Forever Remain
Page 11
Lisa’s start in life was not so good, and as a poor orphan she has defied all the odds. I admire her for that alone. I tell you with confidence that she is truly worthy of her elevation to wife of the son of a duke, and not just any duke. She is worthy of being your daughter-in-law, and worthy of our son.
She loves Henri-Antoine unconditionally, and is his most fiercest champion and protector. Knowing he now has the perfect mate has enabled me to breathe so much easier. For that alone I will always love and cherish her. Naturally Henri-Antoine is besotted with her, which is as it should be, and in that too he is like you. I do not doubt that when they are alone together he truly is himself with her, in every sense… Even in those moments when he is gripped by his illness and has no control, he trusts her to be by his side, and you know he has not trusted anyone for such a very long time I despaired of him ever doing so. And now Lisa is in his life, and I am so very happy. Renard, they are truly perfect for each other, and so in love…
24. Miss Lisa Crisp to Dr. and Mrs. Robert Warner
Miss Lisa Crisp, c/o His Grace the Most Noble Duke of Roxton, Treat via Alston, Hampshire, to Dr. and Mrs. Robert Warner, 9 Gerrard Street, Soho, London.
[This letter, along with other correspondence pertaining to the Fournier Foundation, was generously donated to the Roxton archive by Miss Wysteria Warner, youngest daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Warner’s only son, the distinguished surgeon and Fournier Foundation trustee, Dr. George de Crespigny Warner. Written in ink on the obverse is the sentence: Delivered by His Grace’s personal courier, and a response sent by Dr. Warner within the hour.]
c/o His Grace the Most Noble Duke of Roxton, Treat via Alston, Hampshire
July 1786
* * *
Dear Dr. Warner and Cousin Minette,
I write from Treat to let you know I will not be returning to Gerrard Street.
I know this will come as a great shock to you both. But I assure you nothing untoward has happened to me. In fact I have the most wonderful news to impart, and I hope you will be just as happy for me and my new circumstances, for it is what I truly want, indeed what we both want most ardently.
Lord Henri-Antoine Hesham has asked me to be his wife, and I have accepted, and we are to be married at the end of the week.
We are in love and while this was a speedy courtship, His Lordship’s family are reconciled to the match, for which I am most humbly grateful. It makes us both happy that Lord Henri-Antoine’s family, most particularly his mother, Her Grace the Duchess—who is the kindest, most loving mother-in-law a girl could wish for—and his brother and sister-in-law, Their Graces the Duke and Duchess, have welcomed me with open arms and open hearts.
I also write to inform you that His Lordship has written to Uncle de Crespigny, who is my legal guardian, as a matter of procedure, to ask for his consent to our union. Accompanying his letter is one from his brother the Duke. Both letters were sent by liveried courier, with the servant to await an immediate written response of affirmation from my uncle so that plans for the wedding can continue apace. Dr. Moore, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has already inked our Special License, so the marriage has the blessing of the Church. Thus, the consent from my uncle, so I am assured by my future husband and my future brother-in-law, is a mere formality, and one we all believe will be readily and eagerly accepted.
The wedding is to be a small, intimate affair of immediate family only, and to be held in the Roxton family chapel. My dearest friend, for whom I was bridesmaid, and who is now Lady Cavendish, is to stand as my attendant, and her new husband Sir John, who is His Lordship’s best friend, will stand as his best man. It has all worked out rather well and to our mutual satisfaction. I know you will not mind in the least that I issued no invitations of my own, for how could you leave your important work, my dear Dr. Warner, to travel all this way to attend what is a very small occasion. And as my aunt and uncle are just returned from Paris, I suspect they too have had enough of travel for the time being. And there is the small fact that there is truly no time for anyone to ready themselves for such an event at such short notice.
I intend to write to my aunt and uncle apprising them of my news, though it is a formality only, as it will come after His Lordship’s request for consent. At least my letter will not be such a shock to them, as this must be for you.
I do hope that in time you will be reconciled to the startling change in my circumstances, and I assure you both that I fell in love with and am marrying a most loving, kind, and generous man, who also happens to be the son of a duke, and the brother of another. Being wife to a man who is possessed of a good and honorable character will be my great honor. My elevation in society to be at his side as Her Ladyship will, I assure you, not change my character in the least.
I hope you will allow me to pay my respects once we come up to town at the end of September and are settled at our Park Street address.
Please give baby George a kiss from me. I shall miss my visits to the nursery.
I look forward to being in your company again in the not too distant future.
Your devoted cousin,
Lisa
Soon to be known by her married name of Lady Henri-Antoine Hesham
25. Lord Henri-Antoine Hesham, Diary Entry
[Translated from the French]
July 11, 1786
* * *
Dearest Papa, tomorrow I marry the woman to whom I have given my heart and my soul. I have never felt so full of happiness, and optimism for the future, and those feelings are all because of her. Lisa loves me unreservedly, and has told me so many times. Not that I need her reassurance, because I believe her. But she does love to tell me and I love to hear her say it. Her love has lifted a weight that has been pressing on my heart for too long, since you left us, in fact. For although I will always have Maman’s unconditional love, it was to you I turned most for support, and it was you who understood me best. Without you I have been adrift in that sea you spoke about, and for far too long. But now, with Lisa, I have found a safe harbor, one in which I can truly be myself; it is one where I wish to remain and never leave.
You knew, and told me so, how I would feel in every particular when I fell in love, because that is what you felt for Maman when you fell in love and married her. And as a boy, I would wonder how it was my parents could spend their time together without saying a word to each other, and yet look so happy and content. While I lay on the chaise longue recovering, I would watch you at your desk, and Maman in her favorite chair, or beside me on the chaise longue. You would occasionally look up from your work and at Maman while she was reading, or when she read aloud to me, and I would watch your mouth curve of its own accord into a smile you bestowed upon her alone. I did wonder if you were even aware you were doing it. I do not think you ever knew I was watching you. Perhaps you did, and did not care. At the time, I frowningly wondered what it was she had just read or said to amuse you. But it was not amusement at all, was it, but the smile that accompanies a feeling of utter contentment and love, that here is the woman you love beyond reason, and who loves you in the same way, and you are together and you cannot quite believe it. I now find myself having the exact same thoughts and reaction when I am with Lisa. It matters not if we are in a large family gathering or alone, just the two of us. And she will, like Maman did with you, return my smile knowingly, often the smile is just in her eyes, but I see it and my heart gives the oddest little leap and my throat dries with emotion, knowing that she truly loves me, and that she knows I love her, and yet not one word have we exchanged. Is it not the most marvelous feeling?
We will visit you tomorrow, after the wedding breakfast. Lisa wishes to lay her bouquet at your feet, and I shall tell you all about our intended bridal trip, for I am taking her abroad. Bonsoir, mon cher père.
26. Antonia, Duchess of Kinross, Diary Entry
[Translated from the French]
July 12, 1786
* * *
Renard, today our little boy w
as married. I am so very happy for him, and for them! I know you would be just as happy, and so very, very proud of your son.
The wedding was a small family affair held in the chapel. Henri-Antoine looked very handsome and somber. He was possibly as nervous as you were on our wedding day. Though I do not think any groom was ever as nervous as you were on our day! Naturally Lisa made a beautiful bride, and when Henri-Antoine saw her he relaxed enough to smile. Renard, I tell you, I have never seen our son smile so much and for a whole day! He could not have wiped the smile from his face had he tried. But I do not think he wanted to. He is so happy. They are so happy. Their happiness brought tears to my eyes, and not only to mine.
Jack and Teddy delayed their honeymoon so that Jack could stand as Henri-Antoine’s best man, and Teddy could be Lisa’s attendant (as Lisa had been hers just over a week ago). Two best friends have married two best friends, and it could not have turned out any better had it been contrived! All four young people are overjoyed at this outcome, and I predict both couples will enjoy a lifetime of unparalleled closeness. Everyone in the family is delighted about this, too.
Jonathon gave Lisa away, and was honored to be asked by her. He proudly strutted up the aisle with her on his arm as if she were indeed his own daughter. Elsie was excited to be Lisa’s flower girl, and clung to her side for most of the wedding breakfast, which was delightful. Julian and Deb and all the children, Mary and Christopher with their three little ones, Cousin Charles, who was honored to be one of Henri-Antoine’s attendants and so delayed his return to France, and Kate Paget were all in attendance. And of course, the senior members of Henri-Antoine’s household were turned out in their Sunday best. Michel Gallet had the distinction of standing alongside Jack, Charles, and Frederick, your grandson looking very proper and proud to be so favored by his uncle.
The eight lads in their livery formed an honor guard, and when the newly-married couple passed between them as they left the chapel, these hulks of men gave three rousing cheers. This came as a complete surprise to Henri-Antoine and Lisa, who were startled and then fell on each other laughing before turning and applauding the lads, who in turn bowed to them with great courteousness. This had everyone smiling and the children cheering in response. We all sat down to a breakfast in the family dining room, with Julian giving a speech warmly welcoming Lisa into the family, which his brother greatly appreciated.
Tomorrow Jack and Teddy are off to Bath to begin their honeymoon, while Henri-Antoine and Lisa will remain here at Treat for a few weeks while they plan their bridal trip. They are going abroad and want to travel as far as Constantinople. Henri-Antoine hopes to stay in the house we had there all those years ago when he was a little boy. They will make visits along the way there to various medical facilities and consult with physicians for the work of the Fournier Foundation.
They also hope to procure medicinals from the Ottoman physicians to help alleviate Henri-Antoine’s symptoms, if not his seizures. Do you remember that when we consulted with these learned men they advised, given he was just a little boy at the time, waiting until he was older and we could be certain the seizures they could not be cured, before giving him what they prescribed for sufferers of the falling sickness.
As much as I will miss them, such a trip will be a wonderful time for them both, and provide them with a lifetime of memories.
And because of their mutual interest in the advancement of medical science, as a wedding gift Henri-Antoine has made Lisa patroness of his foundation. Lord and Lady Henri-Antoine Hesham will be joint patrons and head the Fournier Foundation’s board of trustees, she to have equal standing with him in all decisions regarding the foundation’s operation and distribution of its funding. This he has had written up in a contract of sorts, and means to write and inform the other trustees of how the foundation is to go on from here, now he is married, and his wife is to share in all his endeavors. Lisa is thrilled with this gift. It is as if our son has showered her in diamonds and pearls, and presented her with her own chateau. Of course, all of these things he can do, too, but she sees this partnership as the most precious gift he could have bestowed upon her, and I love her all the more for it. It makes them both very happy to have this shared passion, and interests. Did I not tell you they are perfect for each other?
I will bring Germanicus and Livia with me to visit you tomorrow, for I do not think you have seen either since Livia was whelped. Jusqu'à demain, mon amour. A xo
27. Lady Henri-Antoine Hesham to Mrs. Harold Humphreys
Lady Henri-Antoine Hesham, Treat via Alston, Hampshire, to Mrs. Harold Humphreys, Humphreys Haberdashery, crn. Gerrard and Princes Street, Soho, London.
August 1, 1786
* * *
Dear Mrs. Humphreys,
I write to offer your niece Betsy Bannister a position within my household as wardrobe mistress and head seamstress. She will receive a handsome monthly remuneration, an annual clothing allowance, and have her own room. And while she will be in charge of my clothes and closet, and supervise a junior seamstress, she will come under the direction of my personal lady’s maid. That position has yet to be filled, but soon will be, and by a suitably qualified and experienced woman. Interviews are expected to be conducted early next week. Should Betsy arrive before the position of lady’s maid is decided, she will be supervised by the household’s major domo M’sieur Gallet.
The position I offer Betsy is one that will require her, like all our upper servants, to travel between our townhouse in Park Street, Westminster, the apartment at Treat here in Hampshire, and His Lordship’s estate near Bath. As you can appreciate, all three residences have wardrobes to maintain, and clothing and other accoutrements that will require transportation to and from each residence. These must be accounted for as well as cared for, and will come under Betsy’s custody.
The most challenging aspect of the position may be at the very start of her tenure because His Lordship is taking me on a bridal trip to Constantinople. I will want Betsy to be part of our entourage. We will be abroad for approximately nine months to a year. While away she, like all our servants, which will approximately number between twenty to thirty individuals, will come under the jurisdiction of His Lordship’s major domo.
I realize this is a lot for you and Betsy to take in, and that it is very short notice. Indeed I would like your response and Betsy’s answer within the week so M’sieur Gallet can finalize our travel arrangements. And if Betsy does take up this offer, and I sincerely hope she will, I am aware that you will suffer the loss of her, and her assistance in the shop and with the various clients Betsy visits in their homes. I am thus prepared to offer you compensation for the absence of your niece, and pay you in one lump sum and at once, half a year of Betsy’s salary so that you will have the means to find a replacement as soon as possible.
I assure you that if at any time Betsy decides she cannot be away from London and you, and she pines for England, she will be sent home at our expense, for I do not want her unhappy. I will of course provide her with a reference of service. You will not be required to reimburse me any of the monies paid to you in lieu should Betsy wish to return home.
Would you please discuss all of this with Betsy and reply at your earliest convenience. Payment of a courier to expedite a reply will be met by His Lordship upon receipt. When I have Betsy’s answer, and if it is in the affirmative, I will make arrangements to have you paid the compensation at once, and His Lordship’s carriage will fetch Betsy and whatever belongings she chooses to bring with her.
I do hope you will both see this as an opportunity worth taking.
Sincerely,
Lady Henri-Antoine Hesham
28. Lady Henri-Antoine Hesham to Antonia, Duchess of Kinross
Lady Henri-Antoine Hesham, the White House on Third Hill, Constantinople, to Her Grace the Most Noble Duchess of Kinross, Leven Castle via Kinross, Fife, Scotland.
[Translated from the French.]
The White House on Third Hill, Constantin
ople,
August 12, 1787
* * *
Dear Maman-Duchess,
I trust this letter finds you, Papa-Kinross, and Elsie in the best of good health.
Before I write anything else, I, we, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the truly special and touching gift you sent to help us celebrate the first anniversary of our marriage. I can hardly believe it is thirteen months to the day since my life changed forever. The months have gone by too quickly, but each one has been more magical than the last, and you know from our letters how very happy we are.
Your gift arrived only two days ago, so it was indeed a wonderful surprise! Neither of us had any expectations of what it could be, though Henri-Antoine knew immediately he removed the wooden box from its crate and shed its wrappings. He set the box on the low table before us, and it was well we were seated on cushions and just inches from the ground because he swayed and grabbed the table edge. You can imagine I thought he was unwell, but he assured me he was not. Before he opened the lid, he gently ran his fingers over the box’s polished surface in the same manner I have seen him do when calming a frightened dog or petting a cat, as if the object had life and was a treasured pet. And when he slowly opened it out to reveal the inlaid interior and the playing pieces and cups within, there were tears in his eyes. He was so overcome that I remained silent, yet could hardly wait for him to tell me the significance of this playing box, and most particularly its special significance for him.