Charlotte House Affair 01 - My Particular Friend

have it from Mr Arbuthnot the tailor that Mr Sunderland’s tardiness in paying his bills may require an action. I have it further from Mr Arbuthnot that there has been a very recent financial calamity resulting from speculation in the canal company. I am sure a young woman such as yourself does not know of these things but I myself barely escaped a loss of my canal stock. An older woman such as myself must take care, even if Mr La Fontaine had so carefully provided for me.’
    I was surprised at this last, having always assumed Mr La Fontaine was an invention, like that of our housekeeper’s husband. I also thought it possible that not all Mrs La Fontaine’s information could be considered reliable. #
    ‘Do you have any idea why Mr Sunderland is so quick to take offence?’
    ‘None whatsoever, unless it be … oh my, I don’t know if I should say.’
    I said nothing, assured that Mrs La Fontaine could not long withhold gossip and to no surprise I was proved correct.
    ‘Well, as you are Miss House’s particular friend I can tell you that I have heard that the timing of Mr Sunderland’s birth was not propitious as it happened not long after the death of his father, who died of a long … a very long, illness. A wasting disease, I believe.’
    I would have asked for clarification but Mrs La Fontaine was informed of the arrival of another customer and as my fittings were done I had to leave, but with information I thought my friends would appreciate.

Mr Wallace Reports
    ‘No, I am afraid Mr Jenkins remains adamant. Nothing I could say would deter him and if as expected Mr Sunderland demands satisfaction to-morrow, he will accept the challenge.’ And then Mr Wallace gave us a wry smile and amended, ‘Unless of course it is Mr Jenkins who demands satisfaction and challenges Mr Sunderland. Apparently he believes the failure to call Miss Bassett … to acknowledge her beauty … the more serious offence.’ #
    This was disappointing but not unexpected news from Mr Wallace, who had returned to us after communicating with both parties. He had most recently met with Mr Jenkins after earlier talking to Mr Sunderland and he met with us after dinner. We were now seated with him in the drawing-room, where he drank coffee and brandy to warm himself after his travels.
    ‘Tell us what you know of him, Mr Wallace. Miss Bassett said he is not a gentleman,’ Charlotte said.
    ‘I suppose not, but he’s certainly wealthy enough from importing rum. He has considerable contracts with the army and navy. An army may march on its stomach, but rum and gin keeps it happy. I’ve had conversations with him about preserving food.’
    ‘Preserving food?’ Mrs Fitzhugh asked.
    ‘Yes, it’s appalling what the men eat in the field or sailors on long voyages. They say Napoleon will pay 12,000 francs to whoever can find a way to keep food from spoiling, and I think His Majesty should do the same. Mr Jenkins pursues the same goal and it’s a noble one, regardless if it might also make him even wealthier.’ #
    ‘And your opinion of him?’ Charlotte asked.
    ‘Well, something of a cold fish,’ he said, but then stopped himself. ‘No, that’s not fair. He’s really just awkward and uncertain about everything except business and so he says little. I wouldn’t want to be stuck in a coach with him for a long trip, but he acts as a gentleman ought; I’ll not gainsay it.’
    ‘Where did you speak to him?’
    ‘At his home in the Circus,’ he said while refreshing his coffee and helping himself from the plate of biscuits he’d requested.
    ‘And in attendance were?’
    ‘Mr Jenkins, his friend Mr Purcell and myself.’
    ‘Ah, his brother is not yet come?’
    ‘No, a message was sent but as his brother is in Liverpool he is not likely to save me from my unwanted duty.’
    ‘How did Mr Jenkins seem?’
    ‘Very much like his usual self. He appeared to be going over his books with Mr Purcell. Mr Jenkins arrived here only Tuesday from Bristol, Mr Purcell having arrived earlier.’
    ‘So he did not seem like a man putting his affairs in order.’
    ‘Oh, I see what you mean. No, he seemed his regular sober self.’
    ‘Which is at odds with his demeanour this morning, when he challenged Mr Sunderland?’
    ‘Yes, that’s true. It
was
very uncharacteristic of him. He normally keeps his opinions to himself. I suppose his admiration of Miss Bassett got the better of him.’
    ‘Perhaps. Now what precisely did you say to attempt to