Wretched Beginnings 1817 – Chapter 1
A/N: I apologize for the delay. I've written 650,000 words this year…and I'm tired. LOL. I'm working on 1817 and had ideas for Wretched Beginnings through Midsummer 1818. I may just do 1818 as an epilogue.
January before Twelfth Night
"I would not leave you for any reason other than deep concern for Mary's state. Gwen and Beth report she seems unwell lately, too thin in her person. They believe she is overset with mourning over Mr. Collins. I believe she has been beset by worry over the Morrows. Mary did not realize Georgiana would report her appearance to the Matlocks or to Darcy and Elizabeth." Anne insisted. "I will take the children, and hope you will follow within a fortnight."
"I am concerned for our removal to Bath," Richard opined. "Such a relocation will be severe for supplying adequate feed for the horses, and food for us in Bath. We must ensure the men, our tenants and the community are provided for while we are gone."
"We will pray for sunshine after a year of no summer. We will pray for the end of winter."
"Amen," Richard muttered.
"We will need a butler with sommelier knowledge and experience coordinating staff for large house parties. We need an experienced housekeeper, two house maids and two laundry maids. We will have my lady's maid and your valet. We will take the nursery maids. We will need a cook, kitchen maid and scullery maid. We need two footmen who can also act as valets if guests require help. As for the cook, she needs to cooperate with the chef we hire. The chef must know French, Spanish and Italian cuisines."
Richard interrupted Anne's tease. "I received a letter from Darcy. Considering the amount of supplies we are taking to Bath, and the number of carriages and outriders…the men will travel at the same time as the ladies. Bingley assured us there is room at the Stafford House for all of us." Richard wrote lists of servants to take, household furnishings to take, carriages to arrange, etc. His valet and her lady's maid would ensure proper supplies were carried with them.
"I will hope for no rain or snow while we travel, and will pray for dry roads. If the coachman recommends waiting at an inn for a day or two, we will humor him. No coachman with experience and sense will endanger animals and a carriage on ill roads." Richard assured Anne.
January 7
"Be well," Mary said goodbye to Gwen and baby Daniel, and to Beth and the twins. She enjoyed meeting their families who came forward to take her friends to a new life. She insisted her two new friends take the heavy flannel petticoats, nightrails and wrappers which she had been using. Mary had time and materials to make more. The ladies needed to stay warm during their travel and in their new situation. The Fitzwilliams sent a basket of food for each to take on their journey. Mary added acorn flour biscuits and a crock of spiced honey to their baskets.
Maryanne gathered bed linens and the washing from Rosings Place to take to the laundry outbuilding at Rosings Park. Mary helped Clara clean the rooms, and cover things in Holland cloths. She shut the doors to the rooms…hoping the Fitzwilliams might have more friends to live at Rosings Place with her.
~X~
In the middle of the night, Mary woke with an idea. Once she rose, Mary searched her possessions for her mother's letters. She read all of them, setting aside ones with family history. She did not heed her mother's advice about servants, clothing, the marriage bed, or decorating when she received the letter. She would find a use for them now. She wrapped her mother's discarded letters around twigs, and tied with old ribbons or pieces of string. She repeated the process with all letters from her sisters, except for the ones she received last year. She read Mr. Collins' saved letters, keeping the ones from the solicitor in London about his grandfather's legacy, his father's legacy and Uncle Martin's legacy. She kept Mr. Collins's ledgers from 1813 to now. She tore the old ledgers apart, creating fire starters. She kept her ledgers from 1813 to now, repeating the process. When finished, she had a clothing basket full of fire starters for the kitchen stove. Mrs. Walker appreciated her efforts. In exchange, she taught Mary how to light the stove, and how to keep the fires burning evenly to bake and cook.
~X~
Mr. Knowles brought a basket of food to Rosings Place. He told Mary he took Beatrice and Emilia to breed after the first of the year. He could not guarantee large farrows, but both were bred. He assured Mary there was enough turnips to feed Beatrice and Emilia until Midsummer. They would need to find other food for the animals by then.
January 10
Mary had always been a hard worker, but the current weather kept her indoors. She tried to keep a cheerful countenance when she was with George; but she cried or fretted at night. The house seemed quiet since Gwen and Beth left Monday for their new situations. Since she no longer played the pianoforte at church, she really had not practiced since Gwen and Beth departed. Perhaps today she would practice scales for at least an hour so she could warm up her fingers, and awaken her memory.
Perhaps today she would go to the kitchen and help make broth. Perchance she would help bake Virginia biscuits to go with their bean soup. She needed the warmness of the kitchen to chase away her chills. She had always regretted not being a boy…until she gave birth to George. Papa insisted his daughters be educated. Mary had taken her education a step further with her apothecary and Latin studies. Since she had all the time in the world, and was only accountable to herself and George, she felt adrift and rudderless for the first time in her life.
Mary had not lived for the day when she and William would return to Longbourn. She enjoyed Papa's letters which told her about improvements to Longbourn. Before Mary married William; her father had not invested in the long-term maintenance of Longbourn. Once Mary and William married; Mr. Bennet exhibited an interest in making improvements and expanding the holdings of Longbourn. He was more committed now because young Thomas would inherit.
William's death caused a rupture in Mary's normally serene mind and attitudes. She realized she was not enough for him. He pinned his happiness on becoming the master of Longbourn. She would not raise George to feel slighted because he would never own Longbourn. Thomas was now the heir and George was the spare. An act of God deemed the single succession of Longbourn. Mary's mind eased because despite being a young widow; she was not penniless. She would not be dependent on the charity of her family. She moved from the authority of her father to the authority of her husband. Now, as a widowed woman, Mary would choose her own future. She was determined to raise George as an educated gentleman who would provide for himself and his widowed mother by engaging in a profession.
~X~
Mary sat with George in the drawing room of Rosings Place. George recognized the letters of his name. He spelled Mama and pointed at Mary. George wanted to be in the schoolroom with the twins. Beth allowed him, as long as he did not interrupt the twins' education. Beth taught George his letters and how to count to ten. George enjoyed when his mother read to him. He liked looking at books, especially the ones sent by his Aunt Catherine and Uncle John. Mary took him to the small table in the corner of the drawing room for dinner. They ate bean soup, Virginia biscuit with honey, and George drank his milk while his mama drank tea. He enjoyed an acorn flour biscuit. Clara took him to the bathing room for a bath and put him to bed. Mary listened to his prayers and read him a story. She kissed her son goodnight, promising a walk to see the animals the next time the day was not rainy, snowy or dismal grey.
January 12
Mary walked to the Recovery House for morning services. She appreciated the cluster of widows who occupied benches near the fire and pianoforte. The men were respectful of the ladies, and the church services. Curate Crowdion spoke to all the widows, welcoming them to the Recovery House. He insisted the ladies all partake of hot broth before they returned to their homes. Most walked to the Recovery House, grateful for the services. Curate Crowdion thanked Mary for her tithe which Mr. Fitzwilliam passed to him. He did not question Mary's amount nor giving the funds to the Recovery House. He was grateful for funds to purchase more candles for the Recovery House, and for Mary's church music which she had shared.
Mary did not say anything to the Walkers, but they remained at Rosings Place while Mary attending morning service at the Recovery House. Nancy attended morning service at the rectory with her family, and had Sunday off. The Walkers attended Evensong at the rectory. Rosings Place was never empty. The Fitzwilliams' guards walked around Rosings Park, especially the outbuildings, since the thieves had been caught. All staff and tenants knew to watch for new faces around Rosings Park.
Vicar Morrow noticed the decrease in widows attending services at the rectory. Mary did not encourage the widows…they encouraged one another to attend services at the Recovery House. The widows opined if they were to tithe of their time to the service of God, they would do so at the Recovery House. Many of them walked daily to the Recovery Home to sit near the fire in the ballroom…sewing for the Recovery House…grateful for the warm fires and hot broth. Several read aloud, or helped Curate Crowdion teach the men to read and write. Those who could, helped in kitchens or cleaned main rooms, or helped men walk the halls. The work they could do freed healthy men to forage, scavenge for fallen limbs of trees for firewood, or care for animals. None of the widows would clean or cook at the parsonage.
Saturday, January 18
Widows read newspapers to the men of the Recovery Home. As today was the Queen's birthday, Curate Crowdion led the men in prayers for the continued health of the monarchy and for better weather in 1817. The Fitzwilliams met with the rectory council, the deacons board, and Curate Crowdion to remind them the Fitzwilliams and Mrs. Collins would travel to Bath and would not return until Lady Day. Everyone knew Mr. Knowles would be the principal guiding source for Rosings Park while the Fitzwilliams were absent. Mr. Knowles would ask for the Earl of Matlock's help if needed.
"Mrs. Collins," Victor Morrow's voice called down the hall of the Recovery House.
"I told you, Mrs. Collins is in the stillroom," Dr. Long did not sound impatient with the vicar, but Mary felt he considered the man a vexation.
"Here you are!" Vicar Morrow sounded like a governess scolding an errant child. "I have been to Rosing Place looking for you. Mr. Walker explained you were here."
"I am boiling willow bark to make medicinal droughts." Mary kept an even voice, carefully watching her willow bark boil. Vicar Morrow moved out of the way for men with buckets to fill the water barrels in the cellar halls.
"I came to ask if Mrs. Morrow and I could borrow your carriage. We are going into Hunsford and Westerham to obtain supplies." Vicar Morrow's sharp eyes observed the orderly and well stocked stillroom of the Recovery House.
"I apologize, but borrowing my carriage is not possible," Mary continued to work, noting Vicar Morrow's ire because she did not stop to speak with him. "Mr. Walker took my carriage to the livery at Westerham this morning. Clara followed him in the one-horse gig to bring him back."
"I hoped…" Vicar Morrow's voice stressed the words. "I hoped you would tithe of your carriage for the parsonage to use, since you did not tithe to the rectory at quarter day!"
"Rector Fitzwilliam will confirm I tithed from Mr. Collins' wages, my percents, George's percents, my work, and my profits from selling my sow babies. My tithe went to support the good works done by the Recovery House. My time and funds support the Recovery Home."
"George…your son?" Vicar Morrow questioned.
"Yes…George's percents. He has a legacy from his father, which Mr. Collins inherited from his Grandfather Collins. I save George's percents, adding to his legacy so he has a larger living when he attends school and university."
"Might I ask why you sent your carriage to the livery?" Vicar Morrow asked. "For if the livery is not providing essential upkeep, perhaps we could borrow your carriage."
"Upkeep…I plan to take my carriage when I travel to Bath with Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam at the end of the month. Mr. Walker will take the gig to the livery when he collects my carriage. The gig will be inspected and repaired if necessary before I leave for Bath. I am leaving the one-horse gig for the Walkers to use while I am away."
Vicar Morrow's discomposure was evident.
"The Darcys invited the Fitzwilliams, the Bingleys and me to go to Bath. My sister, Mrs. Bingley, is sister-by-marriage to Mrs. Hurst. We will stay at the Stafford House while we are in Bath." Mary removed the kettle from the fire. She carried the kettle to the work table and covered it with cheesecloth. "The willow bark will cool overnight before straining for use." The bucket warming on the hearth was poured into another kettle filled with willow bark and hung over the fire. Mary drew another bucket of water from the hall barrels and set it on the hearth. "Did you need anything else?" Mary finally stopped and turned to Vicar Morrow.
"I had hoped to encourage you to tithe of your time to the rectory and the parsonage." Vicar Morrow stated.
"As the daughter of a gentleman…I did not learn to scrub down and polish up. I cannot bear to work at the parsonage because my memories might overwhelm my sensibilities. I must stay busy. I feel the best use of my time is working in the conservatory and stillroom for the Recovery House."
"Mrs. Collins…Vicar Morrow," Dr. Long paused at the door of the stillroom. "Mr. Knowles let me know the water boiled at the firepit in the barn. The men added the bag of feverfew, and covered the washtub after removing it from the fire. When the water is cool in the morning, they will strain the feverfew and bring you two casks of feverfew tissane to be decanted for use. Perhaps tomorrow, the men could boil water over the firepit, and make…?"
"Have the men check for sap," Mary advised Dr. Long. "They can boil the sap down into syrup for sweetening morning rice. Also, the dried inner birch bark – not the white willow – can be ground into a flour which tastes and cooks like buckwheat. The trees were stripped of bark when harvested for wood. The bark is dry enough the inner bark can be harvested. I will be here tomorrow to help if they need me. However, I plan to prepare blue hyssop cough draught tomorrow with some of the willow bark drought I prepare today. I want the Recovery House to have enough medicines while I am gone to Bath."
"Thank you, Mrs. Collins. Vicar Morrow, may I show you out…if you are done speaking with Mrs. Collins, of course."
"Do not let me or my tasks keep you men." Mary ignored both of them and returned to her tasks. 'The ignominy of that man…thinking I would scrub the parsonage when they dismissed my hardworking servants. They seemed to think their two servants could complete the tasks of my servants. I hope he feels the folly of hiring Curate Dyson to replace Sexton and Mrs. Tucker. I doubt Curate Dyson is as adept at making beeswax polish as Mrs. Tucker. The parsimonious man would not pay the coin for the proper upkeep of the parsonage and rectory!'
January 25
After an early breakfast, Mr. Walker loaded Mary's clothing trunk, George's trunk, and a trunk carrying essentials to keep Mary occupied in Bath on the Fitzwilliams' wagon. Mary left the keys to the storage rooms with Mrs. Walker. Last minute instructions included caring for the conservatory, and admonishments to stay warm and dry. The trip to London took longer than usual due to the poor roads.
The de Bourgh House was prepared to receive guests with hot water and warm rooms. In the drawing room, the Shepherds delivered trays bearing the tea service, and two kinds of biscuits. Richard and Anne kept the Matlocks and the de Bourgh House in smoked and fresh meats. The Matlocks keep Richard and Anne and the de Bourgh House supplied with goods available in London. The occupants of Matlock House were invited to tea and dinner. The Darcys with sons and the Bingleys with sons arrived before dusk from Pembriar. The sisters hugged and shared news with one another. The cousins were greeted and taken to the nursery. The men discussed the travel to Bath. Twelve men would act as coachmen, guards, footmen, valets and men-of-all-things. Three ladies maids and Anne's seamstress would accompany them to Bath. Three nursery maids would accompany the boys.
Dinner was almost celebratory, everyone was pleased to see one another. Mrs. Shepherd served an excellent dinner to the Fitzwilliams and their guests. Dried pease soup, made with good sherry, conservatory scallions and dried herbs began the meal with Virginia biscuits and goat butter. Fresh pork chops with Sherry Mustard Sauce, smoked ham and smoked turkey were served with Virginia rice and gravy, savory rice croquettes, cooked spinach with bacon bits, and a garden salad of conservatory grown greens with wine vinaigrette. Sweets were roly poly made from eggless sponge cake and a dried apples and raisins compote served with whipped, seasoned goat cream.
The ladies retired to the drawing room, discussing which songs they would exhibit on the pianoforte. Fitzwilliam told the men about his thieves. Reggie explained people who served their transportation time in Van Dieman's Land were not applying to ships to bring them back to British shores, as they were determined to settle free land near them rather than be subjected to illness at ports, and lack of food and livings in the U.K. Many worked for shipbuilders who considered exploration of the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Darcy explained the rising food prices and growing unemployment in both the iron and manufacturing industries fostered an air of discontent among the workers and the poor.
January 28
Mary was still a little thin after Mr. Collins' death, but knew walks around Bath and taking the waters would increase her health and vitality. However, Mary would always equate Bath with Lydia and flirtations, fascinations and fashion. She traveled with Lizzy, Jane with Arthur, and Anne with Mary Elizabeth. Five small boys and three nursery maids traveled in Mary's coach. Darcy, Bingley and Richard were in a third coach. A fourth coach held personal maids and valets. They were followed by three wagons of supplies to feed the people and animals descending on Bath.
Louisa Hurst offered Stafford House for their stay in Bath, to which Bingley and Jane agreed. Lady Matlock recommended the best coaching inn for their comfort while traveling to Bath. She recommended they reserve the two largest sitting rooms so the ladies could enjoy a restorative tea or meals, and the servants could enjoy tea or meals as they took their leisure.
~X~
A crowd of almost twenty thousand people gathered outside of Westminster Hall in London for the opening of Parliament. Some supported the presentations of petitions which favored parliamentary reform. Some gathered to view the attendees for the ceremonies. Others planned to vent their anger and frustration with the government's failure to alleviate the growing distress throughout Britain.
Merchants, whose desired profit, purchased grains at expensive prices and hoarded their purchases, believing they would sell for more as shortages worsened Their actions inflamed the public and the poor who demanded Parliament set grain prices.
When the Prince Regent left Parliament after delivering his opening address…the mood of the crowd turned dark. The Prince Regent's carriage was pelted by large stones during the return to St. James Palace. At least one window of his carriage had been broken.
Reggie sighed. "Obviously, having served thirty-six entrées at a lavish dinner party…Prinny learned nothing from Marie Antoinette's comment let them eat cake." He related the mood of the crowd, and the growing fury at Parliament and at the Prince Regent. He was grateful Richard and Anne left London early this morning with their party. Constance felt they should arrive in Bath by the end of the month. A full moon was expected…but they had not seen the stars or moon in over a year. Reggie read the report of the HMS Jasper which encountered hurricane force winds near Plymouth Sound. Sixty-five lives were lost. He tried not to be as dismal as the weather.
February 1 – Stafford House, Bath
The Stafford House was a pale grey stone, four story, Palladian style home which boasted a classic colonnade prospect. The garden was bedded for the winter, but the gray-green slates marking the walking perimeter were cleared for use. A gazebo with surrounding pavilion occupied the middle of the garden. Espaliered trees on white rock wall before mews had not produced this past year.
One of the footmen handed Mrs. Fitzwilliam out of the coach and escorted her to the door of the Stafford House. Mrs. Fitzwilliam, owner of the fine carriage, was attired in dark blue travelling clothes. Her redingote was trimmed with light blue braid and complemented a matching bonnet which failed to contain an abundance of wayward blonde curls. A second footman offered a hand to Mrs. Collins. Obviously, Mrs. Collins was unwell and visited Bath to reclaim her health.
Lizzy and Jane worried when they saw Mary remove her grey wool redingote. Mary wore a black stuff gown. Her grey bonnet had grey ribbons with a fine black gauze veil. She wore plain grey kid leather walking boots, gloves and reticule. Her mourning clothes made her appear thin and wan. Although she was never a great beauty like Jane, she had been handsome with a fine complexion and intelligent hazel eyes. She shivered a little which was noticed by her companions.
"Come," Louisa took Mary's arm. "Let us order a tea tray, for I am sure your companions are also chilled and fatigued." She gave orders for a warm shawl to be fetched for each of the ladies.
The butler was thankful the house had a subscription with the best surgeon in Bath. While Mrs. Collins might be a temporary guest until Lady Day; Bradford hoped she would return to health as soon as possible. He wondered which of the boys bursting out of the second carriage belonged to the widow.
Mrs. Hurst arranged the rooms with her butler. The children would be housed in Sophia's room. The Fitzwilliams, Darcys, Bingleys and Mrs. Collins would occupy the other four bedroom suites. Male servants who did not occupy rooms were assigned to box beds in the hall of the servants floor. Mrs. Fitzwilliams' maid and seamstress shared a room. Mrs. Bingley's maid and Mrs. Darcy's maid shared a room. Nursery maids not assigned to night duty with the children shared a room. The boys would share beds. The babies would have cribs. Mrs. Hurst's staff worked with Mr. Roberts' staff to rearrange the rooms for guests.
~X~
"My lady asked me to act as your maid while we are in Bath," Aveline admitted. "She wants assurance you are cared for and are resting."
"I need a fire roused every morning at six. I need a basin of hot water at seven, followed by a pot of green tea with honey. I work on my accounts, correspondence, etc. each morning between seven and ten. Until I talk to my sisters, I do not know our daily schedule. I want a basin of hot water before bed. I need the fire banked for the night before bed. I also need a good candle so I can read in bed if I like." Mary sank down into a chair, exhausted from travel. "Please do not let caring for me take time away from caring for Mrs. Anne."
~X~
"I saw Mrs. Mary's things while unpacking. Her flannel nightrails and wrappers need replaced. They are so thin, she wears three petticoats with them to stay warm. I would guess she made them a winter ago, and wore them in the cool of this year and winter. Mrs. Mary brought a trunk of materials, laces, ribbons, buttons. There is heavy cream flannel we can use to sew new flannel nightrails, wrappers, and petticoats. I ordered a blue linen bathing shift for her. When I send her things to the laundry, I will replace tatty things with the pretty new things. Clarisse is looking for a pair of woolen house slippers. Her woolen house slippers are close to needing replacement." Aveline informed Anne. "Clara said Mrs. Mary sent her best things away with Mrs. Hemmings and Mrs. Wheaton when they departed after Twelfth night. She has not had time to replace her items."
"I think I will take Mary with me when I search for a place like Timsdale's Treasures. A pretty new vase or candle sticks will improve her outlook." Anne commented.
"Beg pardon, Mrs. Anne. She needs a small silver tray with a pretty cordial glass. She brought medicinal sherry with her. I feel if she drank her sherry from a pretty cordial glass, rather than from an old china cup, she might feel better." Aveline insisted. "Mrs. Mary's room needs to be rearranged. The armoire, dressing table, wash stand, the dressing mirror and the commode are scattered on available walls. They should be located on one wall and behind a dressing screen or two. The room has lovely paint and décor, but there is no organization to the room. She pulled the dressing mirror near the fire to reflect light into the room. A second dressing mirror would not go awry."
"Reorganize her quarters, ensuring she has a chaise or chair near the fire to rest. I will ask Louisa if there is an extra dressing screen for the room." Anne was not surprised Mary would not complain about her room. "We must be about our tasks then. Louisa and Sophia ordered ginger ices and a ginger sponge cake for Mary's birthday.
"The apothecary recommended a sleeping draught for Mrs. Mary. She refused of course, relying on her medicinal sherry. He also recommended she eat heartier meals. He said she is too thin in her person."
~X~
"Mam," the nursery maid opened the door to Mary's tap.
"I brought a drink for the boys. I always make hot milk with honey, vanilla, and cinnamon the first night George sleeps in a new or strange bed." She handed the tray to the nursery maid, taking a cup to George.
"Mama," George hugged his mama.
"Are you having a good time with your cousins?"
George nodded gravely.
Mary hugged him back. "Did you say your prayers?"
George nodded.
"Drink up then, and settle down. Do you want me to read to you?"
"Missy is reading a book about knights and swords." George drank his hot milk.
"Very well then," she kissed him goodnight. At the door she looked back at the boys listening to Missy, the Fitzwilliams' nursery maid, read. 'I did not realize how lonely I was until Gwen and Beth left. We are in Bath, and I will get better, my little love.'
Lizzy gave Mary a silver candlestick with a set of lavender scented candles. Jane gave Mary a silver perfume flask. Anne gave Mary a small silver tray to hold her bottle of sherry, and a lovely cordial glass. Fitzwilliam gave Mary a miniature of George in a silver frame. Georgiana arranged for a miniaturist in London to use her drawing of George to paint a miniature for Mary. She burst into tears and hugged everyone, thanking them for making today special for her.
February 2 after church
"Do not leave anything on Mrs. Whitford's grave." Louisa whispered to Jane as the Bennet sisters prepared to leave after visiting the Whitfords' graves. "Men from the Westgate Building will roam through the cemetery, collecting wreaths and posies to sell on the street corner to anyone willing to pay the coin."
"If a man is in so much wont, he needs to rob graves of posies," Jane whispered back. "I shall not stop them."
"I do not believe they rob for heat or food or medicine," Louisa looked askance at Jane. "I believe they rob for a coin to buy strong drink."
"If they need coin to visit a warm pub for strong drink, then I cannot find fault." Jane brought all the small coin she had with her to church, and gave to the beggars outside the church doors until she had no coins remaining.
"Let us go to the Stafford House then, for restorative broth and a cold collation for midday." Louisa noted the small dried lavender nosegay Jane left for Lydia. She and Jane stopped at Caroline's grave on their way to the carriages. Today they would go to the Roberts Farms to celebrate the twins' birthday. Louisa sewed heavy clothes for the boys. Bingley purchased a pair of dairy goats from an auction in Bath for the boys.
First Week of February – Bath
Bath was full of society waiting for the Season to begin in London. Many hoped connections made during pre-season in Bath would give them a society foothold for the Season in London. Anne laughed about callers who desired their acquaintance as Fitzwilliam was the son of the Earl and Countess of Matlock. The papers reported everyone who signed the book at the Pump Room. Plays, concerts, card parties and a few balls were listed in the social pages also. The cold weather affected the activities offered. Society left their calling cards they read the Fitzwilliams and Darcys had come to Bath and were staying with Mrs. Hurst at the Stafford House. Anne laughed over the large silver salver of calling cards. Richard requested two days of peace…and a large decanter of brandy when he and Mrs. Fitzwilliam viewed the cards.
The Stafford House guests, with Louisa and Sophia, were invited to card parties held by people of the first and second circles of Bath who knew the Fitzwilliam and Darcy families. Jane extended an open invitation for Louisa and Sophia to join their forays to the Circulating Library, the Pump Room, Sydney Garden, Mulholland's and various shops at Milsom Street. Louisa and Sophia were included when they attended concerts and theatre.
Stafford House was decorated with a more refined taste than Netherfield the first fall the Bennet sisters met the Bingley sisters. Jane openly admired the décor. The children and nursery maids occupied Sophia's old room. The Fitzwilliams, Darcys, Bingleys and Mrs. Collins were happily situated in lovely rooms. The mothers appreciated having their children on the same floor so they could say goodnight, or check on the children as they desired. The room had been arranged with large beds to hold boys and nursery maids, and cribs for Arthur and Mary Elizabeth.
~X~
Louisa enjoyed her freedom more than anyone knew. She liked the location and prospect of the Stanford House. She owned the well-decorated house. Aunt Stafford's legacy was managed by Roberts' solicitor. Charles established Louisa's account, but Louisa managed her own funds, to the surprise of Roberts' solicitor. She lived well, but never beyond her means. She could live off her percents quite easily. Truth be told, Louisa did not want a hired companion; she wanted a friend. There were too many Elizabeth Elliots in Bath. She liked Sophia, and appreciated how Jane and her sisters welcomed Sophia.
Sophia and Louisa were pleased to provide music for the guests at the Stafford House. However, all the ladies shared the pianoforte with one another, either playing or singing or both. The group played cards every evening. Everyone, but the Bingleys, were quite surprised by the change in Louisa's essentials.
~X~
"I have been to the Baths a few times, and enjoy soaking in the warm waters." Louisa admitted. "You need a blue linen shift to wear when you sit in the baths. I take two maids with me when I go. One to watch my clothes, and one to read to me while I soak. You need coins for beggars, and coins for the vendors. I purchased one of each kind of soap from a vendor. I gave them to the stillroom maid at Roberts Farms so she can recreate them. The Roberts Farms and Estates had a market stall on Friday afternoons before this year. I think they will have the market stall again once the weather improves."
February 9
After church in the rural setting outside Bath, Louisa and Sophia gathered their friends to partake of midday at the Roberts Farms. Louisa explained Roberts had not married again after Caroline's death. He and his steward worked hard at keeping the Roberts Farms intact while his sister-by-marriage cared for their mother and helped with Roberts' twin sons. Roberts' brother was busy with staff and tenants from Roberts Estate.
Bingley and Jane greeted their nephews, Arthur and Ambrose. "You must bring them to the Stafford House. We would like Charlie to know his cousins. Baby Arthur is too young to appreciate cousins, but we will hope for future family gatherings for all of them."
Roberts gave them a tour of the large greenhouse which he built at the main farm two years ago. Currently only cool weather garden stuff grew in the greenhouse. Following Mary's suggestions, shared by Jane and Bingley, dressing mirrors were used advantageously in the greenhouse and the manor house at Roberts Farms. Roberts thanked everyone for sharing their hints and tips for surviving the year without a summer. He shared the hints and tips with his brother and with his tenants.
Second Week of February – Bath
Mary enjoyed the walk from the Stafford House to the baths. Anne insisted they take a hackney cab back to the Stafford House when they were done. The steaming water of the baths was as wonderful as a steaming hot bath in Mary's bathing room. She imagined if the sun shone, the interior of the baths would be less dim. The grey skies seemed to dampen everyone's demeanor at the baths today. She and Anne, under Aveline's watchful eye, held their breath and dived under the hot water. The air was warm from the steam of the baths. Mary purchased lilac and mint soap and ginger and orange soap from a vendor. Aveline urged her to purchase lilac candles from another vendor in the building. Mary would recreate those soaps and candles when she had materials in her stillroom.
~X~
"How do I stay busy?" Mary was not understanding Louisa's question. "Reading, writing letters, sewing, my ledgers, and good conversation with my sisters and friend. We stroll parks and gardens although there is not much foliage to see. We promenade at the Pump Room and visit the Circulating Library to purchase tickets for lectures, art exhibits, concerts, etc. Lizzy purchased assembly tickets for March. I will not attend, but they are interested."
"We visit the baths at least once a week," Louisa admitted. "We only visit Mulholland's when we shop on Saturday. We attend museums, lectures and concerts once or twice a week. If we cannot walk because of the weather, we take chairs or a carriage from Mr. Roberts' livery."
Mary related she had guests over some of the winter. She felt she spent her winter industriously. "I have read as much as I can from my home library and look forward to borrowing books from the Recovery House and Rosings House," Mary stated. She explained her Papa loaned the Gardiner children books from his library and helped with their studies.
Louisa and Sophia agreed. Men might hunt, play cards and ride…but women stayed home, especially in the cold. There was much to occupy their time…family, correspondence, books, pianoforte, cards, knitting and sewing. "The children at the orphanage always require new clothes and warm blankets." Louisa opined.
Louisa nattered about a parcel of fine lace she was expecting from London. Anne caught Mary's eye and they both smothered a laugh. Goodness, the parcel could have been shipped from Brussels and taken so much less time to arrive than Louisa's drawn out story.
"Everyone has a right to be dull and boring on occasion, but I believe Louisa embraces the attributes more generously than most." Anne whispered to Mary while they drank tea.
"Anne!" Mary's shocked voice caused Anne to laugh.
"Oh piffle." Anne snorted. "You do not bore everyone to death over the variety of soaps and candles available when we attend the baths. You do not bore everyone to death over working in the conservatory or stillroom. Talking about fashions and shopping for warm gowns and mob caps, or smart shawls bores me."
~X~
After church in the rural setting outside Bath, Louisa and Sophia gathered their friends to partake of midday at the Roberts Farms. Roberts explained he and his brother purchased as many animals as possible from livestock auctions in Bath. They were slaughtering animals weekly to feed tenants and staff at both Roberts Estate and Roberts Farms in addition to providing meat for everyone at the Stafford House and at the orphanage. Merchants in Bath notified him of when they had supplies, in exchange for fresh or smoked meat. Garden stuff was rare, along with orchard fruits. However, Roberts purchased as much flour, sugar, salt, rice, dried beans, dried pease and spirits and wine as possible. He purchased as much seed for growing winter oats as possible, planting at every piece of land owned by himself or tenants. He had kitchen and herb garden seeds, opining he prayed for sunshine and warmth along with everyone else.
February 14
Parliament passed a measure in less than two weeks effectively suspending habeas corpus, a gagging act which allowed magistrates to silence any speech or publication they deemed seditious or inflammatory, and a Seditious Meetings Act which required any assembly of fifty people or more to obtain prior permission from the government. Reggie and Robert debated the topics fiercely as they drank their portion of brandy or smoked their portion of tobacco.
Three days later
"Am I a burden to you?" Mary asked her particular friend, Anne.
"Never…why would you ask?" Anne's astonishment was warmer than the fire which warmed the room.
"Mr. Fitzwilliam befriends several men of low character," Mary commented. "I worry about locking my bedroom door. I have already been compromised into a marriage. Louisa and I discussed this. We both know what it is like to be married to someone who values money and property more than us. We are determined…neither she nor I will be compromised into marriage. We have enough funds to live an independent life, and we shall."
"While I would never have compared Mr. Collins to Mr. Hurst…I understand how some people prefer property and money over the person they married." Anne's words struggled to come out.
"Your mother…" Mary contritely commented.
"My mother, my sister by marriage Augusta, Caroline Bingley, George Wickham…" Anne named names.
"My sister Lydia," Mary offered another example. "Charlotte's sister by marriage, Grace."
"Tis the way of human nature…otherwise there would not be a commandment against coveting." Anne advised.
"I am simply appalled by the way some of these married people act. I know Bingley, Darcy and Fitzwilliam are all besotted with Jane, Lizzy and you. I simply do not believe I am so pretty or interesting a married man would offer me a sum of money for an afternoon of carnal pleasure…let alone the men who offer me protection to become their mistress during the Season."
Third Week in Bath
Louisa and Sophia were surprised when the Fitzwilliams and the Darcys refused the invitation to a private ball at the home of Viscountess Dalrymple and the Honorable Miss Carteret. The Viscountess only held one ball each time she visited Bath. The Honorable Miss Carteret sought a husband from the first set before she was a shelf sitter. They would move to their home in London after Lady Day, ready to enjoy the Season there. Fifty invitations were issued…causing Mary to wonder where the Viscountess Dalrymple obtained enough food for a buffet dinner and libations for the guests, musicians and staff.
Richard and Anne addressed the issue of Mary and offers from men before her mourning period ended. "I will speak with Bingley. If Mrs. Hurst looking for a new husband…I am in the position to introduce her to John Reveille, Thomas Addison or Henry Jacobsen. All of them are second sons who inherited secondary properties from aunts or uncles. They made horrible choices in their lives but they need a wealthy bride…and Louisa Hurst would provide funds and this house. They would be willing to compromise her if it results in a fast trip to the altar. They are typical low-class characters descended from landed gentry. They squander money and time, gossip amuses them, and their recreation is drinking, gambling and racing. Adultery is never discreet and often ends with a ruined woman and a marriage in tatters."
"Richard!" Anne was shocked. "Neither Louisa nor Mary intend to wed again."
"I have faith Mrs. Hurst could reform one of those rakes if she was interested. Let me show you how their liaisons usually start." He pushed her up against a locked door, dropped his breeches, and lifted her skirts out of the way. He smiled when she gasped. "You have to be quiet; we do not want anyone knowing what we are doing."
February 21
Missy showed Mary half a dozen books which Mrs. Hurst read to her twin nephews. Mary's nose wrinkled at all of them. Original Poems for Infant Minds, Volumes I and II; Rhymes for the Nursery; Familiar Fables in Verse; Lessons for Children; Tales of Mother Goose. "Or, I have Robinson Crusoe or Gulliver's Travels." Missy explained, and her eyes twinkled.
"All the boys love Mother Goose, but let us try Robinson Crusoe," Mary suggested. "The boys do not know the story and will be quiet to let you read."
"I thought so too," Missy chuckled to Mary. "Good evening sir," she curtsied to Jacobsen. "Boys, time for prayers, and bed. I have a new book to read to you tonight."
Jacobsen followed Mary down the hall.
"So, you are not the governess?" He asked.
"No, I am one of the mothers." She leaned over the stair railing and waylaid the butler. "Please escort Mr. Jacobsen back to the drawing room. Keep a footman on both staircases to keep guests from wandering into sleeping rooms. Especially guests who are in their cups." She walked down the hall and entered her room; loudly locking the door behind her.
~X~
"Was Henry Jacobsen bothering you?" Anne asked. She caught one of their footmen escorting him back to the drawing room. Shortly after the footman established himself in the hall, Mary appeared.
"I think, because I am a widow, he believes I will be an easy conquest. He has no feeling for me, no affection. I do not believe my fortune is large enough to entice a fortune hunter such as he."
"The cad! I will speak with Louisa and ensure the front door is barred to him and other miscreants." Anne exclaimed. "I will ensure you are never left alone where you could be vulnerable."
"I think I will emulate Lizzy if the man approaches me again." Mary declared.
"How so?" Anne inquired.
"Lizzy has put her knee and other objects in gentlemen's laps when they offended her. So many married men of the ton assumed she would be amenable to their suggestions of clandestine meetings. Lizzy has dropped many a cup of hot tea in a tender area since she married Darcy."
"Oh, I would give my diamond parure to see that," Anne laughed.
~X~
The news was full of ships porting at Lyme which encountered pirates. Richard reported the port militia was not well supported by the town merchants and townspeople. He suspected collusion between the pirates and merchants. Some of the pirate ships raided trade vessels for their spare masts and their spare riggings and fastenings. Anyone trying to defend the ships against boarders was thrown into the cold seas and not allowed to return to ship until the pirates departed. Many a sailor caught colds and fevers from the rough seas and cold weather. Two of the ships were reported to carry goods from India…and their captains affirmed the reports. Martial law was enacted at the ports and in the harbor master's office in an attempt to staunch the gossip of arriving and departing ships with their cargo manifests.
~X~
The Fitzwilliams and Darcys attended a household auction where they purchased many dressing mirrors and toiletry mirrors. They shared the sundry with Roberts and Louisa to help with their lighting needs. The remainder were taken immediately to the orphanage, with an explanation of fires, candles and windows. Mary and Louisa went to the orphanage with them. Mary discussed foraging, and planting for the spring.
~X~
One of the magistrates of Bath was about to be discharged from his post and charged with neglecting his duty. Millerson had been absent for a month. He arrived in Bath a day before the charges would be formally issued. He brought four and twenty guards with him from London who had been military men. They set about immediately restoring order to the streets of Bath. For some time Magistrate Millerson felt the streets of Bath were becoming unsafe…especially for the first and second circles of Bath who felt discommoded when their sedan chairs were stopped by beggars or hordes of roving men. Magistrate Millerson moved the men into empty rooms in his own home. He guaranteed the new men could be trusted for their sobriety, capacity and honesty.
Millerson was the toast of society in Bath…and cursed by the everyday man from Westgate Buildings.
~X~
Roberts came to the Stafford House to talk to Louisa's guests. His steward reported mysterious and unknown men roving one of the abandoned properties which Roberts acquired. Roberts purchased the properties which abutted the established Roberts Farms. One of the abandoned farm had a cave system. His steward, having heard stories of stewards and farm helpers being attacked when they were alone, reported to Roberts.
Roberts hoped, with the warming days to put a young family connected to his tenants on the two properties. Leaving enough tenants to protect both Roberts Farms and Roberts Estate meant not having enough men to deal with the possible dozen men at the cave. He proposed he enlist the three strong men at Stafford House, along with three or four of the footmen.
Roberts entered Stafford House to find Bingley, Darcy and Fitzwilliam in the largest drawing room with the ladies, the children and the nursery maids. They made a large and merry crowd. Sophia played the pianoforte softly while the men were aligned with the small boys and several clusters of toy soldiers. The ladies sewed and watched the men and boys. Roberts spoke with Bingley, Darcy and Fitzwilliam about his needs. They gathered four of Fitzwilliam's men and explained the situation. They discussed what they would need to clear the cave…a wagon to transport men, torches to provide light inside the cave, guns…and strong men. Fitzwilliam, ever the military man and strategist, inquired about Roberts' plans if the men were ill.
Discussion ensued…Bingley, Darcy and Fitzwilliam implored Mary to come to Roberts Farms with them. Roberts opined Mrs. Collins could help his stillroom maid provide medical assistance if any of the men were ill. Bingley opined no one was as talented as Mary in the stillroom or in a sick room.
"I thank you for the compliment. I do not believe I am more knowledgeable about sickrooms than my sisters. However, I will not help you. Please understand my position." Mary indicated the children in the room. "Charlie and Arthur have two parents…Ben and Barry have two parents…Freddie and Mary Elizabeth have two parents. George has only me as Mr. Collins has passed. While George would be cared for by Hamilton and Catherine…I cannot tempt fate. I cannot abandon my young son by being foolish with my own health. I know I was not well when we came to Bath. I endeavor to become healthy by taking the waters and by visiting the baths." She cited the growing typhus epidemic, especially in Ireland. She reminded her sisters about Samuel Jones passing from working with the ill in London.
Roberts understood immediately, as his twins would become wards of his brother and sister-by-marriage if anything untoward happened to him. He bid the ladies goodbye and left with Bingley, Darcy and Fitzwilliam along with four of Fitzwilliam's men.
~X~
Fitzwilliam reported the men in the cave took nine deceased men to a makeshift grave in a nearby ravine in the last fortnight. Roberts' steward spotted the men when they were returning from a recent burial. Only five and ten of the men, who mostly came from the London docks, survived. The cave provided warmth from a hot springs which ran and pooled in the cave. The men had warmth from the hot springs, and mineral water to drink. They had no food except what they could forage or steal.
Roberts would not subject his family and tenants to the ill men…especially after Mrs. Collins' fervent protest. They were put on a wagon, and taken to the hospital near the Westgate Buildings. Fitzwilliam insisted Bingley, Darcy and his men attend the baths before returning to the Stafford House. They bathed in the steaming waters, and purchased citrus and ginger soaps at the baths to clean themselves. Fitzwilliam's and Darcy's valet attended the men, while Bingley's and Roberts' valets guarded the men's clothes at the baths. The dirty clothing was held outside in the cold weather to keep from passing any illness to the laundry maids.
In less than a fortnight, the ill men would succumb to their illnesses.
~X~
Roberts brought food to the Stafford House and opined they anticipated better weather in March…and the reopening of the market stalls. Roberts surprised everyone by bringing two dressed, wild turkeys to the Stafford House. He explained the wild turkeys usually descended upon the farms in March to glean crabapples which lasted through the winter. However, the weather had not been good for the crabapples, and Roberts and his men took advantage of killing the almost two and ten wild turkeys which roamed his farms.
Mary knew in past years she had gleaned a basket or two of crabapples from Longbourn in mid-winter to make crabapple jelly. Jane and Lizzy reminisced about the tart fruit…and the lack thereof this year.
February 25
Fitzwilliam read the newspaper to those who gathered for breakfast at the Stafford House. The residents of Carrigaholt in Ireland, attacked a supply ship, the Inverness, on February nineteenth. The Inverness had a load of butter, bacon and pork destined for English ports. The boarding mob, furious food needed by the starving in Ireland, was destined for wealthy English patrons.
The police effectively turned the mob away on the nineteenth, but trouble continued the next day. Thousands appeared, vowing to possess necessary food taken from Ireland to feed the English. They overcame the police and stripped the ship, taking rigging, anchors, and bilge pumps. The rioters robbed the crew of their clothes and rendered the Inverness unseaworthy. A military detachment managed to disperse the rioters…after three men were killed. Five and thirty were arrested. Parliament was informed by the War Office of the growing unrest in Ireland from grain shortages, and ill and starving masses.