Charlotte House Affair 01 - My Particular Friend

necessity of providing for my dowry as long as possible. When I met Miss House, she had obviously been out for several years and seemed far older than myself, although that impression might have been influenced by the telescope of youth, which magnified differences in ages. #
    I began to wonder then just how old Charlotte might be and I bore in mind her accomplishments. She certainly had a knowledge of the world including politics, science and the arts that would be difficult to amass by the age of five and twenty. Might she then be seven and twenty? Many would think her a spinster at that age.
    That thought made me laugh.
Charlotte a spinster!
#
    ‘Miss? Is there something wrong?’
    Mary’s question made me realize I had stopped in the street in amazement. ‘What? No, I was suddenly struck by the most outrageous thought.’
    ‘Perhaps it would be as best if we finished crossing the street, miss. My feet are getting wet.’
    At this mention a passing cart splashed icy water at our feet. ‘A good point, Mary.’
    We hurriedly crossed to the other side of the street and continued on our way. The interruption, however, made my mind return to the plight of Mr Jenkins.
    ‘What do you think of duelling?’ I asked Mary. It was unusual to ask a servant’s opinion on such a matter, I admit, but I had formed a good understanding with Mary.
    ‘Miss? What?’
    ‘Men fighting duels. What is your opinion?’
    ‘I don’t know that I’ve thought of it much. It’s something gentlemen do and I don’t know of anyone … Mr Wallace isn’t in a duel is he?’ she asked in alarm. Now it was she who paused our step.
    ‘No, of course not … no I ask merely your opinion. Come, you are more than any lady’s maid. You are Miss House’s maid and you have seen and heard more and are privy to more than any maid in Bath … perhaps to more than you should be privy, I dare say. And I would have your opinion.’
    My thought in asking Mary her opinion was also motivated by Charlotte’s odd appearance when she learned of the duel. I hoped that Mary might hold some information as to my friend’s distress. I urged her to continue walking so that our conversation would attract less attention.
    ‘I suppose I don’t understand it, miss. Why don’t they just go at it hammer ’n’ tong? That’s how men solve their problems, i’n’it, so I don’t see why gentlemen shouldn’t do the same.’ #
    ‘That might leave unsightly injury.’
    ‘Better than getting killed.’
    ‘Yes, there is that. You don’t find it … romantic then?’
    ‘La! Romantic! Wait, you’re sure Mr Wallace …’
    ‘No, of course not. I would not countenance …’
    And then the thought struck me that I would in no way ever wish to see Mr Wallace risk his life for something so … foolish. I felt chagrin that I might see in the actions of Mr Jenkins anything noble or romantic.
    ‘You’re very wise, Mary.’
    ‘Me? Oh now I see you’ve had me on, miss. Here we are!’ she said as we arrived. I decided that my questioning of Mary would have to conclude after my appointment.
    We entered and Mary was led away to join the servants of the house whilst I was led to the drawing-room and was treated to tea and a warm fire while I awaited Mrs La Fontaine. I was early for my appointment, for one did not wish to keep that woman waiting; and naturally she liked to keep her customers waiting so that she might preserve her reputation of desirability.
    Until now, I had never engaged the noted mantua-maker, having attempted to repair and adapt what few clothes I retained, hoping to cover what flaws I could not repair with ribbons or whatever scraps I might beg of Charlotte or Mrs Fitzhugh. And I had even tried, with Mary’s help, to create something entirely new but I had not the flair nor skill for it and my friends finally reasoned with me that I should have new clothes expertly made.
    I had been to Mrs La Fontaine’s establishment the week before with my friends, but now that I was alone I was quite apprehensive of my reception. And so I sat drinking the indifferent tea, my mind still on the precipitate actions of Mr Jenkins. Although my talk with Mary had made me see reason, I still could not help but think that he must love Miss Bassett to take such a risk and that his actions did warrant some change in her appreciation of him.
    I was surprised then when Mrs La Fontaine flew into the room with her assistant.
    ‘Oh Miss House, please forgive me for forcing