Charlotte: The Practical Education of a Distressed Gentlewoman

by Amelia Grace Treader

  “For Lizzy and Sam?”

  “Might work. Don't want them setting up household here, but I'd like her settled nearby. If I let Major Travers marry my daughter, that is.”

  “Sam's a decent man, it's a good match.”

  “You're probably right Freddy, but I'm enjoying playing the hard father.”

  “Don't push too hard. Did you know Lizzy was talking about riding to Gretna Green?”

  “She would do it if I pressed her, wouldn't she?”

  “You're right about that. She's a very determined young woman.”

  “Oh all right, I'll let him know that I approve.”

  Having finally convinced Mr. Talbot of his bona fides, Major Travers explained that he had to return to London. With the onslaught of events in Staverton, he had overstayed his leave. More importantly to Freddy and even more so to Elizabeth, if he was to take up a position as an engineering advisor with the firm, he needed to investigate what he should do with his commission. He wasn't sure if he had to 'sell out' or if there was another alternative. He planned to leave for London until Freddy offered to send an express for him. “There's no harm in trying to settle things with a letter, and Lizzy will be so much happier if you're around.”

  As long as Charlotte was there, Freddy was not about to spend the evening at any place other than the Royal Oak, and so Freddy, his father, and Major Sam were in the tap room when a 'traveling gentleman' came to stay for the night. Loosed from the restrictions of home, he had been enjoying the services of servant girls on his trip, and thought the barmaid at the Royal Oak would be another pretty notch on his belt. Charlotte chatted nicely to him, encouraging him to have another pint or three, which only led him to think her more pliant about the other services he would like to have.

  Freddy was trying to explain to his father and several of the farmers why a large 'pig factory' wouldn't work, or at least not just yet. Sam had shared his joke with his soon to be father-in-law, and Mr. Talbot thought the idea of a pig factory worth pursuing.

  “Father, I've put a fair bit of thought into this and it won't work. You're right that raising the animals on that scale is most efficient. It's just that there are some other things that have to be in place for it to succeed.”

  “Really? Tell me?”

  “Transportation. How are you going to get the pigs to market? For that matter how will you bring in enough food for them all?”

  “I thought the canal could handle it.”

  “It's too slow, though in a few years steam trams could work.”

  “You're investing in them aren't you?”

  “Yes, sort of, it's a long term plan for the firm, but it's years from being a real possibility. There are two more serious problems: cooling and disease.”

  “Cooling?”

  “It would be best to send the meat, wouldn't it?”

  One of the farmers interjected, “Aye, then we could grind up the rest of the carcass for food.”

  “Without a ready supply of ice that's not going to work.”

  “Could we cure the hams, or make salt pork.”

  “Maybe though you'd need a lot of salt which adds to the transport problem. Disease is the big problem. If you put so many pigs in one place, and if any one of them catches the scours or flu, then they all could die from it.”

  His father thought about that. “So, Freddy, you're pointing out the big risk. Good lad, but I still think there's a solution to it.”

  Freddy was starting his reply, “I'm not saying you shouldn't breed them to be better producers,” when Charlotte started to screech, “No!” He looked up and say the visitor hauling her upstairs, saying “Don't be shy, my deary.”

  He rose and strode purposely to them. He shouted, “Unhand that maid, sir!” The gentleman released Charlotte and stepped towards Freddy. He was well built and prepared to fight for his interests. “Do you want to stop me?”

  “Yes. If I have to.”

  “Then it's your look out, Mate!”

  The man crouched into position and brought up his fists. He shot out a punch, which Freddy expertly blocked. He was then surprised by a hard blow from Freddy. Several more blows followed in rapid succession which left the man sprawled on the floor.

  Panting for breath, Freddy added, “It's been a while, but I boxed for my college. Glad to know I still have my punishing left hook.” He turned to Charlotte, “Miss De Vere, you are coming back to the hall, with me, tonight.”

  “But Freddy?”

  “But nothing, I want to keep you under my eye, and out of trouble.” He smiled at her, then added, “Besides if Sam ends up having to go to London to sort out his affairs, Lizzy will be lonely and I need you to keep her distracted and out of mischief.”

  13. Further Complications Related to an Estate.

  On the morrow, a hassled looking Henry drove into the yard at Staverton Hall. In his carriage and looking even less settled was the Talbot's solicitor Mr. Bayliss. Finding Freddy in the Hall, Mr. Bayliss made his irritation clear, “Mr. Talbot, you must stop with these hurried demands on my services. They are interfering with my ability to serve the firm, and Mrs. Bayliss is beginning to be upset with my frequent and sudden absences.”

  “I'm sorry for that Mr. Bayliss, this should be the last one for a long while. At least I hope it is.”

  “I've bought out the mortgages, as you requested. Not quite as cheaply as before, but still for pennies on the pound. There is a complication.”

  “A complication?”

  “The estate may be entailed.”

  “Entailed? You can't mortgage against entailed property. At least not unless you can break the entailment at will. Otherwise, it's not properly secured.”

  “That's why I came along with Henry. The entailment contracts will be recorded with the deeds, in this parish or the next. If not there at the hall itself.”

  “So either we can take the property, or put that old bat is in legal jeopardy.”

  “If her estates are entailed, the question becomes who is the real owner?”

  “That and why does he let her stay?”

  “Yes. One other thing Mr. Talbot, why pursue this property? Isn't the Staverton estate big enough already?”

  “I have my reasons, one of them is in the office.” Freddy led Mr. Bayliss to the room that his father had set up for conducting business. Shutting the door behind him, he pulled out the letter Lady Chalfield sold him. “Read this. That old croaker is trying to blackmail Charlotte.”

  Bayliss scanned the letter. “I see. She brought herself to your attention didn't she?”

  “Yes. I'd have left her alone otherwise. Now I have no choice but to pursue her until these letters are dealt with.” Knowing his employer, Mr. Bayliss realized that Freddy meant to use the power his wealth could provide to push the unfortunate Lady Chalfield to the brink of fiscal ruin, if not beyond. Freddy would do what it would take to stop this threat to his love, and count the cost cheaply at that.

  The door opened and Charlotte entered, “Freddy, I was wondering whether you'd like to walk into Holt with me. What do you have to do?”

  “Nothing.” Freddy quickly tried to hide the letter.

  “What's that?”

  “Nothing, just some boring business correspondence.”

  “No it isn't, is it? Remember you said you'd always trust me. Do you really trust me?”

  Freddy thought for a few moments and then handed her the letter. “Charlotte, what this letter says and implies doesn't make any difference to me, but I won't let that old bat ruin you.”

  Charlotte looked at the letter and then broke out in laughter, “This isn't my mother's handwriting, and my father never had the pox. She and he were very much in love. She'd never play him false.”

  “It's a forgery?”

  “Looks like it. You know, it sort of resembles John's handwriting. He could write in a passable imitation of both my parent's hands. Found it dashed useful when he was in school.”

  “Mr. Bayliss, th
is is all the more reason I have to break that old soak. Do you need me while you look for the details on the entailment?”

  “No, go for your walk with Miss De Vere. That way maybe I can get some work done.”

  Mr. Bayliss had his work cut out for him. None of the local solicitors could remember anything about an entailment, or was particularly helpful. The records kept at the manor didn't help either. Even a quick trip to Bath didn't help him find out any additional information.

  In the meantime, Mr. Willis reported to Freddy in person. “Mr. Talbot, I've done my best to track Mr. De Vere.”

  “What did you find?”

  “'My Lord Staverton's' trail has gone cold. I tracked him through Colne on the canal, but then he decamped from his boat crew and headed off into the countryside.”

  “Any ideas where he's gone?”

  “Most likely he's found refuge with a friend at one of the local farms or estates. Doubt he's gone very far, especially if he thinks he can still squeeze some ready from you.”

  “Damnation. It does sound like you're right.”

  “I could, if you want, start asking the farmers.”

  Freddy thought for a while, then replied, “No, he'll turn up if he's around here. Why don't you go back to Bath and start looking into the operations on the canals. From what you've sent me, it sounds like they may have more than a few irregularities in how they operate. Leave the papers here, we'll serve them to him when he comes to call.”

  “Mr. Talbot, sir, it's been my pleasure. Let me know if you need me to look further into this.”

  “Don't worry, I will. How are you finding it, being an inspector?”

  “Other than the time away from Mrs. Willis, which is a mixed blessing, I've been enjoying it. I've sent Mr. Netherfield a report on some of what I've found on the canals while tracking that miscreant.”

  “You have?”

  “I thought that was what you wanted as he's managing the firm's canal investments, or did you want me to report directly to you?”

  “It would be best if you send me a copy. That way someone can check on Mr. Netherfield.”

  Willis chuckled then replied, “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?v”

  “Exactly.”

  Shortly after Mr. Willis left to return to inspecting for the firm, Major Travers received a response to his letter. He spent the afternoon reading it carefully, and weighing the consequences while walking in the countryside deep in thought. When he returned well into the evening, he found the family gathered in the parlor engaged in various pursuits over evening tea. He rushed into the room and announced, “Freddy, I can take your offer, with one condition. I can go on half-pay and may be called up if I'm needed. I hope that isn't a problem.”

  “Shouldn't be. Welcome to the firm.”

  Charlotte came downstairs early the next morning as Freddy was breaking his fast, walked over to where he had been sitting and held his hand. “Freddy, dearest,” she began, “I don't see why we shouldn't just post the banns.”

  “I suppose not. It might look a little awkward foreclosing on my wife's brother?”

  “That can only happen if he can prove he's still alive. Being dead has its drawbacks. Among them, you can't hold title to property.”

  “True. The other thing that bothers me, is how to arrange for your settlement.”

  “My settlement, what about it?”

  “Normally Mr. Bayliss would have talked with your solicitor about what part of my estate would belong to you if I should die. Whether you could stay in the hall afterwards, things like that.”

  “Since Mr. Cruise fled, I don't have a solicitor, do I?”

  “No you don't and Mr. Bayliss was looking forward to that negotiation. Compared to what I normally have him doing, it's a pleasant and rewarding task.”

  “Why don't I ask Dr. Answorth? He's the closest thing I have to family. At least to any family I'm willing to acknowledge, and who won't try to steal from me.”

  “That might work, at least he could hire a solicitor for you.”

  While they were discussing this Mr. Bayliss entered the room. “Mr. Talbot?”

  “Yes.”

  “This might not be the best time, but I need to tell you that Lady Chalfield's mortgages are clear of entails. If you please I'd like to return home today.”

  “Excellent. I'll deal with her this afternoon.”

  Charlotte asked, “Deal with her?”

  “Lizzy and Sam need somewhere to live, don't they?”

  “Freddy, are you muscling her out of her estate?”

  “Yes.”

  Charlotte paused for a moment, then smiled and added, “Good. That old harridan won't pluck any more pigeons will she?”

  “That's the idea. Now Mr. Bayliss, before you return to London there is one other thing I need you to do.”

  Mr. Bayliss sighed, “What now?”

  “Miss De Vere and I will talk with Dr. Answorth about posting banns this morning. She'll need some help with a fair settlement.”

  “That would be my pleasure. But then I really do have to return to London.”

  That afternoon, Freddy, with Major Travers in tow, knocked once more on the door at Chalfield Hall. The same tired, somewhat scruffy retainer as before opened it and inquired about his business. “I desire Lady Chalfield's attention, we have a matter of business to discuss.”

  “Business?”

  “With her, not you. Unless you're her solicitor.”

  “If you would wait here.” The retainer directed them into the hall, and then slowly shuffled to find his mistress. A few minutes later he shuffled back, and saying, “This way, please,” led them to the parlor where they had met her before. Lady Chalfield sat in her favorite, threadbare and somewhat dingy stuffed chair.

  “So Freddy, to what am I indebted for you company. Ready to purchase another of my letters?”

  Freddy pulled out the papers that Mr. Bayliss had prepared. “No, Lady Chalfield, these papers are foreclosure notices on your demesne and the farmland that surrounds it.”

  She read the notices, started to chuckle, laughed, and then finally guffawed almost out of control. Eventually she controlled herself and said, “You're too late, deary, I've already lost them.”

  “Lost them. To whom?”

  “Me.” John De Vere walked in, “We were playing piquet last night and I won. Lady luck finally smiled on me.”

  “Then these are yours.” Freddy handed 'Lord Staverton' the foreclosure notices for Chalfield. Bayliss had carefully drafted them with 'Lady Chalfield or current owner' to avoid this maneuver.

  John looked at them, and laughed to himself, “Easy come, easy go. You know I can't pay off these bonds, any more than the bonds on my own estate.” He then straightened up and stared Freddy in the face. “You won't have the chance to enjoy them, you hopped up martin-jay.”

  “Why?”

  “This interference in my affairs, and your continued attention to my sister, they are a gross insult. An insult to my honor. Mine and my families.”

  “What honor?”

  John reached forward and slapped Freddy. “As if you would know anything about honor, you counter-jumper, you, you common shopkeeper.”

  Sam cautioned his friend, “Freddy, he wants a duel as an excuse to kill you. You don't have to answer him.”

  Freddy silenced his friend, “But I do. 'Lord Staverton' have you a second?”

  John paled, his bluff was called, leaving him unprepared to respond when Freddy answered him like a man of honor. “A second? Do we need seconds?”

  Freddy continued, “Certainly. It is bad form for us to arrange the details ourselves, isn't it?”

  “Y-yes.”

  “Major Travers, would you be my second?”

  “Only with the greatest of reluctance Mr. Talbot, but yes I will.”

  “Thank you. I don't have any dueling pistols, having never seen the need to purchase a set. Do you have a pair my Lord?”

  “Me? No. There's a pair
of swords in Staverton Hall, or at least there used to be. As I'm the aggrieved party I choose those.”

  “I think you have that backwards, but if all we have are swords, then swords it is. I'll see that they are cleaned and sharpened. Tomorrow morning, at dawn, at Holt Common?”

  “Tomorrow, dawn, Holt Common. I'll be there.”

  “Good. Sam, let's go.”

  On the way back to Staverton Hall, Major Travers asked Freddy, “Are you out of your mind? There's no reason to fight that souse.”

  “I have my reasons.”

  “Even though he's a souse, he's had experience using a sword in combat, which you haven't. There's no cause worth the risk.”

  “I know. But I don't really have a choice do I? If I don't he'll keep bothering Charlotte.”

  “I suppose not.”

  Freddy paused, then asked, “Sam, when we get back to the hall, can you go and arrange for the Doctor to be present tomorrow morning?”

  That evening, after dinner, Charlotte was surprised when Freddy declined to walk with her, Elizabeth and Sam. These strolls, at least when the evening weather was fine, and anything other than a drenching downpour was more than fine enough weather, were an excuse for a small amount of private time together. The four of them were supposedly chaperoning each other. Freddy gave her the excuse, “I'm sorry, but I have some business that has been neglected and must finish it.”

  As they started down the footpath by the Avon, Elizabeth asked Sam, “What business does Freddy have? I've never known him to be forgetful or neglect business matters in the past.”

  “His will.”

  “His will? What's going on.”

  “He's been challenged to a duel. Tomorrow morning at sunrise in Holt common.”

  Charlotte almost fainted with shock, “Freddy, my Freddy in a duel, with whom?”

  “I'm sorry to say it was your brother who challenged him. He said it was over Freddy's attentions to you, but I think he was shocked that Freddy accepted the challenge.”

  Visibly upset, Charlotte blurted out, “No. This will not happen. I will not let this happen. If you'll excuse me, I have to go.” She started running.