Charlotte House Affair 01 - My Particular Friend

which Mr Jenkins added further encomiums to which this gentleman said, “Surely not,” or words to that effect, which led Mr Jenkins to expound further.’
    ‘And then a challenge was issued?’
    ‘No, not at that time.’
    ‘Then when, Mr Wallace?’ Charlotte asked.
    ‘It happened that Mr Jenkins knew that Miss Bassett should be shopping; and he suggested to us that if we might proceed to Bath Street we could observe her and this gentleman would be forced to admit that she is “the most beautiful woman that anyone had ever seen.”’ #
    ‘And what would induce him, and you, to follow, other than a natural desire to see “the most beautiful woman anyone had ever seen?”’
    Mr Wallace looked uncomfortably at Miss Bassett before answering, ‘Well, some money was at stake.’
    ‘Ah, I thought as much.’
    ‘They were very modest wagers, Mr Jenkins betting that we would agree as to his claim. It was all in fun, and all we had to do to collect was disagree. I could not say there was any animosity, and the five of us, that is myself, Mr Jenkins, his friend Mr Purcell, the gentleman who objected—that is, Mr Sunderland—and his friend Mr … oh, I forget his name but I do not imagine it important. We left the coffeehouse and proceeded to Bath Street.
    ‘It was sometime, however, before Miss Bassett’s arrival and as you know it is quite cold to-day and to warm ourselves—well several of us had flasks that were exchanged.’
    ‘So, now money and drink are involved. Please advance to the point that you observe Miss Bassett.’
    ‘Very well. He, Mr Jenkins, spotted Miss Bassett walking with her servant and called her to our attention.’ He paused.
    ‘And the outcome of the various wagers?’
    ‘Um, some paid him and some didn’t.’ Mr Wallace would not meet my eye as he said this.
    ‘I see,’ Charlotte said. ‘And I assume one who did not pay was this Mr Sunderland?’
    ‘Yes, he agreed that Miss Bassett was very pretty but not the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, although he admitted himself at a disadvantage at making such a judgement for being across the street. To which Mr Jenkins proposed they cross the street and he would introduce Mr Sunderland to Miss Bassett.’
    ‘What, you then all accosted Miss Bassett on the street?’
    ‘No, just Mr Jenkins and Mr Sunderland crossed the street.’
    ‘Perhaps I might continue the tale, Miss House?’ Miss Bassett offered.
    ‘Please.’
    ‘I saw these gentlemen across the street, or rather I heard their raised voices, and I recognized Mr Jenkins, whom I know and who has called upon me at my house and with whom, from time to time, I have danced.’
    ‘But Mr Wallace thought your relationship close enough that he thought you betrothed,’ I said.
    ‘Yes, surely there must be more than a few dances?’ Mrs Fitzhugh also observed.
    As Charlotte did not shush us, our questions must have been pertinent.
    ‘Yes, well, he did ask me to marry, about two months ago, but I begged time to consider.’
    ‘I think many would consider two months a great deal of time. What is the cause of your reticence?’ Charlotte asked.
    ‘It is … well it seems ridiculous to say this now, but I thought he lacked … I did not think his ardour sufficient. As Mr Wallace has already described him, Mr Jenkins is a quiet man, not much given to making his feelings known. But obviously I now have ample proof of his regard for me and … oh, I feel so horrible for saying this, but the differences in our stations no longer seems …’
    ‘Ah, I see. Mr Jenkins is not a gentleman?’
    ‘He is a merchant, an importer of spirits and is very successful in that, but no, he has no property even though he could well afford it. But more than that, he is a man of numbers and calculations. I do not mean to say that he is cold or uncaring, merely that his cautious ways do not excite … my interest.’
    ‘But to return to your narrative,’ I urged. ‘Mr Jenkins and Mr Sunderland were to cross the street.’
    Fortunately my prompting did not rouse my friend’s ire. ‘Quite right, Jane. Please continue.’
    ‘Mr Jenkins approached with Mr Sunderland and I was introduced to him. He seemed a good sort of gentleman—very handsome and dashing—but as I had further shopping I could not tarry long and soon made to leave, but as I was going I heard loud arguing from these gentleman and then Mr Sunderland shouted, “Are you calling me a liar, sir?” and then Mr Jenkins shouted,