Chapter Nine #2
‘You’re just saying that so you are not disappointed if he does not appear. I hope he’ll come; it is such a long time since I saw our dabbling duck.’
‘Mr Fowle’s schooldays with our father are a long time ago … he’s on his second curacy now at Welford.’
‘And do you still like him as much as you ever did?’ Jane asks.
I have a feeling that Cassandra will not divulge her innermost thoughts and feelings.
‘I like him well enough,’ I reply.
‘Like him! Cassy, you are too reserved, and I do not believe a word of it. Even when we held the first ever Christmas theatricals, anyone could see how you worshipped him. He was the kindest sort of brother then, another to add to our family lot. But, he’s always singled you out, and shown the greatest affection, you must admit that, and now the case is completely altered.
He is a dashing young man of twenty four, and you are both of an age for falling in love. ’
I smile, despite trying very hard not to let Jane see my feelings.
‘I do not think Mr Fowle sees me in any way other than one of his best friend’s little sisters.
I’ve many hearts to conquer yet, you know, before I find a husband, and even if I should “set my cap” as our great-uncle might say, it will have to be on a rich gentleman to satisfy our mother. ’
‘I shall keep Lucius at bay, do not fear, my dearest sister.’
‘It’s keeping our mother from propelling me into his path, that’s the true problem.’
Jane smirks. ‘All will be well … I shall distract her at the water fountain whilst you knock down the Pumper, and run mad to your lover. Whence, Mr Fowle will proceed to bend upon one knee and ask for your hand before whisking you off to Gretna for love in a rural cot, and an assignation at the blacksmith’s anvil.
And once wed, our mother will have to give up her dreams of having you married off to our cousin. ’
‘Jane, you have too much imagination, though I’ve never been to Scotland, and I would love to see a highland reel.’
We both burst out laughing, and suffer uncontrollable giggles until our mother turns with a warning look that we’ve seen many times before.
As it turns out none of the expected parties have arrived at the Pump Rooms after all, and though I am relieved not to have seen Lucius and his family I can hardly disguise my disappointment that Mr Fowle is not there.
‘He may come yet,’ says Jane, and I know none of my thoughts are hidden from her. ‘In any case, you are to attend a ball at the upper rooms this evening, and he is sure to be there. If only I could come with you.’
‘At this moment in time, Jane, I wish I was staying at home.’
‘You will think quite differently when you’re there, I am certain.
I know you will never want for partners.
And we know you are certain of securing at least one partner if Jemmy’s last letter is to be believed.
Mr Fowle is on his way to Bath to rescue a certain young hen from being plucked by wily foxes. ’
‘Oh, Jane, you are such a tease.’
‘I know, I cannot help it, but you must admit, dear sister, my observations conjure up such a good picture. And remember, you must make a note of everything - I want to know who was there, and what everyone said. And I need to know everything Mr Fowle says to you. For the purpose of literary research, of course.’
I shake my head at my little sister; we finish our water, and set off for home.
Our great-uncle’s generosity means that the Pulteney Street townhouse has become our temporary home, at least for a while, and it is a good deal grander than any lodgings my father could have secured.
It is a change from The Paragon where Aunt and Uncle Leigh-Perrot reside or Bennett Street, which is a little cramped, where our other cousins the Coopers live.
It would be something to live in style in such a manner - a house in the country and a house in Bath.
My mother certainly seems to be enjoying her time spent here, and is less susceptible to her frequent illnesses she seems to suffer at home.
I am quite anxious about this evening, and will miss my sister’s company though our cousin Jane Cooper will be there, and I daresay we’ll have much to talk about if we’re left without partners.
I am dressed at last, and feel quite satisfied with my appearance, though I’m unwilling to believe that I look as beautiful as Jane tells me.
My gown is adapted, a cast-off from Aunt Leigh-Perrot, but in the most ravishing duck-egg striped silk, and designed in the English style.
My aunt has lent me a painted fan, and I’m wearing one of Jane’s ribbons in my hair, which has been styled, so most of it is piled up on top of my head, leaving a section to curl down one side.
I can see the disappointment in Jane’s eyes at being left behind, and wish more than ever that she could come with me.
But, the carriage is at the door, and I follow my parents to sit on the hard leather seats, waving a kiss to my sister who is quickly ushered back inside by the housekeeper.