My Dear Charlotte

by Hazel Holt

  “So that is your beauty,” Mr Russell said. “I admit that many people would describe her so, but for myself I find fair hair insipid and much prefer dark hair and a brown complexion.”

  I do not scruple to tell you, My Dear Charlotte, that one’s heart warms to such a man.

  I had a letter yesterday from Mary saying that she fully intended writing to you by Mr Stevens’ frank and only happened entirely to forget it, but will write to you soon. I will write to you after tomorrow’s visit to Holcombe Park so that you may be fully informed of every detail of that great event. To you, of course, surrounded by the pleasures of Bath (did you enjoy your airing in that very bewitching phaeton and four and did you go to the top of Kingsdowne or was that considered too far?), they will seem but small beer.

  Our father was delighted with the stockings, which are an excellent fit and most handsome, and desires me to tell you so. Adieu.

  Yr affectionate sister,

  E.C.

  1st June

  My Dear Charlotte,

  If you paid attention to the conclusion of my last letter, you will be, I hope, eager to learn how all went off at Holcombe Park yesterday. Fortunately our father was able to spare the horses from the farm so we went in the carriage and did not need to set out until just before four o’clock. Mrs Woodstock, you will remember, dines fashionably at five.

  We were sixteen: Mr and Mrs Woodstock, she seemingly recovered though very red in the face (I hope she may not be dropsical), he as mute and retiring as ever in his wife’s company, Mr James Russell, Sir Thomas Egerton and his lady, who was wearing a most odd cap with a peak at the front and a multitude of beaded ribbon bows, two at the temples and one over the right ear, old Lady Newton, much improved by a new wig, Admiral Lloyd, who is grown very stout, Dr Matlock, now sadly deaf (I have heard that he can barely conduct a service and mistakes the timing of all the responses), Captain Tilson, whose red coat was very cheering in such company, Mr and Mrs Craven and their daughter Elizabeth, whose red hair and freckles were not enhanced by a gown of pink satin with a heavy lace overdress – though since her fortune is as extensive as her freckles I do not suppose that she needs to care about such things. There was one unfamiliar face, a tall gentleman, no longer in his first youth, though by no means middle-aged, with regular features, a very brown complexion and a most pleasant manner. He is, it appears, a Mr Frederick Rivers, a cousin of our host, who has been for some years in charge of Mr Woodstock’s estates in Barbados. A bad fever necessitated his return to this country, which return must have been very recent indeed to have escaped our local intelligence. It was generally felt that his presence gave an agreeable novelty to the whole proceedings. The party was completed by Mr and Mrs Cowper and their daughter Elinor (wearing the yellow gauze gown and the long sleeves that you yourself admit may now be worn at evening parties).

  You were enquired for very prettily, and I hope the whole assembly now understands that you are in Bath. Admiral Lloyd surpassed the rest in his attentive recollection of you and desired to be remembered to you when I wrote next, which instruction I have hereby carried out. After dinner (the widgeon with ginger was excellent, but the mutton shockingly underdone) Miss Craven was called upon to delight us with her playing upon the pianoforte, which she did at considerable length. Mr Russell stood dutifully at her side, turning the pages of her music while she sang a number of excessively mournful Scottish ballads.

  It is obvious that Mrs Woodstock has made it plain to her nephew where his inclination should lie and it was entertaining to see how assiduous were his attentions to Miss Craven while his aunt’s eye was upon him.

  The larger part of the company made up tables to play quadrille, leaving only three couple to dance – Lady Egerton choosing to place herself in the younger set. Mr Russell led out Miss Craven, Lady Egerton, with that eye for a red coat you have often remarked on, partnered Captain Tilson, and I stood up with Mr Rivers. I found him very gentlemanlike and conversable and he tells a story well. He had many interesting things to say about life in Barbados, yet told with a liveliness and humour and not in the least dull or prosy. I danced several times with Captain Tilson and twice with Mr Russell (when his aunt’s eye was occupied with her cards). In fact I cannot remember an evening at Holcombe Park passing so pleasantly, indeed, I was surprised when the tray was brought in for supper, to find it already 10 o’clock.

  Our father was greatly taken with Mr Rivers, having had some conversation with him at dinner, and pronounced him a most sensible man. He (Mr Rivers) is to stay at Holcombe for a while to recover his strength before he returns to Barbados. From the conversation I had with him, I believe he loves that country and, indeed, he made it sound amazingly attractive, something I would not have believed possible. Our father was so struck with Mr Rivers that he has invited him to dine with us when the Chamberlynes come next week.

  Our mother confirms my opinion that Mrs Woodstock has decided that her nephew is to marry Miss Craven – the Cravens’ estate marches with that of the Woodstocks – so I imagine that the poor young man’s fate is sealed. Certainly he can look for no support from his uncle – that wretched man would not dare to say boo to a goose, let alone his formidable spouse. I suppose Mr Russell might make a hasty return to London, but since he is solely dependent upon his aunt’s bounty, I do not think such an action very likely. I daresay they will manage as well as others in the same situation. I do not believe Miss Craven disagreeable, though I have never found her intelligence to be great and her conversation is amazingly dull.

  I shall be interested to see if our two new arrivals – Miss West and Mr Rivers – are at the Assembly next Thursday. Certainly illness did not appear to interfere with Mr Rivers’ dancing and perhaps Miss West may find the exercise beneficial. Perhaps the fact of their both having been invalids will draw them together. I shall also look forward to the Assembly as being the occasion of my wearing the new lace you have so generously sent, the beauty of which astonished me – it is almost too handsome to be worn. I had hoped to dazzle the company at Holcombe in it, but unfortunately Mrs Dean has not yet attached it to my lilac muslin, but she promises it faithfully for Wednesday and I shall see that she does not fail.

  The glasses have arrived (none broken) and have given great satisfaction. Our mother sends her thanks and wonders if you would kindly investigate the possibility of purchasing a mangle such as Mary obtained last time she was in Bath and which has proved such a success.

  You will be happy to know that we had the felicity of a letter from William. I am glad to say that the Scorpion is still at Gibraltar. He has not yet received the shirts and I have hopes that he may stay there at least until they arrive. Lord Egerton said yesterday that he had read in the newspaper that all 1st Lieutenants of the frigates whose Captains were to be sent into line-of-battle ships, were to be promoted to the rank of Commanders. If Mr Layton’s intelligence should be correct and William be transferred to a frigate soon… but as you are aware there are two unreliable sources here – Lord Egerton and the newspapers!

  I most finish now as Henry Wilmot is expected this forenoon. I hear from Eliza that he gave an excellent sermon last Sunday – a little too eager sometimes in his delivery, but that is better than a want of animation, especially when it comes from the heart as it does with him.

  Yours affectionately,

  E.C.

  4th June

  My Dear Charlotte,

  Your letter took me by surprise this morning; you are very welcome, however, and I am obliged to you. I am sad to hear that our uncle is no better for drinking the waters nor from the bathing. Perhaps now that he has transferred to Dr Fellowes from Dr Mapleton there will be some improvement, especially since, as you say, Dr Fellowes has become quite the most fashionable physician in Bath, and that we know is a powerful incentive for recovery in a patient. It is fortunate that this set-back has not in any way curtailed your entertainment. The grand gala in Sydney Gardens must have been charming with the concert, illumi
nations and fireworks. I am glad you were not cheated of this, as when you said the whole thing had been put off because of bad weather last week I had not realised it was merely postponed.

  I am quite pleased with Isabella and Mrs Dean for wanting the pattern of our caps, but I am not so well pleased with your giving it to them. Rugeley called today with the books he promised. We have the second series of Miss Edgeworth’s “Fashionable Life” as well as the Bickerstaffe and he produced a surprise – three volumes of Mrs Grant’s “Memoirs of an American Lady” which he had extracted from Colonel Forrester’s wife when he took a parcel of books to the militia camp on his way from his Bridport shop last Tuesday. I shall have these delights to myself at present since our mother has got Sir John Carr’s “Travels in Spain” from Miss Lytham and is reluctant to break off for any new volume.

  I had a brief conversation with James Russell yesterday when I was sheltering from a squally shower in Layton’s shop. I expressed surprise at seeing him in a linendraper’s and he replied, “A commission for my aunt, Miss Cowper. Some embroidery thread for a firescreen that she has been working this twelve-month to my certain knowledge.”

  “I trust, sir, that your aunt is now quite recovered. She seemed in excellent health when we had the pleasure of dining with you.”

  “Since she has now had her own way for seven days in a row, she is in excellent health and spirits,” he replied lightly. “I must say,” he continued, “how much I enjoyed that occasion.” I was wondering if he had been so obliging to his aunt as to fall in love with Miss Craven when he added, “Your presence, Miss Cowper, elevated a humdrum dinner party into an event of unique pleasure.”

  So you see, My Dear Charlotte, that Mr Russell is a confirmed flirt. He very kindly escorted me home since he had had the forethought to provide himself with an umbrella, and, when he came in to pay his respects to our mother, she took a sly delight in quizzing him about Miss Craven, in a roundabout way, you understand, but enough to tease him.

  “It was such a pleasure to see Miss Craven in looks “ she said.

  “Indeed Miss Craven looked delightfully” was the reply.

  “And she sang quite charmingly.”

  “Miss Craven is a very accomplished young lady.” And so on. It was highly entertaining. Our father then spoke of Mr Rivers.

  “We had not heard of his arriving; it was a pleasure to meet him.”

  “Frederick had not been looked for until the autumn,” Mr Russell said “but the fact of his illness brought his visit forward. He has been the manager of my uncle’s estate for many years now and this is his first visit to Holcombe. He is a very agreeable fellow.”

  “We must hope that our good Dorset air will soon make him well,” our mother said.

  “It certainly seems to have had a good effect upon Miss West,” I said. “She is in fine spirits and will, I hope, be well enough to attend the next Assembly on Wednesday. Do you go, sir?”

  “If you are going, Miss Cowper,” he replied with a bow, “then I will certainly make a point of doing so.”

  “Oh everyone will be there,” our mother said. “We sometimes have as many as four and thirty couple.”

  “Then I must immediately bespeak two dances with Miss Cowper here, for I am sure she will be engaged for all of them.” So I have the comfort of being certain of one partner on Wednesday.

  I forgot to mention that Rugeley told us that the ——Militia is to move to Worthing and their place will be taken by the —— Foot. We will certainly miss Captain Davey and Captain Barton at our Assemblies, but perhaps the —— Foot may have in its ranks equally charming dancing partners. Indeed, unless one should happen to be personally attached to the wearer, one red coat is very like another.

  I hear from Mary that her new nursery maid is a disappointment and will not suit, so the whole business is to be done again. I do hope that by the time of your visit a satisfactory substitute may have been found, though, knowing Mary’s determination not to like anything or anyone recommended by her mama-in-law, it seems like that the infant will be breeched and indeed in school before such a paragon may be obtained.

  I must away to Mrs Dean to see whether or no my newly trimmed gown may be ready for the Assembly.

  Your affectionate sister,

  E.C.

  6th June

  My Dear Charlotte,

  I was so sorry that you were not here to enjoy what was the best Assembly of the season. There were more dancers than the room could conveniently hold, which as you know is a sure recipe for success, and a very general want of chairs in the supper room. There were twenty dances and I danced all of them – without any fatigue I hasten to add, before you can ask! Thanks to your beautiful lace, my gown was as much acclaimed as if it had been a new one. However, Miss West was generally acknowledged to be the handsomest person present, her pink gauze with silver thread was openly admired by Maria Brompton and secretly, I imagine, by every other lady present. Mr Rivers seemed much struck with her and claimed two dances, as did Captain Tilson. James Russell, under watchful eye of his aunt (in diamonds and a prodigious purple turban) divided his attentions between Miss Craven, Miss Terry and myself. He is as accomplished at dancing as he is at flirting and makes a very agreeable partner on both accounts.

  You will be wondering if James Russell did indeed dance with Miss West. The answer is yes, but I had the impression that he would rather not have done so, but was obliged to approach her by Mrs Holder, who seems to have taken the Wests under her wing. Seeing Mr Russell who had just emerged from the card room where he had been attending on his aunt she said, “Why Mr Russell, I declare you haven’t met Miss West who has just come to Lyme.”

  “I have already had the pleasure of meeting Miss West” he said quite formally and not at all in his lively manner.

  Miss West smiled and cast down her eyes and there was a moment’s silence, after which he could hardly, in good manners, do other than to ask her to dance. I do not think they danced together after that. I stood up for one of the country dances and the boulangere with Mr Rivers and you will not be surprised to learn that I could not help questioning him.

  “I wonder, sir, if there are many occasions for dancing in Barbados?”

  “Indeed” he said “there are quite often evening parties, though sometimes there may not be enough couples to make up a set for dancing.”

  “There are some ladies there, however?”

  “Indeed,” he replied “most of the estate owners and their managers are married and have families on the island.”

  “But you are not married, sir?” I ventured.

  “I am a widower” he said.

  This surprised me greatly since he does not at all look like a widower. “I am sorry, sir,” I said. “I hope it was not a recent loss?”

  “It was two years ago.” He sighed. “Poor Maria caught a fever – not unusual, alas, in that climate, as I myself can vouch for – and died within a few days.”

  “Did your wife come out from England?” I asked.

  “No, she was born in Barbados; she was the only daughter of Mr Richard Bridges, who owns the next estate to the one I manage. When Maria died they took our son John to bring up as their own, since he will one day have what should have been her inheritance.”

  This sad tale occupied me much, as you can imagine. You might suppose him quite justifiably languishing under the loss of wife and child and good health, but his conversation, though not sprightly like James Russell’s, is cheerful and a good deal more rational.

  At supper Mrs Woodstock dominated, as she always does at such gatherings. There was an awkward moment when Mrs West, from ignorance, would have sat down at a table usually reserved for Mrs Woodstock and her party, but Mrs Holder swiftly removed her in time. However, our mother tells me that Mrs Woodstock had already given her a very sharp reproof when she (Mrs West) would have joined her table for vingt-et-un.I know that you have always maintained that Mrs Woodstock does indeed suffer from poor health, but
I must say she appeared to be very robust and as disagreeable as ever to everyone except the Cravens.

  “I see” she said sternly to me “that you were dancing with my husband’s cousin, Miss Cowper.”

  “Yes ma’am,” I replied. “Mr Rivers was obliging enough to ask me.”

  “I do not at all approve of Mr Rivers dancing. It is not suitable.”

  I did not ask if Mr Rivers’ dancing was unsuitable because he was Mr Woodstock’s cousin or because he was still deemed to be in mourning, and she went on, “I hear that your sister is still in Bath.”

  “Yes ma’am,” I said, “she is accompanying my aunt and uncle who are taking the waters there.”

  “A great waste of time and money,” she replied. “I never found the slightest benefit from them and Dr King has always said that those at Cheltenham are vastly superior. Do you know Cheltenham, Miss Cowper?”

  “No, ma’am.”

  “I have always found it a very superior town,” she continued, “quite different from Bath, which is sadly fallen off – full of fortune hunters and half-pay officers. Had I a daughter I would certainly not allow her to go to Bath, the company is scarcely what a conscientious mother would wish.”

  “My sister tells me” I said “that the Duchess of York and the Duke and Duchess of Clarence were at the last evening entertainment she attended.”