What About Cecelia?

by Amelia Grace Treader

  Gloucester, itself, brought new problems. Gloucester was a busy city on a major north-south carriage route with an active river port. Captain Wood had with no small difficulty arranged for two rooms at an inn. Miss Arnold announced she had a headache and asked which room was hers. Then she asked, “Where is Miss Wood sleeping?”

  “I thought she would sleep in the other room, my love.”

  “Then where are you sleeping?”

  “I thought, since we were engaged and our wedding is drawing closer, that maybe we could share a room tonight.”

  “Think again. Miss Wood, you'll be sleeping in the room with me. That animal can keep the Captain company in his.”

  “As you wish, my dear.” The Captain was visibly disappointed. Miss Arnold left to find her room and have a restorative nap before dinner. Cecelia felt for the Captain in his discontent. As a distraction, she pointed out, “Heulwen needs a walk, as do I. Would you like to escort us?”

  “Where were you planning to go?”

  “Down to the Severn, and then perhaps look around the Cathedral. Is that agreeable?”

  “Miss Wood, that's very agreeable.”

  “And if it's possible, could we try to purchase a proper collar and lead for Heulwen. She needs to be elegant for Bath just like me. This piece of line will never do for walking on the Parade Garden.”

  The walk to the Severn crossed the stagnant ditch that was the start of the abandoned Gloucester and Berkeley canal. Then they followed a damp footpath to the river's edge.

  As they watched the birds hunt on the muddy banks of the tidal river, George turned to Cecelia and said, “Miss Wood, Cecelia, thank you so much for coming back to Penyclawdd. I was so mortified by Jane's behavior that I didn't know what to say or do. Your friend, Mr. Landor, stopped by and it was at his suggestion that I drove to Raglan. Jane is such a lovely woman, but I wish she could control her temper and her tongue a little better.”

  “It must be hard to move into an estate where another young woman has been in charge. It could tax a saint.”

  “I guess so.” The breeze coming from the river and the fading sunlight made Cecelia's beauty stand out. Captain Wood found himself in a mawkish mood, but controlled it and said, “We'd best head back. I'm sure Jane would appreciate our company for dinner. I hope Meadows remembered to reserve a parlor for us.”

  “I'm sure he has. Meadows is reliable.”

  9. Welcome to Bath.

  The main coach road from Gloucester to Bristol was in much finer condition than the roads in Wales. It was also much busier and more diverting. The coach made good time until it was time to turn off on the road to Bath. The road that cut the corner to Bath was still better than most of the roads Cecelia had seen in Wales. They arrived outside of the townhouse Captain Wood hired, and started to unload. Miss Arnold and Captain Wood entered the house and surveyed the rooms and furnishings. In the meantime Meadows directed the disposition of the luggage. The maids started to unpack and freshen their mistress's dresses.

  Cecelia left this bustling activity behind her. She had an errand of the utmost importance, namely finding the circulating library and getting her account set up. Then, if there was time, she would find the Somersets and tell them she had arrived. A month's membership at the circulating library and reading room at Milson Street cost a steep seven shillings. Cecelia thought this cost was well justified. She was trying to decide which of two books to check out when she heard a familiar bark.

  There in the door were Captain Wood and Heulwen. He said, “I wish you had told us where you were going.”

  “I thought you'd know. I need my books, and the circulating library in Bath is ever so much larger and more up to date than the one in Abergavenny.”

  “May I see what you are getting?”

  “I thought to try Miss Tighe's 'Psyche' or perhaps Walter Scott's latest.”

  “I seem to remember Psyche was the goddess of something or other.”

  “The soul. It is a poem about love and its trials. The other is about knights and valor.”

  “The Lady of the Lake?”

  “Yes. Which do you prefer?”

  “I find Scott's work too belligerently exciting for my taste. Let it be Miss Tighe's.”

  “The so shall it be.”

  As they left the library, Cecelia turned to Captain Wood and said, “I don't know if you wish to escort me, but I should call on the Somerset's. They have a place on the Royal Crescent.”

  “Do you know the number? There are a fair number of houses on the crescent and I'm not taking you to every door.”

  “Of course. Number 15.”

  “It is a fair walk, are you sure they will be ready to receive you?”

  “Most likely not, but I should like to let them know that we have arrived. I promised Mary I would tell her as soon as I could.”

  “However, books were more important?”

  “Of course, I need my intellectual stimulation. Before we go to the Somersets, should we get Jane?”

  “She said she needed to rest, so I shall let her sleep.”

  They walked the half mile to the Somerset's together. When they arrived at number 15, Cecelia dashed up and knocked on the door. The doorman opened it and dauntingly asked, “Who are you Miss and what is your business?”

  “Is Miss Somerset in? It's Miss Cecelia Wood. She was expecting me to call when I arrived in Bath.”

  The man coolly looked her over, and frowned at her.

  “These are my traveling clothes. I came immediately upon arriving.”

  Captain Wood stepped forward and backed Cecelia up. “Miss Wood and Miss Mary Somerset are friends.”

  “And who are you? With this dog.”

  “I'm Captain George Wood, this is Heulwen. Miss Somerset knows her too.”

  With the greatest of reluctance the doorman opened the door and let them in. His manner that reminded George of a dog presented with a cat and suspicious of its bona fides. He escorted them to the hall and then left them to tell his mistress about the dubious visitors. Much to his surprise Miss Somerset insisted on accompanying him when he returned to the hall.

  “Cecelia! You've finally arrived, and Captain Wood. I see you decided to bring Heulwen.”

  “She decided to come,” was George's dry response.

  “You agreed that she could.”

  “Well then, who's a good doggie?” Heulwen barked a joyful greeting, then rolled over for a tummy rub.

  “I thought it best to let you know we had arrived,” Cecelia commented, “This is just a visit of courtesy. We won't keep you from what you were doing.”

  “I wasn't doing anything to speak of. Mother and my Aunt Esther are here.”

  “Aunt Esther?”

  Mary rolled her eyes, “A very virtuous old-fashioned woman. They'll insist you see them. Though, Captain Wood?”

  “Yes?”

  “Would you mind not bringing your dog?”

  “Perhaps it's best if I remain here with her. Please make my excuses.”

  Mary escorted her friend upstairs to the parlor. Cecelia commented, “I feel like a knight on his way to the dragon's den.”

  “Don't be silly. You know Lady Elizabeth. She'll keep my Aunt's tongue in bounds.”

  Cecelia curtsied when she entered the room. Aunt Ester's acid tongue spat out, “So this is poor Sir Giles' daughter. Pity that her dress is so incredibly out of style.”

  “These are my traveling clothes, Ma'am.”

  “Did you walk here?”

  “Well, yes. How else should I have come? My horses are back in Wales. I can only stay a few minutes as Captain Wood and Heulwen are in the hall waiting for me.”

  “What a hoyden. Elizabeth, are you sure that this woman is a suitable companion for your daughter? She seems so lacking in refinement.”

  “Esther, dear sister, Miss Wood was most helpful while we were in Monmouth. She will rapidly acquire the town bronze she needs.”

  “She taught me to ride well, Aunt.�
� Mary interjected. Her aunt continued, “I'm not sure that I approve of young women riding where they will. We didn't do that when I was a girl.”

  “Times change, Esther.”

  “Not for the better. The rot started when you ran off with that Charles of yours.”

  “I'd say, since Sir Charles is a prominent member of parliament, I've done rather well out of running off with him. Especially since we're still in love with each other.”

  “Why aren't you with him? You said that you were planning to go to the village with him.”

  “I thought I'd help Mary's friend find her feet first. Then it's an easy post to London.”

  Aunt Esther was not thoroughly satisfied with this response. Before she could speak her mind, Mary injected, “Miss Wood, I thought we should call for you tomorrow in the carriage and take you to Miss Antoinette's. We dropped your measurements off when we arrived, so the gowns should be ready for a final fitting.”

  Cecelia blushed, “You shouldn't have. I'm fine with my own.”

  “Not really Miss Wood,” Mary replied, “You'll see how outre and old-fashioned your wardrobe is soon enough. Then we thought to come back here and have a caper-merchant visit. Even I will need some practice on the latest steps.”

  “All I can say is thank you. Are you sure you want to do this?”

  Lady Elizabeth expostulated, “Yes. Miss Wood our carriage will be outside of your apartment mid-morning. Should we reserve a place for Miss Arnold?”

  “I don't know, but it would be best if you did. She could rightly take exception otherwise.”

  “Mary, while you escort Miss Wood back to the hall, make sure you get her direction.”

  “Yes, Mother.”

  The carriage arrived outside the townhouse in the morning while Captain Wood and Miss Arnold were finishing their breakfast. Cecelia had long finished hers and was anxiously waiting by the window. She came bounding back through the townhouse, shouting, “They're here!”

  Jane gave her a hard stare and muttered, “Deportment, Miss Wood, deportment.”

  “I'm sorry. It's just I'm so excited. Should I ask them to wait for you?”

  “No, please go without me.”

  After Cecelia skipped downstairs and out into the street to board the carriage, Jane turned to George and snapped, “I can't take much more of this Captain Wood. Seeing that little commoner get special treatment by Lord Somerset's family.”

  “Jane, that commoner is a Baronet's daughter.”

  “Hmmph. If you say so. Still, it rankles. How is she going to pay for those dresses? Not with your money I hope.”

  “It is my understanding that she has quite a nest-egg saved, and that she is not planning to purchase many gowns.”

  “If you say so, but please do not let her charge them to Penyclawdd.”

  “She won't.” He neglected to tell her that he had offered and Miss Wood refused.

  Miss Antoinette's was an eye-opening experience for Cecelia. Miss Antoinette, herself, was a thin woman of uncertain age with a French accent that came and went as needed. She had started her career as an English seamstress to members of the ton in London. When her reputation started to spread she adopted a stylish French name and French mannerisms.

  Cecelia thought her plain high-waisted gowns were serviceable enough, and that her few white muslin ones were elegant. Unfortunately, the fashion had changed and was now 'Gothic'. The current style was for colorful gowns, a waistline that was near the waist and many ornamental decorations. Where last year, straight lines and classically inspired gowns were de rigeuer, now gussets, frills and ribbons were in fashion. The recent change in taste, like many paroxysms of style was rapid. Mary's admittedly more elegant gowns from last year were almost as out-dated as Cecelia's.

  The two friends engaged in a buying spree that included an emerald colored Spenser Jacket for Cecelia, gloves for both women, and a gown to be ready for a private dance tomorrow. Mary left orders for several more. As they were leaving, Cecelia turned to Miss Antoinette and asked about paying.

  Miss Antoinette stared at her. “Mademoiselle, one does not handle money.”

  “But how? I mean I will owe you.”

  “Your agent will receive l'addition when it is ready.”

  “Oh. I'm sorry. Did I just do something rude?”

  Miss Antoinette's uncertain French accent dropped away as she laughed, “I wish all my customers were as ready to pay as you, Miss Wood. Don't worry, Lady Elizabeth will put up the blunt if need be.”

  Once in the carriage and on the way back to 15 Royal Crescent, Cecelia asked her friend, “Miss Antoinette said Lady Elizabeth will put up the blunt. I hope she didn't mean for my clothes too.”

  “I wouldn't worry about it.”

  “I do. I hope your mother will let me stand by myself. I must at least thank her, if nothing else.”

  The caper-merchant was waiting when they arrived back at the Somerset's house. After a hours practice, he pronounced that Miss Wood was ready. At least as long as they weren't waltzing. It seemed she had no trouble dancing when she wasn't dancing with the Captain. Then much to Cecelia's chagrin, she was bustled off to the carriage and returned to her residence without a chance to corner Lady Elizabeth and insist that she pay her own way.

  As she entered the building and started upstairs to the parlor, a brown and white streak came thundering down. “Heulwen! I was only gone a few hours, why the excitement?”

  Captain Wood called from above, “That dog. She's been whining all day. Seems she misses you.”

  “I'm sorry, has it been bad?”

  “Not for us.” Jane was in a good mood. She spent the morning clothes shopping. Several old acquaintances complimented her about how well she was looking and how handsome her fiancée was. This had made her day enjoyable. She said, “But that dog will have to learn to be quiet.”

  “She will, it's just so new here.” Cecelia entered the parlor and continued, “What have you been doing?”

  “Shopping, new clothes though not quite as fancy as Miss Antoinette's.”

  Heulwen was bounding around. “She needs a walk, poor dog. Anyone else interested.”

  Jane looked at George and then replied, “I think that might be a good idea. Why don't we all wander down to the Parade? Then we can have supper afterwards.”

  A few minutes later the three of them emerged onto the streets. Jane offered a possessive arm to George, while Cecelia held Heulwen's lead. They headed downhill through the town to the Parade garden. Then they slowly processed around it with the other fashionable people. The evening's fine weather brought out many of the ton. They were walking both to see who was here and to be seen themselves. Cecelia noticed someone and said, “Jane, that man over there. He's following you. Do you know him?”

  Jane turned and gave the man a hard stare. Then she declared, “I don't know that man at all. Captain Wood, when we are married, what should we name our first child?” Cecelia watched as the man turned and sadly stalked off. George said, “I hadn't thought that far ahead, my love. Don't we still need to hear from Lord Pershore?”

  The next day flew by. Cecelia received her gown from Miss Antoinette's and tried it on for her friends. Even Jane admitted it became her. With Heulwen given her one last walk of the day, Cecelia finally was able to put her gown on for real. She wore a simple pearl necklace that was her mothers. Together they gave her the appearance of a sophisticated young woman. She anxiously awaited Miss Arnold and Captain Wood in the parlor, but finally they arrived. George had a footman summon a cab and they rode the few blocks to the assembly.

  Lady Elizabeth and Miss Somerset met them in the octagonal room and they entered the hall. The band was starting the chords for the first country dance of the evening. Naturally, Captain Wood led his fiancée onto the floor. Much to Cecelia's surprise, Miss Somerset stepped back into the ranks of the chaperons along the wall, but not before whispering to a few of her friends. One of those friends, a dashing officer in his regimentals int
roduced himself to her. Together they were out on the floor. Cecelia was dancing her first dance in Bath. Other invitations to dance soon followed. By the middle of the evening when the dancing stopped, Cecelia found herself in need of the break. She joined her friends in the crush for supper and then as they found a place to eat.

  While they were enjoying supper, a footman arrived from the Somerset's house carrying the fatal letter. Its black seal indicated bad news, usually a death. He coughed to get Miss Somerset's attention. Then he handed it to her and said, “I'm sorry, Miss, to be the bearer of evil tidings. This came by express and your aunt thought it best if you were presented it immediately.”

  Mary broke the seal and the sprinted through the letter. “It is about Major Henry. He was killed in Spain.” She sat stunned, and then began to weep. Captain Wood, on hearing the words 'killed in Spain', stood and wandered off. He was buried deeply in his own world of smoke and death. Cecelia and Jane did their best to comfort their friend, but there was little they could do in this public place. She needed to go home.

  Cecelia rose and strode to the Captain. She gave him a hard slap across the face. He shook himself, and shouted, “Cecelia what are you doing here? The French are coming!” As she hauled back to give him another slap, and since she was not a weak woman it would have stung, he suddenly started, “I'm in Bath, thank God. Cecelia, what is it? Why did you slap me? That hurt.”

  “It is Miss Somerset. She needs our help. She's received terrible news from Spain and we must escort her home.” Captain Wood began to drift off into his own world when he heard 'Spain', but pulled himself back to reality. Seeing Mary weeping, he asked if he should get a chair for her. Cecelia replied, “No, I think the walk will do her good. She shouldn't be alone, and she'll need our support on the way.”

  Together they talked Mary into rising. With both the Captain's and Cecelia's care and support she walked out of the Assembly room. They supported her on the long walk to the Somerset's house. Jane followed behind, feeling very much the unnecessary third wheel. After negotiating the maze of footmen, they brought Mary to her mother, Lady Elizabeth. She asked them to wait in the parlor while she comforted her daughter.