Wretched Beginnings 1814 – Chapter 10
October 1
Mr. Fitzwilliam arranged for Mr. and Mrs. Timsdale to view three tables of items in the drawing room at de Bourgh House. They reviewed the offerings for almost two hours. They consulted each other, created lists and then took tea with the Fitzwilliams.
"There are two items which we don't think we should purchase. The travel slope is not in the best condition. I would offer it to staff who travel with you. The other item is the rosewood tea caddy. The inlay is fragile and I don't believe it would withstand daily use. Perhaps make it available to your housekeeper or butler for their particular use." Mr. Timsdale offered a list of what they would buy, and the purchase amount. Anne and Richard were surprised by the price offered for a pair of Sphinx marble bookends which came from Lady Catherine's things from Matlock House.
"I believe we can come to an agreement. Mrs. Fitzwilliam and I are willing to attend Timsdale's Treasures to peruse your stock – books, music, small furnishings – which we would like to purchase. We appreciate taking tea at Timsdale's Tea Emporium. The remainder of the fees between us can be bartered for bulk tea and coffee." Fitzwilliam enjoyed the excellent coffee Ballard's Best offered.
"Agreeable," Timsdale toasted them with his teacup. "We will write up our offer and have you sign, listing purchases from Timsdale's Treasures, Timsdale's Tea and Ballard's Best as payment for the goods."
"Mrs. Fitzwilliam and I would gladly pay for the spice roly poly receipt and for the raspberry-lemon rout cakes receipt." Fitzwilliam wanted to eat spice roly poly and drink excellent coffee away from the ton. He could not wait to tease Darcy with the raspberry-lemon rout cakes.
~X~
"The house looks well," Anthony and Cecily Roberts toasted Andrew and Caroline. "Did you enjoy Michaelmas?"
"We did. Caroline planned well. The kitchen staff provided refreshments for our tenants during the afternoon. We own ten farms. Six will provide wheat and corn to be sold in London this year. Next year we will follow the Norfolk system. Three farms will provide eggs, meat and cheese, with garden stuff and fruits for the market. The tenth is our main farm, providing for our needs."
"Only four of our nine tenant families came to dinner," Caroline explained calmly.
"Several of our farms are owned by members of the same family…brothers, cousins, parents. Once Anthony proved a good landlord to Roberts Estate, it has been easier for me to become established." Andrew toasted his brother.
"We are pleased to announce our family is increasing also. We expect Baby Roberts to arrive sometime in February." Andrew smiled indulgently at Caroline. He gladly paid the modiste bills for Caroline's wardrobe for her increase. He gladly paid for two linen gowns for church, which would increase with her. He gladly paid for her accessories to enhance her wardrobe for her increase.
"How have you been feeling," Cecily sipped her wine, noting Caroline drank tea.
"Hideous…exhausted," Caroline sighed greatly, as if much put upon. "Mr. Roberts gave my newest maid, Mathews, permission to marry the youngest Mr. Haddington."
"I acquired the Haddington, Mathews and Croswell farms. Mrs. Croswell and Mrs. Haddington are sisters. They are combining households so young Haddington and Miss Mathews may start their lives together. The new Mr. and Mrs. Haddington will lease and work the Croswell farm." Roberts nodded to the footman to refill their wine glasses. "You were correct Anthony. The landowner sold their interests in Bath so they could purchase more land at their main residence at Bristol."
'Meanwhile, I must visit the agencies in Bath to interview for a maid.' Caroline thought, uncharitably, sipping her tea. Roberts refused her a sip of wine, not even for medicinal purposes.
"I offered the position of Caroline's maid to Agnes Lightwood. She starts the week before Christmas. Mathews will remain with us until that time. The couple will wed the week between Christmas and the New Year. Miss Lightwood has worked as a personal maid for several of the ton who have taken houses in Bath. She comes highly recommended."
"Does Lightwood have experience with matrons who are enceinte?" Cecily knew Agnes Lightwood specialized in working for difficult ladies…and commanded increased wages for her services. 'How can Caroline be unhappy about being with child? Anthony and I have experienced two disappointments. However, I've never been vain. Caroline cares more about her fine figure and clothes than she does about anyone or anything! Anthony was right…Caroline is not worth the dowry her family paid Andrew!'
"Mr. Roberts has not provided me with her characters…but he is attentive to all things." Caroline nodded at Roberts to continue the conversation. 'I want to have at him…with a dull carving knife…perhaps along with the loin of lamb at Easter?'
"I am well pleased. Young Haddington has excellent plans for the previous Croswell Farm. The family cared for the property, and I think he will be an excellent tenant. He has experience with dairy cows and Miss Mathews grew up on a dairy farm. She will be a great help with the animals and dairymaids. Mrs. Crowell promises to share her receipts for herbed cheeses."
'That absolute cow! Abandoning me to a new maid!' Caroline drank her tea, wishing for wine.
"I'm sorry you are losing Mathews, especially after losing Perry," Cecily's comment needled Caroline.
"The Collyers enjoy working on our main farm. He is excellent in our orchard, and she works in the stillroom when she can." Roberts commented. "I am pleased with Magnus, my valet. I am sure Caroline will be pleased with Lightwood. We are both pleased to be moved and have staff settled."
'I will be pleased when this child is born…and is a son. Half my duty will be fulfilled. Perhaps I can reclaim my life before I turn eight and twenty. Roberts can have the children…and I will have my freedom!' Caroline rang for servants to remove the first course and set the second.
~X~
Alex escorted Penelope and Lydia to private card parties. While Penelope stayed at tables to play whist…Alex and Lydia found tables with gamesters…and enjoyed purloining their pockets. Penelope made a good marriage…she had pin money…she had silk gowns…and she had manners and poise. Lydia might resent the money and the gowns…but a few stolen hours with Alex kept Lydia in the manner she liked. She had a protector…maids to do her bidding…and no tasks other than accompany Penelope and please Alex.
Lydia liked gaming tables with first and second circle men who were polite. While they appeared to study their cards…they eyed Lydia's decolletage. Some of the men invited Lydia to join them for card parties. They enjoyed sitting beside Lydia while pouring wine and watching her voluptuous form bounce with laugher. The enjoyed watching her sway and swish when she departed. They might hint at assignations with Lydia…but their hints were ignored.
October 2
The Bishop of London rose, acknowledging his introduction to the congregation. "I feel deeply pleased to be present today. When Lady Catherine de Bourgh became ill; the spiritual leadership of Hunsford Rectory fell to her daughter, Anne. Through prayer and consultation with the Archbishop of Canterbury, it is my honor to pass the spiritual leadership of Hunsford Rectory to The Honorable Mr. Richard Fitzwilliam. Please join us…" he indicated Fitzwilliam should come forward and kneel. He held out the Bible for Fitzwilliam to place his hand. "Mr. Fitzwilliam, wilt thou provide spiritual guidance for Hunsford Rectory, its vicar and curate? Will thou assume the responsibility for guidance of the rectory council and deacons board? Wilt thou be active in the civil administration of the community, ensuring the registration of births, deaths and marriages? Wilt thou act as a fair and just magistrate?"
"I will," Fitzwilliam's strong voice rang through the rectory.
"Rise then, Rector Fitzwilliam, and take the spiritual mantle of leadership for Hunsford Rectory. May you enjoy a long and fruitful relationship with God and with Hunsford Rectory." Fitzwilliam turned to a loud round of applause by the congregants of Hunsford Rectory. The Bishop lead the rector, vicar and curate to the front steps of the rectory and spoke with the congregants as they left. Anne and Mary, with Mr. Bennet, were the last to leave the rectory. Mr. Collins introduced Mr. Bennet to Curate Stevenson and Sexton Tucker. Anne planned a celebratory midday buffet for Richard, with Collinses, Stevenson, the Tuckers, the rectory council and the deacons board and their wives.
After an elegant midday repast, Richard and Anne were pleased to host an open house. They candidly discussed their plans for a Recovery House and expanded living at Rosings Park. They discussed the plans for a harvest celebration the first Saturday of November at the rectory.
Collins felt Mary should not attend the Recovery House inspection tour without him. However, he was called away to provide final rites and prayers to an elderly farmer of Rosings Park. Mr. Bennet escorted Mary to the tour. Both of them offered sensible recommendations. Female servants were assigned to rooms in the cellar with the cook, undercook and housekeeper. Male batmen and dressers were assigned to the fourth floor rooms. The house steward kept the male servants under control.
The kitchens tripled in size to prepare three meals daily for one hundred and fifty people. The Fitzwilliams hired an undercook and three sets of kitchen maids and scullery maids. The undercook and staff prepared breakfast, and accepted food stuffs from farmers for the Recovery House. The head cook and staff prepared dinner, and the pasties and cold collations for midday the next day. The third set of kitchen maids and scullery maids baked rolls and bread daily, and prepared sweets for meals. The housekeeper kept the female servants under control.
Expanding the kitchens and living quarters for the kitchen staff meant the doctor's office moved from the cellar near the stillroom to Mrs. Fitzwilliam's study by the library. An older farm table, covered with a sheet allowed Dr. Long to examine patients. Mr. Hastings, the finance officer for the house, had been a reward agent for the War Office. He was assigned to Sir Lewis's study because it held the safe. He had the key to the safe. The doctor had keys to the stillroom and to the wine cellars. He also had the key to the apothecary armoire in his office.
Mrs. Collins black bonnet was covered in pleated black silk with a wide black satin ribbon to secure it under her chin. Dr. Long noted the lack of flowers, plumes and trims he had seen on various widows today. She wore a dark grey pelisse over a plain, black bombazine gown. She removed black gloves and tucked them in her plain black reticule, pulling on a pair of black lace mitts. She wore a pair of simple jet earrings and a jet cross on a thin black velvet ribbon. She would not wear her gold jewelry until her mourning period had passed.
Mrs. Fitzwilliam explained Mrs. Collins was not a widow, like the others he met this week. She observed a mourning period for her mother who passed in September. Mrs. Collins appeared as knowledgeable about her craft as Mrs. Fitzwilliam claimed. However, Mrs. Collins exhibited no artifice, pride or false humility when she answered Dr. Long's questions. He had faith there was a strong-willed healer beneath the kind exterior and felt Mrs. Collins could endure a sickroom or a treatment room.
Mary considered the odd instrument lying on Dr. Long's desk.
Dr. Long noticed her interest and commented. "This is a stethoscope, manufactured in France. I purchased two of them while I served in His Majesty's Army. I can listen to one's heart beat and listen to one's breathing. I can tell if there is congestion in the lungs. I find it is much more efficient to use than the old tubes which I learned with when I was younger." He shared a list of medicines for Mary and Susannah to prepare for the Recovery House. He mentioned the steady stream of wagons and carts entering Hunsford during the last two days, delivering supplies to the Recovery House.
Mary met the wives of three officers who leased Rosings Place with their children. The ladies all sewed and offered to sew for the Recovery House in the future. They planned to stay until Lady Day when they might take healed husbands home to their families. Mary worked with Rosings gardeners to harvest the small garden at the Rosings Place. Next spring, the gardens and the orchard for Rosings Place would be expanded. Mary shared Maryanne with the occupants of the Rosings Place. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam hired full time laundry maids for Rosings House, and for the Recovery House.
October 3
Mary, Barlow and Maryanne cut bolts of sturdy white cotton and soft white flannel into lengths of three-inch wide bandages. They removed excess strings and then wound each length into rolls. Placed in two large, covered baskets, Barlow helped Mary carry the baskets of bandages to the Recovery House. Mary and Rebecca, the Recovery House stillroom maid, worked until midday, preparing medicines from Dr. Long's list. They took a short midday respite, eating pasties and drinking restorative broth. After midday they created a draught for colds. Mary left by half past three. She planned to discuss the Recovery Home stillroom with Anne. She needed to know which herbs would be available from the main farm.
"Is your mother better?" Mary rested and sipped her tea.
Anne shook her head no. "The doctor devised a new treatment for her good arm and hand, to keep them strong. We considered taking Mother to Bath, however, she would then be two days away from us." Anne discussed the new treatment and how she purchased items for the Recovery House to use.
"I believe my sister Lydia is in Bath; staying with Colonel and Mrs. Whitford," Mary confided. "We have not received any news from her or about her. Aunt Gardiner seems to remember Mrs. Whitford as a particular friend of Lydia. Aunt Gardiner sent a letter to Lydia at the Whitford House in London, but received no reply."
"Should we send a letter to the de Bourgh House, in London, warning them to turn her away?" Anne offered.
"I warned you; but I did not make recommendations. However, if Mr. Fitzwilliam still has friends in the War Office; perhaps we can obtain a location for Colonel Whitford. Lydia abandoned her home and family and accepted someone's protection. We can only hope it is Colonel and Mrs. Whitford." Mary appreciated the quiet of Rosings House.
Anne agreed to mention Lydia to Richard. They could hire Bow Street Runners to discover the whereabouts of Lydia Bennet. 'Perhaps Richard knows an officer he could bribe into taking Lydia on; relocating her to a farm in Scotland or mining town in Nova Scotia or plantation in Jamaica. Abandoning her family…she needs to be removed from contact with them. I won't allow Lydia to ruin things for Mary.' Anne kept her thoughts about Lydia to herself.
After an hour of good green tea and feminine conversation about the conservatory and the gardens, Mary returned to Hunsford Parsonage. Papa and Mr. Collins were in the book room, playing a game of chess. Barlow roused the fire in Mrs. Collins' sitting room, while she handled today's correspondence waiting on the silver salver. Papa received letters from John Lucas, Charlotte Lucas and Mrs. Hill. Mary sighed. She felt relieved John and Charlotte cared for Longbourn in Papa's absence. She had letters from Lizzy, Jane and Catherine along with a letter from Mrs. Gardiner.
Mary opened the Gardiner letter first. Aunt Gardiner inquired about everyone's health. She relayed news about the children's health and their educational advances. The two girls attended a day school. Anabelle's pianoforte accomplishment progressed. Both boys were away at a boarding school in Essex. Aunt Gardiner spent her time with the benefice society of their church. She worked with Lady Matlock and Lady Fitzwilliam for the Sword and Shield Society. Orders had been given at the Gardiner home. Miss Lydia Bennet would not be allowed entry. Nor could she charge any purchases at Gardiner's Emporium.
Uncle Gardiner tucked a brief note into Aunt Gardiner's letter. A fourth batch of the coin rolls was being produced. The banks in Brussels were currently their largest client; distributing them across the continent. People hid their funds against French marauders. The coin liners for reticules were not as popular. Coin rolls, which could be hidden beneath travel clothes, were more popular. Mr. Gardiner provided a breakdown of their expenditures and profits. Their investment yielded quarterly dividends which Mr. Gardiner reinvested in the manufacturing business. Mary tucked his note in her lockbox and put it away in her desk.
Mary rang for Mr. Manning and discussed the gardens with him. In the next fortnight they needed to finish harvesting, and transplant cuttings to the window seat. They mapped out a plan which she could share with Mr. Knowles. They would host an apple and nut picking party this Saturday. Mr. Manning would ask Mr. Knowles for workers to rake leaves at the river bank and harvest plums. Any downed branches or twigs would be used for the firepits. Mary wondered if Papa would help with the harvest at the parsonage. She felt Mr. Collins would insist on helping the workers harvest…just to ensure there were no men from the Recovery House at the Hunsford Parsonage.
October 7
Mr. Collins and Mr. Bennet went riding with Mr. Fitzwilliam during the Benefice Society meeting. The ladies inventoried the clothing created. While they considered giving the clothes away on Boxing Day, Mrs. Fitzwilliam opined the Harvest Festival and Easter were better days to donate clothes to the needy. Each lady had over a fortnight to finish items she had.
Anne brought Mary's attention to the increase in widows attending the church during the last fortnight. Anne felt sure it wasn't the succinct and timely sermons of Mr. Collins drawing an increased attendance. Mary turned down dinner and tea invitations from everyone except the Fitzwilliams. She didn't plan to come out of full mourning until Midsummer, and finish half mourning at Michaelmas. Granted, she didn't have the best relationship with Mother, but she valued Papa.
October 9
Mary appreciated the cool weather of autumn. She worked in the gardens, harvesting and gathering. She worked in the stillroom both at Hunsford Parsonage and at the Recovery House. She enjoyed the apple pies and cakes which Mrs. Manning baked. She enjoyed watching George steady his steps. Sunday, Mary took her work basket and sewed quietly in Mr. Collins' bookroom while Mr. Collins related the story of Noah to George while playing with his ark. The ark sat on the top of a bookcase in Mr. Collins' bookroom. When Mr. Collins played with the Noah's Ark toy on Sundays, he make noises for each of the dozen pairs of animals. George babbled and tried to make the noises with him.
Mr. Bennet did not intrude on their family time, but read or attended his correspondence.
~X~
"Come away from the window, Elizabeth," Darcy tried to draw her closer to the fire. "The grey day does nothing to improve your disposition."
"I know I'm being silly," Lizzy admitted. "Walking the halls is nothing to a good ramble in the orchards or forests. Let's go for a walk in the orangery."
"I like that thought," Darcy admitted, ringing for a footman to bring them outerwear. "We can talk about the harvesting plan which Houghton presented to me. I received letters from each of the stewards this week announcing the plans for harvesting at each of the estates. A fortnight from now is the Harvest Festival at Klympton Church. I would like to take a wagon of produce to the church to share with the vicar, curate, the widows and the poor."
"I would like to leave the wagon with the vicar to use to distribute the produce to the widows and the poor. Did Houghton say if any of the cottages need repairs before winter?" Lizzy wondered.
"Everything seems to be in order for the tenants. Our outbuildings are in good repair. The forests are continually cleaned now. The firepits on all the farms and properties are in order with a stockpile of wood near them. The gardeners are using the leaves from the forest for amending the garden soils. Our head gardener asked you remember him to Mrs. Collins when you write next. He believes the expanded gardens and the bountiful harvest are due to her suggestions. My Scotland steward wrote to tell me of the deer stalking party hosted by the estate with the male tenants. In the spring they trapped rabbits, and now they are deer stalking. The steward does not want too many deer to overrun the farms."
Darcy and Elizabeth enjoyed the warmth of the orangery after the cool walk.
October 10
Dr. Acton recommended Lady Catherine be wheeled out to the gardens when the heat dissipated. She didn't like the gardens; she didn't like being wheeled about in the bath chair. Mrs. Jenkinson read to Lady Catherine…who watched as the early autumn flowers bloomed…but the garden gave her no pleasure. While Anne walked the London garden, she found herself being watched by Mrs. Jenkinson and Mother.
Anne was forced to slap Mother's hand when she tried to hit Anne in the head with the ivory ball of a bilbocatch while she held the cup end. Anne took them away from Mother …along with the Spillkins which Mother used to stab at the medical help. Adams took the puzzles and cards away when Lady Catherine spit on the pieces. She threw the tops at footmen when they attempted to move her. She stopped using the flannel ball to strengthen her hand…waiting for Anne's return so she could drop the flannel ball in her chamber pot. Anne reported those actions to Dr. Acton while he was checking Lady Catherine.
Dr. Acton approved of removing items Lady Catherine used for hitting, throwing and stabbing…but insisted Lady Catherine go to the conservatory if she would not go to the gardens. He refused to allow Adams or Jenkinson to use more laudanum to calm Lady Catherine. "Do you know why she is so vexatious?"
"The London Times announced the opening of the de Bourgh Recovery House in Kent. We haven't hid our actions, but I did not ask permission to turn Rosings Park manor house into a Recovery House for wounded military men. Mother is furious because I moved to the Dower House, which Mr. Fitzwilliam and I redecorated and changed for our comfort. She is furious I let men of lower rank occupy HER house."
"Congratulations on your hard work. If Lady Catherine's caregivers encouraged her to believe she will return to Kent…I don't recommend it." Dr. Acton shook his head. "I am glad you didn't take her to Bath, although I know you considered it. Since she has proven intractable about attempting to strengthen her good muscles…I have no recommendations…other than keeping lit candlesticks from her. Since there are fires in rooms now…see she has nothing to throw at a fire. You do not want her to set the house on fire. Provide for her comfort. Prevent her from drinking too much or taking too much laudanum. I recommended boiling mint, bee balm, or lavender to ease difficult breathing. If she seems to have difficulty eating, porridge or soft eggs for breakfast. Serve good cream soups and hearty broths for midday or dinner. Egg custards or flummeries for sweets."
October 15
Mary was not surprised when Mrs. Manning began baking more after Papa came to live with them. However, Papa had not developed a sweet tooth. When Mary was not busy at the Recovery Home, she received the widows of Hunsford Rectory who visited the parsonage during calling hours. The widows hoped to see Mr. Thomas Bennet of Longbourn during their call.
Mary discussed the situation with Papa. He would be polite to her widows who called because they were doing a good deed. Mary could not entertain them daily, and work at the stillroom of the Recovery House. However, he opined Mr. Collins might be encouraging their visits to importune her while she needed to work. He would escape the widows by visiting the Recovery House after breakfast to before dinner to read to the men, to write letters for the men, or to play chess with the men.
Mrs. Manning laughed about the situation. She explained the widows about Mary's age would be horrified to be called Mother by Mary and her sisters. Younger widows looked in other places for future husbands…which included the Recovery House.
~X~
"We simply do not need a hundred men released into our community. There are not enough living situations for them at Rosings, in Hunsford or Westerham once they are healed. I am adamantly opposed to this plan," Mr. Collins stated to Mr. Bennet. 'Lady Catherine must be beside herself to know her home had been recreated as a country hospital. I do not understand how the grandchildren of the Fifth Earl of Matlock prefer to live in a forty-room house instead of the large and well-appointed manor house of Rosings Park. The chimney pieces and glazed windows are wasted on low class soldiers and sailors. The formal gardens, and the lovely prospect of Rosings Park are wasted on the men also.' Collins obsessed, unhappily, over the excessive number of men at Rosings Park.
"I find plans are best left in God's hands…for patrons may do the best they can…but they do not have advance knowledge of God's plans." Mr. Bennet advised before taking a walk to the Recovery House.
"Mr. Bennet?" Mr. Fitzwilliam seemed surprised to see him. "Were you looking for me?"
"No," Thomas Bennet avoided William Collins. He would not entertain his son-in-law who appeared February faced over the changes at Rosings Park. Ill and infirm men were preferable company to Mr. Collins right now.
~X~
"What is this?" Mary surveyed the baskets with rolls, breads, scones and preserves in addition to cakes, pies and biscuits which filled two long farm tables in the cellar hall of the Recovery House. She used Friday afternoons for the Benefice Society and Saturdays to complete tasks at the parsonage.
"Various mothers and their unwed daughters visited this morning; calling in at the kitchens not the front door. The front door knocker hasn't been put out yet. The doctor and Mr. Fitzwilliam want to give the men time to settle before socializing. The baked goods are welcome gifts." Mrs. Moncrief, the new head cook at the Recovery House, examined the tables of baked goods.
"Why are there calling cards with the baked goods?" Mary frowned.
"Those silly little cards?" Mrs. Moncrief twittered in a way too reminiscent of Franny Bennet. When she winked, Mary understood she acted like the silly women who floated through the Recovery House kitchen this morning. "Why, if the men appreciate the nut shortbread which Miss Brown baked…we would not want them to accidentally thank Miss White, who baked barely tolerable sweet rolls for breakfast."
"Mrs. Manning and I baked honey biscuits, but we would rather not have anyone identify them as baked by us." Mary eyed the cards. "Mr. Collins will be most displeased."
"Oh no," Anne insisted when she entered the kitchen. "Your honey biscuits deserve as much attention as the rest of the baked goods."
"I'd really rather not. Mrs. Moncrief arranged to buy my extra eggs for the Recovery House. If my honey biscuits must have a card, then they needn't stay. I assume there will be an edict from the Hunsford Rectory pulpit Sunday about leaving these men alone and letting them heal." Mary set down the basket of eggs but kept the biscuit basket on her arm.
"Perhaps they will heal faster if they have a pretty girl to chase around the paths, gardens, or orchards." Mrs. Moncrief suggested. "Really, you must laugh about the situation."
Anne made notes in her ledger. "Payment for the eggs, milk, cheese and butter on quarter day?"
"Acceptable," Mary agreed. "We'll talk about bartering at that time. Daisy, Daffodil, Beatrice and Emilia will be ready to breed."
"I'll take the honey biscuits for tea this week," Anne announced. "Mr. Fitzwilliam will be grateful for the treat and will not reveal you shared Mr. Collins' favorites."
"We're making more today so Mr. Collins and Papa will not be bereft." Mary looked askance at the baked goods again. "I sincerely hope there isn't a plethora of baked goods at my house to curry Papa's favor. If there are, I will send them to the Recovery House."
"Let's go to Rosings House and wait for Dr. Long to join us for our weekly meeting." Anne suggested. "I will gladly ring for tea and serve your excellent honey biscuits."
~X~
"The young ladies of the community have been very generous with their baskets of baked goods. I have never cared very much for sweets, but these are excellent honey biscuits." Dr. Long helped himself to another.
"I'll give you the receipt for them if you like. They are called Mary's Honey Biscuits. Anne smiled indulgently at her particular friend, Mary Collins.
"Your receipt?" Dr. Long's surprise caused Mary to laugh.
"Indeed. I enjoy working on new receipts in my kitchens when I have nothing pressing to complete. I thank you for the invitation to take tea with the men to ask about their medical needs…however, Mr. Collins does not want me to associate with the men. I may go to the Recovery House to work in the stillroom, but I'm not allowed above stairs." Mary admitted freely.
"Your father is Mr. Thomas Bennet?
Mary nodded. "Papa plans to remain with us until after Christmas, when he will visit my sister, Mrs. John Hamilton, in Oxford."
"He attends the Recovery House daily. He helps with educational needs." After meeting Mr. Bennet…he appreciated Mrs. Collins' knowledge even more.
~X~
Anne urged the widows to speak with Mr. Hastings. He could barter their wages for sewing for food and necessities. They could also trade their excess eggs, garden stuff and orchard stuff to help feed the men at the Recovery House. Mr. Hastings could order coal, candles, soaps, dry goods, tea, coffee, wines, ports or sherry in large amounts which saved funds. He added the widows' needs to the Recovery House list. A week would lapse between giving Mr. Hastings a list and receiving goods. Patronizing the shops in Hunsford or Westerham might be faster; ordering through the Recovery House proved more economical.
Mr. Hastings and one of the dressers visited several of the secondhand clothing stores in London, purchasing all the male clothes available. A supply would help clothe the men as they healed or as more of their clothes became threadbare. Extra pairs of house slippers and boots were purchased and stored until needed. Not every man fit the supplies on hand, but a supply served more men faster than making clothes or commissioning boots from a cobbler.
Sunday, October 16
Curate Crowdion found a few of the men at the Recovery Home were interested in reading the Bible. He set a reading list for them which was fashioned after his own study of the Bible as a student. The Recovery House library had many history books, and some Bibles. The Recovery House used a ledger, and the men who borrowed books wrote the name of the book and their name in the ledger. When they returned the book, Crowdion or Hastings noted it in the ledger. Most of the men who could read, could also write. Most of the men who could not read or write took advantage of the free lessons provided by himself or Mr. Bennet.
Thomas Bennet enjoyed his time with Mary. He enjoyed walking in the crisp autumn air. He enjoyed sitting beside a warm fire in his room, while he read. He enjoyed the hearty soups and stews which Mrs. Manning cooked, along with hot bread and sweets. He began attending church services at the Recovery Home. He avoided the widows while helping Curate Crowdion with the men.
~X~
"Excuse me?" Catherine laid her soup spoon down and addressed one of John's servitors, Joshua Peterson.
"I understand young ladies attend seminaries to improve their accomplishments. However, I do not support the formation of a Dame School by several wives of professors at Oxford." Peterson asserted. "I do not see the need to educate girls."
"Seminaries teach more than accomplishments." Catherine glanced over her well-laid table. Mama would be pleased. "My pleasant home, my well-set table, my pianoforte, and drawing abilities do not define me. I do a great deal more than wear pretty gowns and learn new embroidery stitches. One can only discuss society, fashion, events, menus, and servant issues for so long. My Cambridge-educated Papa believes women should improve their minds. An educated woman can discuss art, music, poetry and classical literature, and have knowledge of the world. Although, Papa says some men prefer a stupid wife."
"That is not what I meant," Peterson objected. "However, here at Oxford, any man can discuss any subject with other men. The depth of those conversations is obviously above and beyond what a female could understand."
"I anticipate the opportunity to teach at the Dame School. I believe girls need a good foundation in grammar, literature, mathematics and geography. I believe once the foundations of a good education are established, the girls may expand their education through art, languages, and music. If they aspire to nothing more than educating their own children or their servants, I believe the program will be a success."
"I believe girls should be educated," Michael Middleton, John's other servitor, opined. "I give books to my sisters. I would rather eat cheese and stale bread during the week if it means providing books and educational opportunities to my sisters."
"Do you believe in The Vindication of Women's Rights? Written by that fallen Wollstonecraft woman? I don't believe she is a proper influence." Peterson scoffed.
"I believe we should read any author whose works produce intelligent discourse and conversation." Catherine indicated the footman should remove the soup and fish dishes. "The ladies are determined to conduct the Dame School with different hours and terms to meet the needs of the students. Girls needed to work farms with their families will be able to attend a winter term after harvest ends through Lady Day. The daughters of tradesmen and minor landed gentry can attend half to full days from Michaelmas to Easter. The school will hire traveling teachers who can contact the girls unable to attend daily, but who are interested in learning to read and write."
"This is one of the wines Mrs. Hamilton and I purchased on our wedding tour. We like it a great deal." Hamilton filled the glasses, ending with Catherine who earned a smile and a squeeze on her shoulder. "I heartily approve of Mrs. Hamilton spending her pin money to hire masters to improve her art, her music, her French and her education. They did not join us tonight as they are providing lessons to our staff. Mrs. Hamilton donated personal funds to the female education movement at Oxford to purchase books and slates for the girls. I expect she will help at the school once she is out of mourning for her mother."
"I'm guided by my sister, Mrs. William Collins of Hunsford Rectory in Kent. Mrs. Collins seeks to improve my understanding of horticulture and beekeeping. Mr. Hamilton seeks to improve my understanding of astronomy, archeology, and geography. I believe my understanding of topics increases when I share my knowledge with others. Ladies are not born knowing when to draw the drapes in sunny rooms, or how to polish the silver, or how to create menus, or how to choose musicians for a ball. Just as we all learn to walk, talk and dress ourselves…accomplishments are learned."
"I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the curricula with you, Mrs. Hamilton," Middleton helped himself to roasted potatoes. "I would appreciate knowing where my lesson plans might be deficient for my sisters."
"I should be pleased to do so," Catherine assured the young man. "Perhaps you could come to dinner one night, or tea one Saturday afternoon. I will outline Papa's curricula and share it with you. I can't recommend your sisters learn Greek, like my sister Elizabeth. Papa taught her Greek so she could read Homer in its original language. My sister, Mary, reads Latin because of her horticultural studies. I read French novels while traveling with my friends before I married Mr. Hamilton. Reading French increases my knowledge of the language. My sister Jane is not a great reader, but she enjoys reading classical literature to her new son, Charlie." Catherine sipped her wine.
Peterson wisely did not comment against female education again in Catherine's presence. She did not want to tell him his attitudes were as ancient as his educational robes. Secretly she intended to ensure Mr. Middleton received extra books for his sisters and did not survive on cheese and stale bread. For Christmas, she planned to purchase new educational robes for John. Mr. Middleton was about John's size and would appreciate his older robes. She would ensure Mr. Middleton received them before the spring session began in March. She noticed both of the young men had well-used book satchels. She would write Timsdale's Treasures and ask them to procure a pair of satchels for John's students. The satchels, loaded with a book from Timsdale's Treasures, and some of Mary's honey biscuits would be an excellent present. Tonight, before he left, Catherine would acquire directions to the house where Middleton lived. She intended to add him to the list of charity baskets her kitchens dispersed.
"What are your connections, Mrs. Hamilton?" Peterson inquired.
Catherine recognized his attempt to snub her. "My family has been landed gentry in Hertfordshire for two hundred years. Longbourn is a medium-sized estate with seven tenant farms and a large main farm which supports the family and household staff. My highest connection is the Sixth Earl of Matlock, Reginald Fitzwilliam. My second oldest sister, Elizabeth, is married to Fitzwilliam Darcy, the nephew of Lord Matlock. Mr. Hamilton received an open invitation to the Sunday salons at the Matlock House, London. Lady Matlock entertains aristocracy, artists, and academia each Sunday afternoon during Little Season and Season. She believes in a free exchange of ideas and conversation between well-read people."
"My particular friend, William Collins, married Mrs. Hamilton's sister, Mary Bennet. We met when we were chosen to be the godparents for their son, George Bennet Collins, at Christmas last year." Hamilton informed his students. "Collins, a classmate at Oxford, is now the vicar at Hunsford Rectory in Kent."
"We attended the Christmas engagement ball of Richard Fitzwilliam, Lord Matlock's second son. We attended the engagement ball on Twelfth Night at Matlock House, London. We attended the wedding for the Richard Fitzwilliams at St. George's Cathedral in April. I traveled with the happy couple on their wedding tour along with their cousin, Miss Georgiana Darcy. Mr. Hamilton and I married in the Pemberley Chapel in Derbyshire in June. I don't know if you saw the papers, but the Earl and Countess of Matlock, the Viscount and Viscountess Fitzwilliam, and the Honorable Richard Fitzwilliams were present at our wedding." Catherine's cool voice accompanied a brilliant smile at Peterson. 'I hope he chokes on his vegetable ragout.'
"Excellent squash!" Middleton enjoyed the honey roasted baked butternut squash, and attempted to change topics.
"May I offer your praise to my sister, Mrs. Collins? She enjoys recreating medieval and Tudor receipts into new variations. I'm pleased to have a few dozen of her new receipts." Catherine smiled when Middleton nodded. "She bakes extra squash and makes the best squash bisque soup."
Tomorrow, Catherine would pen a letter to Papa, asking him to suggest a list of lessons for Middleton's sisters. She would relate her interactions with John's servitors and how she felt eager to have Papa join them after Twelfth Night for learned discussions.
October 20
"Oh la!" Lydia laughed. "A beer flood?"
"News says a large vat of porter from Meux's Brewery burst, demolishing buildings and killing nine." Colonel Whitford read to his guests at the breakfast table.
"I don't know what's worse…the way London smells before a killing frost during Little Season or smelling like a vat of beer," Penelope commented. "Lydia, we have an appointment with my modiste this morning."
"I have things to take to her." Lydia would pay a modiste to amend Mother's best dresses into fashionable gowns Lydia could wear. Mother's accessories would be refurbished to accent the refashioned gowns. Lydia didn't complain about the shillings she spent at the modiste. She had to look her best in Bath, so she could continue to distract card players.
While Lydia appreciated having a home in Bath; her living was expensive. Whitford helped Lydia take Mama's jewels to a money broker. She kept Mama's gold chain and gold earbobs. Mama had a simple gold pendant and a gold locket to wear with the chain. Whitford, knowing the heart's desire of his young paramour, purchased a simple pearl pendant and simple ruby pendant for Lydia to wear with her gold chain. He warned her to claim they belonged to her mother. Penelope would be incensed if she learned he bought jewelry for another woman. "You must have money to live on. Penelope is generous, but every woman should have funds in her reticule to buy a box of confections or a new pair of silk stockings…" Whitford slipped a guinea into the bodice of Lydia's gown; enjoying her sultry giggle. They made plans to continue their assignations when Penelope was indisposed.
~X~
Mary smiled as she observed the last of the workers bringing in the orchard harvest of apples and nuts. Mr. Knowles estimated a large harvest of walnuts from the two nut trees. He estimated this was the best harvest for fruit trees which he had seen in years. Ground fruit was gathered and stored in the barn for feeding Beatrice and Emilia.
Mary gave ten percent of the orchard harvest to the rectory. She gave ten percent to Mr. Knowles and workers who harvested. Ten percent went to staff, Curate Stevenson, and Sexton Tucker. Twenty percent had been stored in the cool of the cellars or attics. Ten percent of the apples were turned into barrels of soft cider and barrels of apple wine for the parsonage. Mr. Hastings purchased the other forty percent of the harvest for the Recovery House. The Rosings brewery turned the apples into barrels of soft cider to serve to the Recovery House.
Mary's garden had been put to bed for autumn. Again, Mary separated the garden harvest into portions, and sold the excess not used or donated to the Recovery House. The acreage behind the outbuildings had been harvested. Mr. Manning stored one acre of the root vegetables for feeding the animals in the parsonage barn. Mr. Knowles arranged for the remaining harvest to go to Rosings barns. Again, Mary separated the vegetable harvest planted in the acreage (pumpkins, cabbage, potatoes, onions, and carrots) into portions. She sold the excess to the Recovery House.
Mary gave Mrs. Gibbons the receipt for roasted pumpkin, with diced apples, raisins, nuts, honey and cinnamon. Mrs. Gibbons gave her a receipt for cooked, young pumpkin leaves which were not much larger than one's hand. Sliced, they were excellent to stretch soup like dandelion leaves, spinach or curly dock. Once Mary's beehives were harvested, the bees would hibernate for the winter. Mary set aside the honey from one hive to make mead. She separated the honey harvest into portions and sold the remainder to the Recovery House.
Mr. Knowles took Mary's three fattened pigs off to be butchered and smoked for meat for Hunsford Parsonage. He took three of her turkeys to be butchered and smoked. She received fresh pork for a few days before meat was put in the smokehouse. The dairy brought Mary four wheels of cheese – one port, one sage and two cheddar cheese. Mrs. Manning placed them in the cellars. They were encased in wax until needed.
Mary observed the room where she stored libations. She and Mr. Manning decanted the mead and the apple wine created last year. Orange wine waited to be decanted after Stir-It-Up Sunday. She would brew casks of orange wine in January. She had casks of red raspberry cordial, red currant cordial, and blackberry wine waiting for next Midsummer to be decanted and used.
~X~
"Mrs. Manning said I would find you in the stillroom," Mr. Bennet sat in the chair by Mary's escritoire.
"I have been underfoot this morning," Mary admitted. "I boiled white willow bark in white wine this morning. I put it to cool and steep overnight. I appreciate the muslin bags of herbs from Longbourn."
"As you saw when you were there…the gardens are well kept." Mr. Bennet watched the change in Mary's face. "Are you so unhappy with Collins?"
Mary shut the door so no one would overhear them. "I am not unhappy here Papa, nor unhappy with my life. I am disappointed in myself."
"Why?" Mr. Bennet asked gently. 'Mary's like a young colt…skittish…a thunderclap would send her racing away.'
"I feel like my marriage has been based on a lie. I married Mr. Collins because I wanted Longbourn. I told myself it would be worth taking him so I could have my gardens and orchard. Now I feel I've lied. Mother's death reminds me I'm not innocent, and things happen without warning. I'm angry because his grandfather never told anyone the entail was changed. Perhaps he thought you would have a grandson to keep Longbourn from passing out of the Bennet lineage. I only have myself to blame. Mr. Collins is unhappy now…because we haven't moved to Longbourn. He is unhappy about the changes at Rosings Park…which has nothing to do with us. I tried to tell myself bearing his unhappiness now is my lot in life. There will be a reckoning, Papa. I will not borrow trouble…but there will be a reckoning and I will bear the brunt of his anger…and deservedly so."
"You are not a bad person, Mary," Mr. Bennet protested.
"I know my strengths and my weaknesses, Papa. I have many things to regret…judging Mother…judging Lydia…lying to Mr. Collins. What is that old saying about logs and splinters? I intend to be a good person and do as many good deeds as I can to ease my guilt."
"I think you take too much upon yourself. I'm more guilty about things than you are. I should have taken your Mama in hand when we were married. Perhaps I expected too much of her when Mother died. Instead of years to learn how to be the mistress of Longbourn…she was thrust into the role. I'm sure it was not easy for her to have both Father and me to please. I also admit I felt some relief when Father and I changed the entail to single succession inheritance. I'm proof you are never too old to learn. I know I've failed in many ways…I should have tried harder with your Mama. I should have tried harder with Lydia. I should have admitted the change of entail when Collins arrived the day of the Netherfield Ball. I asked you to conceal the truth. We have both avoided difficulty. We have both felt the error of our ways. I promise…I will tell Collins about the entail…not today…not tomorrow…but I will tell him. I am the master of Longbourn, it is my duty to tell him."
October 23, London
The autumn rain turned into a throbbing headache. In his dreams the thunder became the explosions of the artillery…the heat of the battle…the smell of the bleeding, wounded and dying…and the roaring of…Richard remained silent for a minute…uninjured on the battlefield. Slowly the pounding in his head receded along with the pounding of his heart. His leg and his head ached. He seemed alert. He felt alive.
'It is amazing how one's priorities change when your life is on the line. The ton believes fine clothing, excellent lineage, stable funds, fashionable neighborhoods, hosting the most sought after soirees, polished manners and accomplishments are the foundation for a charmed life.' They meant less than one's life, health and love. Richard pulled Anne into his arms and laid his cheek against her soft hair. He needed her soft laughter and person to polish away the hardness of his life as a soldier in His Majesty's Army.
October 29
"The dressing gong just sounded," Augusta murmured to Georgiana. "If you don't have plans, please join us. Papa and Mama will attend tonight with my brothers."
"I must decline your invitation. Mrs. Annesley and I are tired from closing the Darcy House. We plan to take trays in our sitting room and have an early evening." Georgiana nodded politely before gliding out the door. She planned to embroider, ride Pell, help with charity and avoid dress fittings or shopping with Augusta when she was not occupied with lessons and her masters.
November 1
November 1
Landers End, Nottinghamshire
Dear Caroline;
Thank you for the invitation to spend Christmas in Bath. However, we have been busy at Landers End. We expanded the main farm with a new orchard. With sister Mary's help, we changed the configuration of the gardens for next spring to increase our harvests and utilize the land to its best potential. We were excited to finally sign the papers on new acquisitions after Michaelmas. I purchased a horse farm, dairy farm, poultry farm, and a few hundred acres of pastureland. Our sheep herds are stable and profitable.
I know you hoped I would purchase another home in London. However, since Jane will be in mourning for Mrs. Bennet until her father, Thomas Bennet, leave us in September…we don't plan to attend Little Season or Season. Mayhap next Little Season will find us eager for London.
My latest letter from Aunt Cordelia indicates Louisa is in deep mourning for Mr. Hurst and will be until after Midsummer next year. Any inquires you have about Louisa's jointure funds should be addressed to Louisa. Jane and I are not comfortable discussing her finances, nor ours.
The Darcys do not entertain at Pemberley. They will not host a large house party at Christmas this year. Miss Darcy relocated from the Darcy House to the Matlock House. She will attend her studies with her masters during Little Season. She will make her curtsey to the court after Easter next year, followed by a coming out ball. Lady Matlock will chaperone her through her first Season so Elizabeth can remain in mourning for Mrs. Bennet.
How are the new farms? How is the new house? I understood Roberts planned to establish a manor house on five acres of parkland by the first of October. I'm sure the prospect is pleasant.
Jane asks if you should encounter her sister, Miss Lydia Bennet, in Bath, will you send an express with any information? Her living arrangements, her location, etc. We would be extremely grateful. The family worries she is not well. Upset by the death of her mother, she fled Longbourn. The family is desirous to know her health, for she has a nervous disposition like Mrs. Bennet. They do not want her to fall ill and decline.
Charlie, Jane and I are fine and in full health.
My best wishes to you and Roberts,
your brother, Charles
November 4
The Harvest Festival at Hunsford Rectory was overseen by the Fitzwilliams. Mary informed Mr. Collins she could not help. George had a bit of a fever and Mary would not leave him. Collins seemed pleased Mary would not attend. Bennet made himself available to ferry clothing from the Benefice Society to Rosings House. He spent time at the de Bourgh Recovery House with the men who would not attend the Harvest Festival. Mrs. Fitzwilliam arranged for the musically inclined men to play with local musicians. They sat under a heavy tent and played music for those inclined to dance. Mrs. Fitzwilliam brought baskets from Rosings House to Hunsford Parsonage. The Fitzwilliams distributed clothing to the poor, along with baskets of excess from Rosings Park.
Collins wore a frown on his face most of the day. The Recovery House men knew to avoid Vicar Collins if possible. Inquiring about their health became an interrogation of their health, background, connections and future plans. Then men reported the conversations to Curate Crowdion or Mr. Fitzwilliam. They reported Vicar Collins invited them to the Hunsford Rectory the next day for a 'proper' harvest festival which praised God, rather than celebrate the end of harvest.
Mrs. Fitzwilliam overheard Vicar Collins' comments. "Should I remind you that you are not allowed to lecture the congregants from the pulpit?" She questioned Collins.
"I don't believe my sermon tomorrow is lecturing anyone. I will remind everyone to give thanks to God for the bountiful harvest this year, rather than improper displays of pride."
"You mean your previous sermons praising my Mother, rather than God, were improper?"
Collins sputtered and became silent.
November 6
Catherine organized her planning on Mondays – menus, schedules, tenant calls, church activities, lessons and dame school teaching for the week. John loved to hear her sing, but he understood her reluctance to exhibit before two hundred people in the cathedral. She would sing and play for him a few nights a week, but she rarely sang for their company.
With harvesting over, Catherine ensured the best care for the foodstuffs from the farm. John had recently enlarged the cold storage in the cellars. The ice house had been cleaned and prepared for when there would be ice. Trees were pruned. Wood was stored to dry for a year or to be used in fire pits in the orchard. Catherine enjoyed her quiet afternoons sewing the layette for her child and determining how to celebrate Christmas for them, and Boxing Day for her staff, John's students and the tenants of Hamilton Farms.
Catherine requested materials for her staff from Gardiner's Emporium. Catherine ordered burgundy material with silver embroidery for a new waistcoat for John. She ordered soft black wool and black frogs for two new academic robes for John. Catherine welcomed a visit from the Oxford modistes recommended by John. She engaged them to create a winter wardrobe for her in black and dark grey which would accommodate her increase. She selected dark grey for outwear. She selected fine white flannel for winter nightrails and wrappers in which would adjust for her increase. Catherine wrote Lizzy and shared how she dismayed her modistes when she ordered winter day gowns in bombazine, kerseymere and stuff materials sans trims, laces and flounces.
Catherine shared Mary's receipts and menus with suggestions for holiday meals with her housekeeper. Mrs. Banks shopped for ingredients for Christmas puddings and fruitcakes. She shopped for any food stuffs not provided by the main farm.
Catherine's lady's maid took her lists of educational supplies and personal needs to Oxford shopkeepers. For several hours, Catherine examined Twelfth Night gifts which her lady's maid purchased from her lists for John. Her lady's maid found the finest of cravats, the softest of handkerchiefs, gentlemen's writing supplies, handsome black riding gloves, and an array of soaps and toiletries for both her master and mistress. She found a highly-polished mahogany box separated for holding shirt links and button covers. A tray in the box held watch fobs.
November 11
Sir William wrote Bennet, notifying him the articles of sale and property changes had been recorded at the land registry office. Sir Lucas asked if Bennet objected to announcing the changes at the Christmas assembly, Tuesday, December twenty-eighth.
Bennet sent permission back to Sir William, noting he would probably be in London, at the de Bourgh House. He believed he would be invited to Twelfth Night at the Matlock House, which he attend because he wanted to see Lizzy and Darcy. After Twelfth Night, he would travel to Oxford to reside with his daughter Catherine and her husband.
Bennet reviewed his letters from John and Charlotte Lucas, notifying them of the approval of the articles of sale. He asked John to ensure he could answer questions from his new tenants after the announcement. He asked Charlotte to include the three new farms when she visited the tenants.
He reviewed what the pair read, asking questions about their readings. He explained about teaching men at the de Bourgh Recovery Home.
November 19
After a simple breakfast, Roberts invited Caroline into his study. They needed to review their bills, diary and menus. The final bills for building and decorating the house were presented. Roberts and Caroline managed to establish and decorate the Roberts House with minimal arguments. Roberts preferred plain walls which did not detract from paintings. He preferred landscapes to pictures of flowers. "I am pleased with the décor of our new home," Roberts addressed Caroline. "Thank you for giving way to me about the library, my study and the billiards room."
"They are masculine, I suppose." The décor of her new home bored Caroline. Bath boasted a few good stores for furniture, paints, wallpaper and décor. She made the most of her trips there…but missed the days of shopping for elegant furniture or the newest wallpapers on Bond Street in London. Caroline did not intend to sit for a painting with Roberts…at least not until he had his heir and a spare. "Since we do not have a ballroom, I would have preferred a larger drawing room. I feel a private dance might be constrained in the drawing room. I am unsure there is enough space for tables for a card party."
Roberts agreed to consider building a ballroom in the future. Frankly, he didn't care, but it soothed Caroline to believe he listened.
This house offered a private sitting room between Caroline's sleeping and dressing room and Roberts' sleeping and dressing room. Caroline did not attempt to sway his selections, because she did not plan to spend afternoons or evenings with her husband in the sitting room. However, her study and private sitting room was a battlefield. She finally agreed to cream walls when Roberts agreed to never complain about the furniture, paintings or décor colors of the room.
"I appreciate the more manly dining room also. Since the men remain in the dining room to drink port and smoke cigars…"
"…and discuss manly pursuits and topics," Caroline commented wryly. "I will probably use our family parlor rather than the drawing room. Tis easier to keep warm…and we do not have many callers. You can read in the evenings while I play the pianoforte, or embroider."
Once Roberts left to work with his steward, Caroline would speak with the housekeeper regarding menus, her schedule, things they had in inventory, and servants. The housekeeper knew the master did not care for lavish menus. Caroline learned to request meals which did not irritate him. She would have loved to order five and twenty dishes…just to see the housekeeper blanch…but she would not give the servants any reason to report her to Roberts. They both had a stake in the current peace between them. Caroline would not order anything which bothered her…fish, venison and game pies…turnips, onions, and pumpkin.
Caroline and the housekeeper disagreed at Michaelmas regarding ordering coals, candles and soaps for the new home. Caroline increased the amount by another quarter's use…and defended her orders to Roberts. He agreed she had thought ahead about the needs for the baby, and nursery maid. What was an appropriate amount for the Steward's House would be penurious at their new, and bigger home. Caroline felt vindicated at Roberts' support. g
Roberts also agreed when Caroline wanted to change their dinner hour to half past six. The dinner hour allowed him to work until dusk from Michaelmas to Lady Day, refresh and dress for dinner. He may have thought she attempted to please him. However… Caroline felt pleased it would shorten the amount of time she must spend with him after dinner. 'The baby is useful for something…besides ruining my form. Although, Jane regained her form after Charlie was born.'
Caroline envied Louisa. 'Imagine being a widow…living where you please…spending increased funds…not bending to a husband's wishes or desires…never again becoming the property of a man…taking a lover if you desire…independence…and wearing colors I adore after wearing somber mourning clothes. If I became a widow…I would not bear lectures on my conduct…nor hold my tongue about opinions I want to express.'
Caroline envied the Countess of Matlock or Viscountess Fitzwilliam. 'Imagine being the widow of a peer…funds, title and a Dower House or Dower Suite.' Her jointure funds were penurious…but surely Roberts provided for her in a will? Before she realized she was increasing…she had visions of Roberts dying soon after Hurst. She would never live with Aunt Cordelia…nor Charles. But she and Louisa could afford to rent a good home in a pleasant part of London during the Season and Little Season. They could live in Bath the remainder of the year.
Caroline's seminary taught ladies of quality…and men of quality did not engage in trade. Yet she was subjected weekly to the Roberts Estate and Roberts Farms and their appearance at market days to sell goods. She could barely endure Cecily's nattering about what to offer for jams or jellies at the market stand. Currently black butter and wild plum jam were sought after. Caroline wished for lemon marmalade…but lemons gave her heartburn.
Caroline planned to stay in Cecily's good graces. She had enough of the orphanage for now. Cecily could stand for her until Caroline finished her lying-in.