instrumental in the matter and as this was there last evening in London, they must make haste. When Lord Barrington had taken his leave, after promising to write to Selina, they had an early dinner of baked salmon with a cream sauce, boiled potatoes, corn relish, yeast rolls and baked carrots with sliced onions. Jenny had also made a rice pudding for dessert.
After they had enjoyed the delicious meal, she insisted that Selina put on a shawl and bonnet and climb into the coach for a surprise journey to southeast London. The coach had to pass through Cheapside. The cobbled streets became narrower, louder and darker the further they progressed. A terrible stench nearly suffocated them at one point. Selina’s eyes grew wide with concern when she heard a man singing slurred words, obviously in his cups. As the coach rolled along, she looked out the window of the coach and took in the despicable sights and smells of the wrong side of town.
They clung to the seat when the coach took a few sharp turns and both ladies grew a little apprehensive when a stranger waved a cup at the windows asking for any shillings they could spare. The whip cracked, lurching forward and away from the man waving the tin cup. A little while later they witnessed a glimpse of a brawl at the door steps of an inn and further down a few more crowded streets, a pair of street urchins huddled against the brick wall of an alley wearing ragged clothing, worn shoes and sporting waif-like appearances and gaunt faces.
Georgiana watched Selina’s face change as they drove through congested areas until finally the coach pulled to a rest in front of St. Mary’s Orphanage & Workhouse, an imposing church building completely surrounded by tall brick walls and wrought iron gates at the entrance. Selina was surprised to see that they had been expected and the gates were opened by two keepers with lanterns. The gates were immediately closed and locked after the coach passed under a beige stone arch that matched the church walls and found themselves surrounded by more beige stone walls that surrounded the lot on which the building rested. There was a good stretch of lawn, a few trees and shrubs, a birdbath and slate gray stone steps leading to double doors.
The coach stopped beneath the port-cochere. A kind and humble bishop granted them entrance at a side door. “Welcome to St. Mary’s. We are very glad you could come and always thankful when someone takes an interest in our mission to provide aid to the poor and impoverished; those less fortunate than we are.”
Lady Selina nodded, speechless as the bishop held up a lantern and led the way down a dark corridor. Georgiana said, “Thank you for taking the time to show us this very important and great work you do, Bishop Hastings.”
“Right this way, ladies,” he said, wasting no time as he led them down the corridor. He answered all of Georgiana’s questions. Compared to other workhouses, he pointed out that this mission was exceptional in that it was kept very clean and tidy. “Most are not anywhere near as fortunate as we,” he explained.
He gave them a tour of the chapel first. Then he showed them the workhouse with spinning wheels and carding areas for children to work with wool and flax. They also toured the outdoor areas consisting of a large wood chopping area and a vegetable garden where they attempted to grow as much of their own food as possible. “Some of the fresh vegetables are sold at market,” he explained. “Much of what we grow is for our own needs in feeding the orphans housed here.”
All of these operations were maintained by the orphans and workhouse registrants. Then he took them to a large basket weaving room, and next, several of the sleeping halls upstairs lined with approximately twenty beds to a room. They must have walked past at least a hundred beds.
“Each child has one change of clothes and one pair of shoes,” he noted. Lady Selina had tears in her eyes as she listened intently and observed everything the bishop showed them.
They walked down another corridor and entered the dining room where the children were finally sitting down to eat a dinner of thin lentil and potato soup, a plate of greens with radishes and warm bread after a long day of work. Breakfast was usually gruel but once a week, bacon and griddle cakes. He said that the mid-day meal usually included an apple and more vegetables or bread and meat with a meal depended on the generosity of those who supported the mission.
He showed them the school room where they were permitted to attend school for two or three hours of educational instruction before a long day of hard labor, usually another six hours. He explained that it was very unusual for orphans to be able to attend school at all. Most workhouses do not offer such an opportunity. Yes, they were in need of more books, slates, pencils and paper. They were in need of more financial support and donations to keep their doors open and not have to turn anyone away. Someday, he hoped they would have enough community support to expand and open another location.
Selina and Georgiana thanked Bishop Hastings at the end of the tour. He escorted them back down the two long corridors and out the side door to the coach where Simon and Jeremiah waited patiently for them.
“Such dreadful conditions!” Selina exclaimed, wrapping her shawl tightly about her shoulders. It had become chilly under the cloak of evening.
As the ladies settled into the comfortable seats of the coach she replied: “Yes, it is… and that is actually considered among the best of all the orphanages London has to offer. Some are so filthy and horrid you wouldn’t be able to tour them. Some have sickness, disease and such terrible and bleak conditions… vermin… nothing like what you witnessed this evening. Most do not offer any type of education and the workload can be very taxing. Many people die in those situations.”
Selina’s mouth dropped open. “I had no idea… though I’ve heard of orphanages. Until one goes to see such a place, one can’t know how truly blessed we are. And… those two paupers we saw in the alley… I can’t help but wonder when they last time is they had a decent meal.”
She would have to remember to write Lady Caroline a note of thanks for arranging the tour of St. Mary’s Orphanage & Workhouse with Bishop Hastings. Lady Caroline Sturbridge was beginning to prove a reliable friend indeed.
I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. Psalm 18:1, Authorized King James Version