"I could find it in my heart to believe you, my dear, Eliza said comfortably, "did not the wind blow to our backs at present."
I HAD REASON TO PONDER ELIZA"S WORDS WHEN ONCE I HAD SEEN her safely into the care of her devoted maid, Manon, and her little dog, Pug, in the rooms Henry had engaged at the Golden Lion. I was returned once more to the street, and only steps from my cottage gate, when a brief scene unfolding near a shopfront opposite, drew my curious eye. A flash of a scarlet cloak, a stream of unbound blond hair, and the angelic features of Seraphine-and behind her, Mr. Sidmouth, his brows drawn down in an expression of angry contempt. Another man-a common labourer, and quite astoundingly tipsy, by his wavering appearance-was lounging in the shop doorway, an unattractive leer upon his face. That he had only just unburdened himself of a phrase of abuse, I read in his countenance; and knew Sidmouth"s anger to be the result. Seraphine, to her credit, appeared unmoved. her safely into the care of her devoted maid, Manon, and her little dog, Pug, in the rooms Henry had engaged at the Golden Lion. I was returned once more to the street, and only steps from my cottage gate, when a brief scene unfolding near a shopfront opposite, drew my curious eye. A flash of a scarlet cloak, a stream of unbound blond hair, and the angelic features of Seraphine-and behind her, Mr. Sidmouth, his brows drawn down in an expression of angry contempt. Another man-a common labourer, and quite astoundingly tipsy, by his wavering appearance-was lounging in the shop doorway, an unattractive leer upon his face. That he had only just unburdened himself of a phrase of abuse, I read in his countenance; and knew Sidmouth"s anger to be the result. Seraphine, to her credit, appeared unmoved. Her Her n.o.ble head was high, and her carriage graceful; she moved, as always, as though possessed of wings. I bent my head, much intrigued by what had pa.s.sed, but desirous of drawing no attention from their quarter; and in a moment I had gained the safety of the cottage door. One further glance sufficed to tell me that the intimates of High Down were turned the corner; and I breathed a sigh of relief. But why? Why this emotion at the sight of n.o.ble head was high, and her carriage graceful; she moved, as always, as though possessed of wings. I bent my head, much intrigued by what had pa.s.sed, but desirous of drawing no attention from their quarter; and in a moment I had gained the safety of the cottage door. One further glance sufficed to tell me that the intimates of High Down were turned the corner; and I breathed a sigh of relief. But why? Why this emotion at the sight of him, him, and in and in Iier Iier company? A man of whom I know next to nothing, and have even less reason to think well of; a man so little likely to prove congenial to my sensibility or expectations? The ways of the mind and heart are sometimes past all understanding. company? A man of whom I know next to nothing, and have even less reason to think well of; a man so little likely to prove congenial to my sensibility or expectations? The ways of the mind and heart are sometimes past all understanding.
Except, I am reminded, for the Elizas of this world.
1 It was customary in Austen"s time to stay at home on evenings with little moonlight, and accept engagements for those nights when the moon would be full. Travel along unlit roads could otherwise be quite hazardous. - It was customary in Austen"s time to stay at home on evenings with little moonlight, and accept engagements for those nights when the moon would be full. Travel along unlit roads could otherwise be quite hazardous. -Editor"s note.2 In Austen"s day, relations by marriage were generally referred to as relations of blood. Although the term In Austen"s day, relations by marriage were generally referred to as relations of blood. Although the term in-inw in-inw existed, it was more of an affectation than common usage. - existed, it was more of an affectation than common usage. -Editor"s note.3 The Pump Room was the social center of Bath, where many of the residents and visitors congregated daily to drink the medicinal waters pumped up for their refreshment, and to stroll about in close converse with their acquaintance. To be seen in the Pump Room of a morning, and in the Upper or Lower a.s.sembly Rooms at night, was indispensable to the conduct of one"s social life. - The Pump Room was the social center of Bath, where many of the residents and visitors congregated daily to drink the medicinal waters pumped up for their refreshment, and to stroll about in close converse with their acquaintance. To be seen in the Pump Room of a morning, and in the Upper or Lower a.s.sembly Rooms at night, was indispensable to the conduct of one"s social life. -Editor"s note.4 Eliza"s first husband, the French comte Jean Capot de Feuillide, was guillotined in 1794. Eliza retained her t.i.tle of Comtesse de Feuillide even after she married Henry Austen, out of habit and a liking for its aristocratic air. - Eliza"s first husband, the French comte Jean Capot de Feuillide, was guillotined in 1794. Eliza retained her t.i.tle of Comtesse de Feuillide even after she married Henry Austen, out of habit and a liking for its aristocratic air. -Editor"s note.5 Austen probably refers here to the stairs she later used in her final novel, Austen probably refers here to the stairs she later used in her final novel, Persuasion, Persuasion, in which Louisa Musgrove falls in jumping from one level of the Cobb to another. in which Louisa Musgrove falls in jumping from one level of the Cobb to another. -Editor"s note. -Editor"s note.6 Francis Austen, born between Ca.s.sandra and Jane in the order of the Austens" eight children, and Charles, the youngest child, were both officers in the Royal Navy. Frank Austen would end his life as Admiral Sir Francis Austen, Admiral of the Fleet. - Francis Austen, born between Ca.s.sandra and Jane in the order of the Austens" eight children, and Charles, the youngest child, were both officers in the Royal Navy. Frank Austen would end his life as Admiral Sir Francis Austen, Admiral of the Fleet. -Editor"s note.7 Eliza refers to the first of Jane Austen"s detective memoirs, Eliza refers to the first of Jane Austen"s detective memoirs, Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor. Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor. - -Editor"s note.8 Eliza de Feuillide used words very similar to these to describe her marriage in a surviving letter written from Ipswich in 1798. - Eliza de Feuillide used words very similar to these to describe her marriage in a surviving letter written from Ipswich in 1798. -Edi tor"s note.
Chapter 3 - The Satty Gibbet.
6 September 1804 September 1804 *
Ca.s.sANDRA AND I I WERE ROUSED FROM SLEEP AT DAWN BY THE HUE WERE ROUSED FROM SLEEP AT DAWN BY THE HUE and cry of a large party of men; and when I had stumbled to the window, and o"erlooked the lightening Cobb, and cry of a large party of men; and when I had stumbled to the window, and o"erlooked the lightening Cobb,1 I found them to be racing back along its length in an att.i.tude of urgency. I might have spared a thought, in my fuddled state, to wonder at such a noise; but, in truth, I merely felt all the strength of honest resentment, in being roused so early by a party of brawling flsherfolk. Though I have lived more than three years in Bath, and must be accustomed to the sounds of a city"s daybreak, I have not yet forgot the felicity of early-morning birdsong, and the gender down of the country. And so I gaped, and glared once more upon the beach, in the direction from which the men were running-and started where I stood. I found them to be racing back along its length in an att.i.tude of urgency. I might have spared a thought, in my fuddled state, to wonder at such a noise; but, in truth, I merely felt all the strength of honest resentment, in being roused so early by a party of brawling flsherfolk. Though I have lived more than three years in Bath, and must be accustomed to the sounds of a city"s daybreak, I have not yet forgot the felicity of early-morning birdsong, and the gender down of the country. And so I gaped, and glared once more upon the beach, in the direction from which the men were running-and started where I stood.
For the first rays of a rising sun had picked out the end of the stone pier, to reveal erected there a scaffolding ominous in its outlines, even from the distance at which I beheld it; and depending from its crossbar, what appeared to be a bundle of clothing, swaying dejectedly in the stiff breeze off the sea. It must-it could not be other-than a parody of a man; a straw form, perhaps, for burning in effigy--or so my bewildered thoughts insisted, as I gazed with palpitating heart. For if it were truly a man, man, then he could not be otherwise than hanged. And how a man should meet his end in so extraordinary a manner- in a place I well knew to have been free of a gibbet only the previous afternoon-was past all understanding. then he could not be otherwise than hanged. And how a man should meet his end in so extraordinary a manner- in a place I well knew to have been free of a gibbet only the previous afternoon-was past all understanding.
As I watched, a wave rose up and broke whitely against the rocks, drenching the crossbar"s nerveless form, and the cries of the fleeing fishermen drew nearer.
"What is it, Jane?" came Ca.s.sandra"s sleepy voice behind me. "A fire?"
"Nothing so general in its destruction," I said slowly, "though perhaps as inexplicable."
WHEN I I HAD DRESSED, AND BADE THE HOUSEMAID, JENNY, TO SUPPLY HAD DRESSED, AND BADE THE HOUSEMAID, JENNY, TO SUPPLY Ca.s.sandra with tea and toast, I slipped on my bonnet- which was Leghorn straw, quite new, with an upturned brim and violet ribbons-and ventured out of doors. I had told my mother I wished to purchase a pair of gloves, my own being unhappily spotted from the effects of Monday night"s rain; but, in truth, I intended to find what the townsfolk might tell me, of the body at the end of the Cobb. Ca.s.sandra with tea and toast, I slipped on my bonnet- which was Leghorn straw, quite new, with an upturned brim and violet ribbons-and ventured out of doors. I had told my mother I wished to purchase a pair of gloves, my own being unhappily spotted from the effects of Monday night"s rain; but, in truth, I intended to find what the townsfolk might tell me, of the body at the end of the Cobb.
I opened the picket gate, and turned onto Broad Street, making my way with care towards the linendraper"s on Pound. Harding and Powell"s is a bow-fronted building with a cheerful entry, much frequented by the Austens the previous year; indeed, the fifteen yards required for Ca.s.sandra"s pink muslin, which I should wear this very evening, were purchased in the shop. But beyond the delights of its lengths of silk and lawn, its ravishing soutaches and braids, its pretty little bunches of purple grapes, ideally suited for the adorning of a straw hat with violet ribbons-the shop was the centre of gossip, according to the temper of its princ.i.p.al clerk, a fellow by the name of Mr. Milsop.
A bell tinkled prettily as I thrust open Harding"s bottle-green door and stepped inside. The interior was pervaded with a peculiar mixture of scents, of the sneeze-inducing variety-part camphor, part dried roses, part good new cloth. I glanced quickly about, and found my eye drawn to a sprigged muslin exactly exactly the colour of clotted cream, a shade I may pa.s.s off with a fair measure of success; but turned away with some regret, mindful of my errand. the colour of clotted cream, a shade I may pa.s.s off with a fair measure of success; but turned away with some regret, mindful of my errand.
A group of three very fine ladies was gathered at the counter, desirous of service-or perhaps of conversation; for I perceived the very Milsop, waspishly thin, and resplendent in a sky-blue tailcoat, striped breeches, and stiff white cravat, one elegant hand at rest upon the counter"s edge, and the other holding high a quizzing gla.s.s,2 the better to study his fair audience-with the occasional glint of sunlight, in catching the gla.s.s unawares, completing the dazzling effect. the better to study his fair audience-with the occasional glint of sunlight, in catching the gla.s.s unawares, completing the dazzling effect.
And thus we have the caricature of our age-a gen-deman of weak understanding, who apes the form form of gentility in an effort to supply his want of of gentility in an effort to supply his want of substance. substance. But I was not to be afforded further moments for contemplation, or a.s.says of philosophy; the bell had drawn notice; I was seen and-to my great surprise-remembered. The paragon stiffened; the quizzing gla.s.s dropped on its silken cord; and condescension gave way to beatific pleasure. But I was not to be afforded further moments for contemplation, or a.s.says of philosophy; the bell had drawn notice; I was seen and-to my great surprise-remembered. The paragon stiffened; the quizzing gla.s.s dropped on its silken cord; and condescension gave way to beatific pleasure.
"Can it ba ba Is heaven so benevolent? Do I see before me the very Miss Austen-Miss Is heaven so benevolent? Do I see before me the very Miss Austen-Miss Jane Jane Austen-who brightened the tedious hours of an endless September past; whose delicate step, and dulcet voice, could lift my heart with her every visit-whose taste remains so far above Austen-who brightened the tedious hours of an endless September past; whose delicate step, and dulcet voice, could lift my heart with her every visit-whose taste remains so far above Lyme, Lyme, that I wonder at her repairing once more to these sadly dismal sh.o.r.es; whose understanding, penetration, and cunning ways with hat-tr.i.m.m.i.n.g are not to be equalled? Or should I say,"-with a sudden recollection of the aforementioned audience-" "equalled only by the ladies who stand before me now? And by her that I wonder at her repairing once more to these sadly dismal sh.o.r.es; whose understanding, penetration, and cunning ways with hat-tr.i.m.m.i.n.g are not to be equalled? Or should I say,"-with a sudden recollection of the aforementioned audience-" "equalled only by the ladies who stand before me now? And by her own own sister as well, the lovely sister as well, the lovely Miss Miss Austen-but can it be?" Austen-but can it be?"
To stem a further efflorescence of this kind, I hastened forward, the embodiment of womanly virtue, and extended a gloved hand to Mr. Milsop. It was decidedly spotted, and a delicate frown twitched about the draper"s eyes as he bowed gallantly low.
"I am come, as you see, Mr. Milsop," I began, with a nod to the ladies, whose company had parted coolly for my admittance, "under the direst necessity of a new pair of gloves. I was incommoded by a dreadful storm Monday last; and my things were all quite ruined with rain and mud. But I trust you shall have something that will answer."
"Answer? Answer? I Answer? I have gloves that are have gloves that are ravishing, ravishing, Miss Austen, gloves whose charms could never be denied. Silk gloves, in lilac and peach blossom; doeskin gloves, in day and evening lengths; knitted silk, or knitted cotton- Ah!" he cried, bending low over a counter and pulling open the gla.s.s, Miss Austen, gloves whose charms could never be denied. Silk gloves, in lilac and peach blossom; doeskin gloves, in day and evening lengths; knitted silk, or knitted cotton- Ah!" he cried, bending low over a counter and pulling open the gla.s.s, "these, "these, perhaps? Or would silk serve better?" perhaps? Or would silk serve better?"
Held out for my inspection were a delicately-netted pair, of the finest cotton lace. "Valenciennes," Mr. Milsop said, with the profoundest satisfaction; "and very dear."
"Then I fear they shall not not do, for a seaside resort, where one is much exposed to the elements," I replied, with regret. "Such dust and sand, as fly about these streets, should have them soiled in a moment" I scanned the counter"s array, and selected a pair of simple cotton gloves, undoubtedly the cheapest on offer in the establishment, and very like the ones I presendy wore. Mr. Milsop"s face fell; but he rallied, as was his wont, and found a virtue in simplicity. do, for a seaside resort, where one is much exposed to the elements," I replied, with regret. "Such dust and sand, as fly about these streets, should have them soiled in a moment" I scanned the counter"s array, and selected a pair of simple cotton gloves, undoubtedly the cheapest on offer in the establishment, and very like the ones I presendy wore. Mr. Milsop"s face fell; but he rallied, as was his wont, and found a virtue in simplicity.
"Such retiring taste-such a repugnance of show! Not for Miss Jane Austen the vulgarities of Spanish lace; she she is the very soul of delicacy! I is the very soul of delicacy! I quite quite agree. Indeed, I agree. Indeed, I applaud applaud your choice. With consideration, one sees that no other glove in the world could be so suited to your hand. That will be four shillings." your choice. With consideration, one sees that no other glove in the world could be so suited to your hand. That will be four shillings."
There was a murmuring behind me, while the little show of exchanging coins occurred; and with a p.r.i.c.king of my ears, I knew the three ladies whose privilege I had displaced, were discussing the very incident of which I wished to learn more.
"His face was quite ghastly," said the eldest-a bold, queer-looking woman in her middle thirties, with the accent of an Englishwoman raised in Ireland. That That accounted for the boldness, and perhaps the queerness as well-which must be said to have begun with her height, which was considerable, and her dress, a vivid green and white drapery in the Greek style, which swooped low across bosom and back, and was held at the shoulders by polished-steel clips in the form of heraldic arms. accounted for the boldness, and perhaps the queerness as well-which must be said to have begun with her height, which was considerable, and her dress, a vivid green and white drapery in the Greek style, which swooped low across bosom and back, and was held at the shoulders by polished-steel clips in the form of heraldic arms. Quite Quite unsuitable for day, unless I am hopelessly behindhand in my fashions; but her independence of attire was exceeded only by that of her slanting dark eyes, which roved everywhere, and drew back from no one. unsuitable for day, unless I am hopelessly behindhand in my fashions; but her independence of attire was exceeded only by that of her slanting dark eyes, which roved everywhere, and drew back from no one.
"You cannot mean to say you saw saw it, Mrs. Barnewall!" e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed one of her companions-a sharp-featured girl of perhaps four-and-twenty, with ginger hair and an incompatible taste for pink. it, Mrs. Barnewall!" e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed one of her companions-a sharp-featured girl of perhaps four-and-twenty, with ginger hair and an incompatible taste for pink.
"Saw it-alas, I had not the pleasure. I had the news of my tyger, it-alas, I had not the pleasure. I had the news of my tyger,3 who ran up to the gibbet when he should have been holding the horses." who ran up to the gibbet when he should have been holding the horses."
"The violence of the lower orders is not to be credited," the ginger-haired girl observed. "Why, only last week, Father ordered a tenant of ours be hanged; for you know that Father is a justice, and the man had poached one of our deer. Only imagine! So brazen! But it was an example, for the fellow had seven children, and his widow is turned out; so that now I fancy our deer shall run unmolested in the park."
"For heaven"s sake, Letty," the youngest of the three rejoined faindy, "do not talk talk so about the odious Cog-ginses. It quite turns my stomach; and you know I have not been at all well today. I think I shall have some of that yellow muslin, with the scattered border; I am sure it should improve my spirits immeasurably." so about the odious Cog-ginses. It quite turns my stomach; and you know I have not been at all well today. I think I shall have some of that yellow muslin, with the scattered border; I am sure it should improve my spirits immeasurably."
"You have spent your purse already, and Father shall have my head for it," ginger-haired Letty replied; and tucking her sister"s arm beneath her own, she exited the shop in all the complacency native to the possessor of a deer-park, however many unfortunates might be hanged to ensure its continuance.
"Mr. Milsop," the bold Irishwoman said, with an eye my way, "you have not been very kind. In fact, I must quite accuse you of cruelty. You have extolled the virtues of this lady to everyone who might listen; and yet, you deny us the felicity of an introduction. I am sure you mean to keep her acquaintance all to yourself, for fear that she shall like others better, and desert you."
"My dear dear Mrs. Barnewall!" the counter fop cried. "It would be an Mrs. Barnewall!" the counter fop cried. "It would be an ecstasy ecstasy to make to make hvo hvo such examples of womanly excellence, known the one to the other" And before I could demur, he had turned to his office with alacrity. such examples of womanly excellence, known the one to the other" And before I could demur, he had turned to his office with alacrity.
"Miss Austen, may I introduce to your acquaintance Mrs. Mathew Barnewall, of Kingsland. Mrs. Barnewall, Miss Austen-of Bath, was it not?"
"Your faculty for placing your patrons is indeed remarkable, Mr. Milsop," I replied, and shook Mrs. Barnewall"s hand.
"Bath! How delightful! You are a native of the place?" that lady enquired.
"I am not," I replied, "and, in truth, I cannot think of anyone who is. But that is to be expected, when one makes a pleasure-place a home."
"Indeed. You trade one pleasure-place for another, I see, in visiting Lyme."
"Ah! But the two are so different! The one merely called called a pleasure-place, from convention and long familiarity; and the other, so infinitely capable of inspiring real happiness!" a pleasure-place, from convention and long familiarity; and the other, so infinitely capable of inspiring real happiness!"
I could not keep the admiration from my accent. Lyme is a town that has become dear to me, for reasons I cannot fully explain; unless it be that the smallness of such a place, particularly after its season has closed, offers a peace and solitary beauty I cannot find in Bath or London-a peace denied me since my removal from dear Steventon.
"You think such a village charming, then?" Mrs. Barnewall said, with obvious disbelief.
"Certainly there is little to admire in the buildings themselves," I conceded; "but the remarkable situation of the town! The princ.i.p.al street, almost hurrying into the water! The pleasant manner in which the Cobb skirts the bay, and the beautiful line of cliffs stretching to the east!-These are what a stranger"s eye will seek, and a very strange stranger it must be, who does not see charms in the immediate environs, to make her wish to know Lyme better!"4 "But the people are so coa.r.s.e, in general; one rarely encounters good society, beyond the doors of the a.s.sembly Rooms. At this time of year, the town is overrun with common labourers and fisherfolk; and the degradations to which one is subjected! You have heard, I suppose, of the hanged man."
"Only a little," I said coolly. "But men may be hanged anywhere, I believe. I had understood it to be quite a common thing in Ireland."
"But in such a manner!" my new acquaintance cried. "The placement of the gibbet! The placard hung about his neck! The binding of his hands and feet! The mutilation of his features!"
"Of all these, these, 1 had not heard," I said, with greater interest. "There was a placard, you say?" 1 had not heard," I said, with greater interest. "There was a placard, you say?"
"a.s.suredly, my dear girl." Mrs. Barnewall advanced rather too rapidly to terms of intimacy for my taste, but in search of further particulars, I ignored her familiarity. "My tyger told me all of it. "Done for as he did," the words read, in ragged letters; and it was hung about his neck with a bit of fishing twine, of the sort such folk use for their nets."
"How very odd!" I said thoughtfully. "One supposes such violence to be the result of a bitter feud among the fishermen."
"Undoubtedly," Mrs. Barnewall replied, and loosed her parasol. "I trust, Miss Austen, I shall see you tonight at the a.s.sembly. Not that it is worth the trouble of attending; neither so very good company, as to be called select, nor so very bad, that one might fancy it dangerously exciting . But when in Lyme, it may be termed a delight, for want of compet.i.tion/" And with a nod for Mr. Milsop, she took her leave.
"What a very singular lady," I said.
The draper stiffened and surveyed me narrowly with his quizzing gla.s.s. "The Honourable Mathew Barnewall is to be a viscount. He is heir to extensive estates in Ireland."
"And yet, even that that does not explain his wife, my dear sir." I drew on my new gloves with a smile, and left the spotted pair on Milsop"s counter. does not explain his wife, my dear sir." I drew on my new gloves with a smile, and left the spotted pair on Milsop"s counter.
IT WAS AS I APPROACHED WlNGS COTTAGE THAT A PROCESSION FROM the Cobb neared where I stood, and I pressed hard against a neighbouring building so that they might more easily pa.s.s. A glimpse only of their sad burden did I have; but it was enough to nearly overpower me. Do not think, however, that it was the corpse"s starting eyes, or its lolling tongue, or what Mrs. Barnewall had airily termed a "mutilation"-in this instance, a knife slash that opened one cheek-all these, I could have withstood. But the source of my faintness upon viewing the hanged man was entirely of another order. For I had seen these features and this fellow before-and only the previous afternoon, as he lounged in the doorway opposite, hurling what I believed to be drunken insults at the angelic Seraphine. The man had appeared to earn Geoffrey Sidmouth"s contempt on that occasion, and possibly his rage. But as the body slowly pa.s.sed, I wondered with a chill in my heart whether his impertinence had cost him even dearer-whether it had won him, in fact, the brutal manner of his death.
1 Austen probably refers here to the beach that fronted Lyme"s harbor, which is also called the Cobb, though not to be confused with the jetty of the same name. - Austen probably refers here to the beach that fronted Lyme"s harbor, which is also called the Cobb, though not to be confused with the jetty of the same name. -Editor"s note.2 This was a long-handled lorgnette, with a single magnifying lens, that hung about fashionable necks. - This was a long-handled lorgnette, with a single magnifying lens, that hung about fashionable necks. -Editor"s note.3 A tyger was a small boy arrayed in livery, almost as a mascot, whom the fashionable set employed to ride on the exterior of their carriages. - A tyger was a small boy arrayed in livery, almost as a mascot, whom the fashionable set employed to ride on the exterior of their carriages. -Editor"s note.4 These words, slightly modified and expanded, make up Austen"s princ.i.p.al description of Lyme Regis in her final novel, These words, slightly modified and expanded, make up Austen"s princ.i.p.al description of Lyme Regis in her final novel, Persuasion. Persuasion. - -Editor"s note.
Chapter 4 - Le Chevalier.
7 September 1804 *
THE L LYME A a.s.sEMBLY R ROOMS SIT ON B BROAD S STREET, AT B BELL C CUFF and Cobb Gate, and their windows so o"erlook the sea, that when one is twirling in the midst of the floor (and well supplied with negus), and Cobb Gate, and their windows so o"erlook the sea, that when one is twirling in the midst of the floor (and well supplied with negus),1 one might almost believe oneself aboard ship, and borne on the crest of a wave. Or so Captain Fielding observed; and as he is a Naval man, albeit lame in one leg and now retired, I must take his observations as more generally apt than most one might almost believe oneself aboard ship, and borne on the crest of a wave. Or so Captain Fielding observed; and as he is a Naval man, albeit lame in one leg and now retired, I must take his observations as more generally apt than most But I run ahead to the middle of the play, and neglect to draw open the curtain and set the scene; and so I give you the Reverend George Austen, attired in a shabby if respectable black tailcoat of uncertain vintage, his younger daughter by his side in her borrowed pink feathers, entering upon the a.s.sembly at the stroke of eight o"clock. Henry and Eliza intended joining us later, believing the hour far too early for fashion; but I rejoiced to find the majority of Lyme society less nice in their distinctions, and the rooms already quite full, and of a happy mixture of ladies and gentlemen-the former being generally of that middle age that a.s.sures them either married or safely beyond susceptibility, and the latter retired Naval officers. Lyme has proved so attractive to the seafaring set, in fact, that a coterie of Naval families has setded in the cottages lining the streets of town; and their society seems at once so self-sufficient, and so cheerfully good, good, that one quite longs to marry a daring commander of the Red or White, that one quite longs to marry a daring commander of the Red or White,2 if only with a view to settling in Lyme some twenty years hence. if only with a view to settling in Lyme some twenty years hence.
But perhaps Captain Fielding has influenced my views.
"What a fearful crowd, my dear Jane," my father remarked, in his vaguest tone, as though only just emerging from the leaves of his book. "Had not we better return to Wings cottage, and the society of your mother? For the crush is heavy, and we know no one/" And he would have turned for the door, had I not seized his arm, and urged him firmly into the room.
"There are not above four-and-twenty couples, Father, and you know that in Bath we are commonly burdened with thrice that number. We cannot know know anyone, unless we anyone, unless we meet meet someone; and for that, you know, there is nothing like an a.s.sembly." someone; and for that, you know, there is nothing like an a.s.sembly."
"I wish your mother might have come, Jane. I wish I had insisted."
My mother remained at home, administering spoonfuls of medicine from Mr. Dagliesh"s green bottle to a suffering, though improving, Ca.s.sandra.
"I think, sir, that you will like the card room. I am sure that whist is to be played there. Shall I conduct you thither, and claim a chair?"
"But what of yourself? You will be all unchaperoned!"
I stifled my impatience-and stilled my foot, which would would tap in time to the music, the orchestra having just struck up the first dance; and considered the Reverend"s delicacy. Despite having almost nine-andrtwenty years, I remain for my father a chit of a girl, and shall claim such attentions as long as he is able to give them. But on a sudden thought, I searched the gay throng for the one woman whose acquaintance I might claim in Lyme, the better to still my father"s fears. I had only to look for the peevish young ladies met with that very morning at the linendraper"s-and there I very soon found her, standing a head above her companions and arrayed in a cloth-of-gold costume cut along Egyptian lines, with a circlet of rubies in her black hair. She had a gentleman on either arm- tap in time to the music, the orchestra having just struck up the first dance; and considered the Reverend"s delicacy. Despite having almost nine-andrtwenty years, I remain for my father a chit of a girl, and shall claim such attentions as long as he is able to give them. But on a sudden thought, I searched the gay throng for the one woman whose acquaintance I might claim in Lyme, the better to still my father"s fears. I had only to look for the peevish young ladies met with that very morning at the linendraper"s-and there I very soon found her, standing a head above her companions and arrayed in a cloth-of-gold costume cut along Egyptian lines, with a circlet of rubies in her black hair. She had a gentleman on either arm-one of whom must surely be her husband. of whom must surely be her husband.
"There, Father!" I cried, turning him in the proper direction. "I see my acquaintance, Mrs. Barnewall. She is the wife of the Honourable Mathew Barnewall, of Ireland, whom I understand is to have the viscountcy of Kings-land."3 "Barnewall, do you say?" my father replied doubtfully. "She looks rather like an actress."
"My dear Miss Austen," Mrs. Barnewall cried, swooping down upon me from her considerable height, and bearing with her several of her party, "how lovely you look. As fresh as a rose from an English hedgerow. Does not she look lovely, Captain Fielding? I am sure you admire her. So much loveliness cannot be resisted, even by le Chevalier." le Chevalier."
The man to whom she spoke was neither in that first youth, as to be called callow, nor so advanced in years, as to appear beyond the temptation of so daring a woman as Mrs. Barnewall; but he had the grace to look discomfited by the lady"s effusions, which could not help but recommend his character to me. He bowed low, and offered a smile, and asked if he might beg an introduction. At which point, I found myself indebted to the bold Mrs. Barnewall for the chief of my pleasure that evening.
She looked first to the ladies in her train. "The Miss Schuylers, of Shropshire, I believe you have seen already, Miss Austen," she said, "but may I have the honour of presenting Miss Let.i.tia, Miss Susan, and Miss Constance Schuyler to your acquaintance."
The first and second were familiar; the third, their youngest sister-left behind, it would seem, on the morning"s visit to Mr. Milsop.
I nodded; the other three bowed; and there our mutual interest ended.
"They are also privileged, in being able to call Percy- Captain Fielding-our cavalier."
At my expression of enquiry, Captain Fielding looked diffident, and would have turned away, the better to avoid explanation, but Mrs. Barnewall intervened.
"There!" she cried. "Was ever a man so perverse in accepting praise! I a.s.sure you, Miss Austen, that Captain Fielding comes by the name through nothing dishonourable, as his countenance would suggest. But I shall leave you to tease him about the story, and so give you grounds for conversation; for one must must talk in the dance, and I am sure he means to ask you." talk in the dance, and I am sure he means to ask you."
Captain Percival Fielding is of good height and very well-made, with fair hair, a quick blue eye, a sudden smile, and the ruddy countenance of a man accustomed to being and doing in all weathers. That he is possessed of a wooden leg joined just below the knee detracts not at all from his charm; if anything, it adds a certain dash to his otherwise commonplace appearance. His impediment certainly impedes impedes him very little, as I was to learn in the course of the evening; for tho" he forewent this first dance in order to make my acquaintance, to enquire as to my engagement for the next, required but a moment; and for my acceptance of his offer, only another. him very little, as I was to learn in the course of the evening; for tho" he forewent this first dance in order to make my acquaintance, to enquire as to my engagement for the next, required but a moment; and for my acceptance of his offer, only another.
"And I believe this is your father, Miss Austen? For we have not been introduced," Mrs. Barnewall said.
I hastened to amend my stupidity, and made each known to the other; and was made acquainted myself with the gentleman on Mrs. Barnewall"s other other arm, who was no more the Honourable Mathew than the Captain. A Mr. Crawford, an elegantly dressed gentleman of undistinguished countenance, balding head, and perhaps five-and-forty years-a widower possessed, so Mrs. Barnewall tells me, of a prettyish sort of place called Darby, out east along the Charmouth way. arm, who was no more the Honourable Mathew than the Captain. A Mr. Crawford, an elegantly dressed gentleman of undistinguished countenance, balding head, and perhaps five-and-forty years-a widower possessed, so Mrs. Barnewall tells me, of a prettyish sort of place called Darby, out east along the Charmouth way.
"We were just speaking," Mrs. Barnewall said, "of that dreadful business on the Cobb."
My father looked vague.
"The hanged man, Father," I supplied.
"Ah, yes-dreadful business, dreadful/" He looked a trifle dismayed-at a lady"s advancing the topic, I imagined, rather than the topic itself.
"They say he must be one of the Reverend"s men, and killed by a rival," the ginger-haired Letty Schuyler remarked.
"And /heard that it was the Reverend did the deed," her sister Susan rejoined scornfully, "because the man betrayed his trust."
"But what of the flower?" Captain Fielding objected.
"Flower?" I enquired, all attention to every detail.
"A white flower was found near the hanged man," Mrs. Barnewall supplied. "It is the talk of all Lyme."
"A rose, was it not?" This, from Letty Schuyler.
"No, no!" her sister Constance cried. "It was a lily. I have heard the Reverend intended it as a sign, but know not what what it signifies." it signifies."
"But should a man of the cloth be likely to commit murder at all?" my father cried indignantly. "We are not not in Rome, where all manner of evil may be perpetrated in an odour of sanct.i.ty. The Church of England may be charged with many faults-a laxity of moral purpose, betimes, and an unbecoming luxury, on occasion; to such faults any in Rome, where all manner of evil may be perpetrated in an odour of sanct.i.ty. The Church of England may be charged with many faults-a laxity of moral purpose, betimes, and an unbecoming luxury, on occasion; to such faults any human human inst.i.tution may be p.r.o.ne. But the taking of a life! I profess myself quite shocked that you may credit the notion, and toss it about as a commonplace among yourselves." inst.i.tution may be p.r.o.ne. But the taking of a life! I profess myself quite shocked that you may credit the notion, and toss it about as a commonplace among yourselves."
"My dear Reverend Austen," Mr. Crawford said with a knowing air, and great good humour, "you quite mistake the Miss Schuylers. They speak not of a clergyman like yourself-ho! ho! a very good joke that that would be-but of a notorious scoundrel who devils these parts-the very Reverend, who is famed for bringing contraband goods from France, and supplying all of England with his wares." would be-but of a notorious scoundrel who devils these parts-the very Reverend, who is famed for bringing contraband goods from France, and supplying all of England with his wares."
"A smuggler!" I cried. "I had not an idea of it!"
"Indeed, Miss Austen," Captain Fielding replied, "the Dorsetshire coast has ever been prey to the evil. The Reverend is merely the latest ringleader of an ancient trade indeed. The Gentlemen of the Night, as such fellows presume to call themselves, have long plied the coves and secret harbours of the very waters beyond those windows." And with a bow to the ladies, he added, "I must declare myself quite of the Miss Schuylers" opinions."
"But which?" the youngest, and the prettiest, enquired with a winning smile. "For you know, Letty and Susan cannot either of them agree."
"I think either equally possible, for the Reverend"s hand is certainly behind the gibbet," the Captain diplomatically replied.
"And I, Fielding, cannot see the sense of it," Crawford broke in. "The man"s livelihood depends upon his discretion. Why, then, take the fellow"s life in so public a manner? Would it not have been better to settle the score in privacy, and in the dark of night? A man might be thrown over the side of a swift galley, on a run from Boulogne, and no one the wiser. No," the good gentleman continued, sliding a hand into his ample waistcoat pocket, "I think the gesture too public. The scaffold was quite deliberately placed at the end of the Cobb. We might almost think ourselves recalled to Monmouth"s time.4 There is more here than meets the eye; the hanging was meant for an example. A message has been sent." There is more here than meets the eye; the hanging was meant for an example. A message has been sent."
"But to whom?" I enquired.
"There"s the rub of it. And from from whom?" Mr; Crawford"s balding pate began to shine with the honest sweat of his enthusiasm. whom?" Mr; Crawford"s balding pate began to shine with the honest sweat of his enthusiasm.
"I still hold to the Reverend," Captain Fielding said stubbornly.