My Dear Charlotte

by Hazel Holt

  I was pleased to have some conversation with Mr Rivers, who tells me that Mr James Russell is expected back from London within the next week. It is to be hoped he will not immediately inform his uncle of his marriage plans – if such they be – since the poor man having barely recovered from the death of his wife and the subsequent upsets that followed it, will, I have no doubt, be thrown once again into a state of agitation by such a piece of news. Fortunately Mr Rivers is to remain in Lyme for the present, for, although Dr King has pronounced him fully recovered from the fever that brought him home from Barbados, he feels he may be of use and comfort to Mr Woodstock. He also confided in me that he now hopes to forward plans for the Barbados estate that Mrs Woodstock had dismissed.

  “I do not believe,” he said “that she had considered them closely, though I had laid out the plans in much detail with the possible advantages, both as to the immediate profit as well as the long term improvement of the estate. I hesitate to say this, but I fear Mrs Woodstock was not inclined to consider anything new, however beneficial it might be, if the proposal did not come from herself.”

  “But surely the estates belong to Mr Woodstock,” I said. He permitted himself a brief smile and said, “I imagine you are aware of what the position there has been. But now,” he continued “I have hopes of Mr Woodstock’s agreeing to some, at least, of the plans I have suggested.”

  “Do you think that Mr James Russell will wish to be consulted?” I asked, mindful of the talk about his inheritance.

  “Of course I believe that Mr Woodstock will wish to consult his nephew, but I am confident that Mr Russell will be happy with any suggestions that will improve the value and profit of the estate.”

  Certainly I must agree that Mr Russell is very conscious of such things as value and profit. But however it may be gained, I sincerely hope that Mr Rivers will achieve consent for his plan, since he appears to me to be a wholly estimable man, kind and considerate, and it seems hard that Mr Russell should have the benefit when he has done nothing to deserve it. But, as I am sure you will remind me, Life is not fair and we should not expect it to be otherwise.

  I also had some words with Sir Edward. “The whole of Lyme, sir,” I said, “is talking of the laudanum bottle you removed from Holcombe.”

  He looked annoyed at my re-introducing the subject he thought he had dealt with. “People seem,” he said, “to have very little to do with their time but indulge in rumour and gossip.”

  “I believe poor Mr Woodstock was greatly upset at your last visit.”

  “I had hoped,” he said irritably, “not to have troubled Mr Woodstock, who seems to be in a highly excitable state, but to have had a quiet word with Mr James Russell. But he had gone to London – on business they said, though what business he may have had that was more important than supporting his uncle at a difficult time I do not know. However,” he continued, “I believe that young men of his sort will journey to London simply to have their hair cut fashionably.”

  ‘I believe that is so.”

  He looked at me suspiciously as if to see whether I was being satirical. “Fortunately, Mr Rivers was present and was able to quiet his cousin. He appears to be a very capable and sensible man.”

  “I believe he speaks in the highest terms of you.”

  He gave me the same suspicious look so I thought it better to stop provoking him (though it is tempting to do so since he rises to the bait so easily) and change the subject. “I had the pleasure, sir, of meeting your sons the other day.”

  His face lightened and he said “Ah, you were the mysterious lady they spoke of so warmly! Though Miss Blair, their governess, was afraid their behaviour distressed you.”

  “What nonsense!” I exclaimed. “They were charming boys and so good mannered – indeed they offered me a turn with their hoop, an invitation I would gladly have accepted but that I feared their governess would disapprove.”

  He smiled. “I am afraid they have long since outgrown a governess and should be in school, especially George, who is nearly ten years old. But, because of my situation, I have been reluctant to part them and have waited until John should be eight and able to go with his brother. They are to go to Winchester.”

  “My brothers were both at Winchester; I am sure they will be happy there. When do they go?”

  “John will be eight years old next year.”

  “Sir Edward,” I said on an impulse (something you have often had cause to reprove me for), “I wonder whether you would allow me to take your sons to collect fossils. It is something my brothers, my sister and I used to do when we were young. It is excellent sport and,” I added, “also educational.”

  “Fossils?”

  “Indeed Lyme is famous for them.”

  “I believe I read several years ago about an important find by a young girl.”

  “Yes, Mary Anning. It was her father who showed my brothers how to discover them. And our friend Miss Philpot and her sister, who are vastly knowledgeable in these matters, taught my brother Frank a great deal about them. He had a decided turn for scientific studies and might well have pursued that line if my uncle had not found a place for him in the diplomatic service.”

  Sir Edward was somewhat taken aback by all this information – as well he might be – but simply said, “That is very kind of you Miss Cowper, but I cannot believe you would wish to burden yourself with the activities of two small boys.”

  “On the contrary, it would give me great pleasure – searching for fossils was a great pastime of mine and, since it may not be considered suitable for a young woman on her own, your sons will be doing me a service if they give me the excuse of accompanying them.”

  He gave me a slight smile. “I that case, Miss Cowper, I will gladly give my permission.”

  So I am to send a note to Marshwood to say when I am free and their governess will bring them into Lyme for the expedition. You will, I fear, think it was very forward of me to make such a suggestion – I believe Sir Edward may have thought so – but I was so struck by the sad situation of the boys that, when the idea came to me, I could not help it. Our mother, who shares my sentiments in this matter, thoroughly approves and has commanded me to bring them back here to eat cakes after the expedition. I think she also wishes to inspect their governess.

  Mrs Holder says she will be much obliged if you will send her daughter the pattern of the jacket and trousers, or whatever it is that Mary’s boy wore when he was first put into breeches; if you could send an old suit itself, she would be very glad, but I suppose that is hardly done.

  Love to all. I am glad little Charlie remembers me.

  Your affectionate sister,

  E.C.

  16th August

  My Dear Charlotte,

  How do you do and how is Mary’s cold? I trust that you have not taken it also. I hope Charlie was pleased with my designs. Tell him I will send him another picture when I write next. I suppose baby grows and improves. I fear Mary was not pleased that they settled on the name of John so I shall continue for the present to call him nothing but baby.

  I was much struck by your observation that it is no wonder Sir Edward is still investigating Mrs Woodstock’s death since there are so many who might profit by it. Indeed, this is nothing but the truth and deserves some consideration. We do not yet know how Mrs Woodstock has disposed of her property, but it seems likely that Mr James Russell will benefit from the uncle’s indulgence now that he is no longer dependent on the whim of the aunt. It is also fortunate that, if Mrs West should reveal the secret engagement, he less likely to face the consequent loss of favour and possible disinheritance, since I believe he would be quite able to bring his uncle round .

  Of course it cannot be denied that Mr Woodstock himself will lead a happier life without his formidable spouse, though I do not believe that he could have summoned up the courage to dispose of her!

  Mr Rivers will be glad to be rid of one who would have put obstacles in the way of his plans for the Barbados es
tate, but I do not think that may be considered a sufficient reason for an honourable man to take a life.

  Mrs West, however, seems to me to lack such scruples if they stood in the way of her daughter’s advancement. I do not at present see how she could have brought about Mrs Woodstock’s demise, but no doubt, if I give my mind to it, I may presently think of something.

  Poor John coachman also had reason to wish his mistress dead, since his whole happiness (and that of Sarah) depended upon keeping his position at Holcombe and if he had been turned away without a character his case would have been miserable indeed.

  So you see, there are a number of people who will be happy at Mrs Woodstock’s death. Perhaps I should add myself to the list for the sake of those hours of tedium and the many irritations she has subjected me to!

  I have found your white mittens; they were folded up within my old nightcap, and send their duty to you.

  I have arranged with Miss Blair, the Hampton children’s governess, to take them fossil hunting tomorrow and, with that in mind, I have, with some difficulty, found the small hammers that Frank and William were wont to use for the purpose. They were in the large cupboard in the schoolroom, right at the back in an old box containing one ice skate (Frank), a copy of Herodotus with the cover torn off and ink drawings of ships and anchors in the margins (William), a half-completed sampler hidden away by me many years ago for fear Miss North might make me finish it, a copy of some Italian songs that none of us cared for and the book of pressed ferns that occupied so much of your time until you wearied of it and turned your attention to collecting riddles. I will let you know how our expedition fares.

  Mr Peter Debary has declined the Dean curacy; he wishes to be settled near London. A foolish reason! As if Dean were not near London in comparison with Exeter or York. Take the whole world through, and he will find many more places at a greater distance from London than Dean. What does he think of Glencoe or Lake Katherine?

  Our father thinks Dean might do very well for Mr Wilmot if Mr Woodstock does not offer him Westover now that Mrs Woodstock is no more. Now I come to think of it, perhaps I should add Mr Wilmot to the list of those likely to profit by Mrs Woodstock’s death, though you will admonish me for suggesting such a motive for a clergyman even though he is an Evangelical.

  I will not say that your mulberry trees are dead, but I am afraid they are not alive.

  Our mother desires her love and hopes to hear from you.

  Your affectionate sister,

  E.C.

  18th August

  My Dear Charlotte,

  You will be pleased to learn that our fossiling party was most successful. True, Miss Blair, the governess, being a timid soul, was in a state of agitation whenever the boys scrambled too far up the rocks or seemed likely to plunge into rock pools in pursuit of the finest specimens. She was also concerned when I gave them the hammers, presumably imagining that they were to use them upon each other rather than upon the stones. However, I managed to persuade her that there was no danger by scrambling among the rocks myself, though I fear she was shocked at what she obviously considered unsuitable behaviour on my part.

  It was charming, though, to see the boys’ pleasure, and they were forever expressing their delight in simple ammonites and demanding of me information as to their formation etc. I have promised to unearth Frank’s ‘museum’ of such things for their greater edification, though where it may now be found I do not know. I beg you will try to bring it to mind for I would be loth to disappoint them. When I brought them back to Monkton our mother was delighted with them and later told me that George put her greatly in mind of William at that age. She insisted on their turning out their pockets to exhibit their treasures – dismissing Miss Blair’s cries of horror at the sand scattered on the carpet in the process – which were greatly admired.

  While I was occupied in offering them cakes and sweetmeats, you will not be surprised to hear that our mother was quizzing Miss Blair who, it seems, is the daughter of a clergyman in Kent who, owing to a superfluity of sisters, is obliged to take up governessing. She is of a timid disposition and greatly in awe of Sir Edward, who, however, treats her with perfect civility. She is also, poor soul, very apprehensive about finding a new position when the boys go to school next year, and our mother has requested us both to cast about among our acquaintance to see if any of them might require her services. It seems that Miss Blair was appointed by Sir Edward’s wife when he was abroad, a few years before she died. Miss Blair was full of praise and admiration for her late mistress who was the only daughter of a close friend of Sir Edward’s father, and I gather that the match was made without much consultation of the parties on either side. However, since the bride had considerable beauty and an amiable disposition, I do not think Sir Edward raised many objections to the match. Sadly it transpired that she was also delicate and she died of an inflammation of the lungs two years ago. Do you not agree that our mother is a nonpareil at discovering people’s histories!

  After making a hearty meal the boys went away with many thanks and requests for another expedition. It would be an excellent thing to take them to Charmouth where even finer specimens are to be found, though I am not certain that our father would consider favourably my use of the carriage for such a venture.

  Yesterday I went to Layton’s and bought what I intended to buy, but not in much perfection. There was scarcely any knotting silk; but Layton says he will be going to Exeter next week and will lay in a stock. I gave 2s3d. a yard for my flannel, and I fancy it is not very good, but it is so disgraceful and contemptible an article in itself that its not being comparatively good or bad is of little importance.

  I was considering what you had to say about the kitchen at Holcombe Park and how it seems to have been so full of people coming and going that it would, in the general confusion, not be impossible to have introduced some fatal substance into Mrs Churchill’s food or posset. Perhaps Sarah may remember if there were any dishes that only Mrs Woodstock partook of or if anyone was there later in the evening when the posset may have been left unguarded. Not that it is by any means certain that Mrs Woodstock was poisoned; her death, as you have suggested may have been caused by some other means.

  It is, as you say, fortunate that Mary is so interested in the story as to have forgotten her own troubles for the moment and I will do my best to keep you provided with any tid-bit of information that may excite her curiosity and thereby promote her better temper to the benefit of you all.

  Yours affectionately,

  E.C.

  22nd August

  My Dear Charlotte,

  As you have by this time received my last letter, it is fit that I should begin another, though I have but a slender budget of news for you. The only event of any note was the return of Mr James Russell. I saw him yesterday morning on the Parade. Since I could see no difference to the style of his hair when he raised his hat (an elegant grey beaver) in salutation, I conclude that Sir Edward’s conjecture was without foundation. It would seem that he had gone up to London to settle some matters of business and to fetch his valet.

  “Since,” he said, “I am likely to be making a longer stay in this delightful town than I had anticipated it would be quite impossible for me to do without Corbett any longer.”

  “Then you are settled here in Lyme, sir, for the immediate future?”

  “I do feel my place is by my uncle’s side, especially since this tiresome business about my aunt’s death has greatly upset him. I had hoped that when Sir Matthew returned to London we had heard the last of the matter, but it seems that Sir Edward Hampton has taken it upon himself to pursue it and his visits to Holcombe have greatly distressed my uncle.”

  “I believe, sir, that he is simply doing his duty as a magistrate, having been called upon to act by Sir Matthew, and I am sure he feels the business to be as tiresome as you do.”

  “Well, yes, of course,” he said hastily, “I understand that he must act. Indeed my cousin spoke very hig
hly of him and is anxious that we should give him all assistance so that a speedy resolution can be achieved. Meanwhile it is a great pleasure to be back once again with all my friends in Lyme.”

  It will be interesting to see which of his friends he seeks out and if he still maintains his distance from Miss West and what, indeed, his intentions are towards her.

  “I fear we will miss your company next week at the Assembly Rooms,” I said.

  “As to that, I may look in – not to dance, of course, but simply to renew my acquaintance with those friends that I spoke of.”

  “I am sure they will be very glad to see you. Will Mr Rivers be with you? I believe he is also staying on in Lyme.”

  “Yes indeed. Frederick has some matters still to conclude with my uncle and he too will not wish to leave before this wretched business of my aunt’s death is settled. And I shall hope to encourage him to join me at the Assembly where we will both, I know, hope to have the pleasure of your company.” So I am determined to watch Mr Russell and Miss West very carefully so that I may have some more interesting news to send to you next week.

  As to our Mystery, tell Mary that Lucy has it from Sarah that the Wests’ maid Deborah was indeed in the kitchen at Holcombe on the evening of Mrs Woodstock’s death. It seems that she has struck up a friendship with the Woodstock’s cook and is there quite often. I am sure that you and Mary between you should be able to make something quite remarkable of that!

  I am extremely glad that you like the poplin. I thought it would have our mother’s approbation, but was not so confident of yours. Remember it is a present. Do not refuse me.

  Your affectionate sister,

  E.C.

  26th August

  My Dear Charlotte,

  You will wish me, I am sure, to furnish you and Mary with an account of the Assembly last evening. As for dancing it was very poor, only fifteen couple and but forty people in the room, few families indeed from our side of the county and not many more from the other. It was felt to be unfortunate that two of the more personable men (by which I mean Mr Russell and Mr Rivers) were not dancing, but the reason that they were not doing so – the death of their near relative – was very fine for conversation.