by Kira Stewart
A knock on the door awoke her. It was her appointed ladies’ maid, Jenny, a young girl dressed in black, come to bring the hot water to fill her basin, and to see if the young lady needed any assistance in dressing. Henrietta blushed. The girl was about her own age. She had always dressed herself, with her mother or sisters attempting her hair.
Taking the silence as acceptance, the young maid quietly closed the door and carried the hot water over to the dressing table, where she filled the pretty porcelain jug with hot water.
“Which dress would you like to wear this evening, ma’am,” the young girl enquired.
Unsure of which was the most appropriate for meeting her hosts, Henrietta sat up in bed, whilst thinking.
“Perhaps the pale blue silk and satin with the lace trim?” the young maid offered helpfully.
It was her new dress—the one Henrietta had imagined saving for the dances they would no doubt be attending. All the rest of her gowns were older, and although they had been freshened with bows and ribbons, they were not the latest style. One was even a hand me down from Kitty, and that was several years old.
Still, Henry did not want to argue, knowing even less about the protocol, and agreeing with the girl, ventured into the dressing room.
“I’ll come back and fix your hair later if you want me to?”
The young maid looked eager to please.
Henrietta nodded and the young maid took her leave, leaving Henrietta to wash and dress.
The new gown looked beautiful, and Henry thought herself quite grown up in it.
The pale blue satin looked stunning against her flame red hair, and the darker blue sash of silk, tied just under her bust, set it off a treat.
A quiet knock at the door and the maid Jenny returned.
“Oh madam you look beautiful! Now come and sit by the dressing table and I will set your hair.”
Young Jenny worked miracles on the girl’s hair. With sisters a plenty to practise on back home, she had learned all the latest styles and fashions by reading all the latest magazines.
The young maid chatted easily as she pinned and curled the auburn locks.
“What beautiful hair, Miss. I wish I had your colouring. Mine’s just plain old mouse brown. You’ll be going to the Assembly Rooms later on, I expect. When you do, I’ll set your hair again in quite the latest fashion. I know just the style that will suit you.”
Henrietta smiled as the girl worked away. Her naturally unruly hair was tamed under the magic of her hands, and very soon her work was finished.
Fetching the hand mirror, the young maid angled it so Henry could see the finished hairstyle from both back and front.
“If I do say so myself, ma’am, your hair does look a treat.”
A very lady-like face smiled back at Henry from the mirror.
A sharp knock on the door heralded her mother. It was almost seven o’clock and time for dinner, and the appointed time they were due to meet their hosts.
Mrs. Maldon wore a colourful gown of red satin, one of her older pieces that had benefitted from the addition of a new sash and lace around the neck.
“Come, dear Henrietta, I am glad you are ready. We must not be late to meet our hosts.” She spoke in rather a formal way, in her best voice, much for the benefit of the maid.
Moving out into the hallway, and out of earshot of the paid help, Mrs. Maldon dropped her artificial tone.
“Whatever are you wearing your new gown for, Henrietta? I thought you would be saving that for the ball at the end of the week. What a shame, it looks so well on you, and there will be no young men to see it. And you cannot possibly wear it again. Whatever would Mr. and Mrs. Everton think of us? What on earth were you thinking of?” Mrs. Maldon tutted.
“The maid thought it the best gown to wear tonight, mama.”
“The maid? Good grief, girl. When do you let a maid decide what clothes you should be wearing? Did they not teach you anything useful at that school I sent you to, at such a cost to me and Mr. Maldon?”
Henrietta smiled. She had learned very little at the school, apart from how to sit quietly and sew a fine seam. She had failed on both counts.
“Oh never mind. At least you look presentable for our hosts. Now, remember your posture and let me do the talking over dinner. Remember, no one likes a smart girl. Smile and be charming, but no clever comments, my girl.”
Henrietta sighed. It was no use arguing with her mother. Besides, she did not care what she wore for the silly ball or who might see her. She was not interested in eligible young men, especially the ones her mother would choose for her. Poor William back home was almost looking like a perfect match.
Mr. and Mrs. Everton, Elizabeth and Charles, were a delightful couple in their late sixties, and not at all what Henrietta and her mother had been expecting. From the way Jane and Harry had described the couple, and certainly from the magnificence of their surroundings, they had expected a genteel aloofness, a formal welcome, but the Everton’s were having none of it.
Mr. Everton was adjusting the grandfather clock in the hallway as they descended the stairs.
“My dear ladies, welcome.”
The spry, silver haired gentleman, sprang up the first set of stairs and onto the small landing, giving a low bow.
“Charles Everton, at your service ladies. Have I the honour of addressing Mrs. Maldon, and her lovely daughter, Henrietta? I see where your daughters get their beauty from, madam.”
He proceeded to give another small theatrical bow, and held out his arm to the older lady to accompany her downstairs.
In her element, Sophia Maldon swept down the staircase, blushing like a young bride.
“Why Mr. Everton, thank you for the kind invitation to your most beautiful home. Words can do it no justice, no justice at all.”
Although Henrietta noted as her mother swept along the hallway that she could indeed find many words, and did not stop praising every little nook and cranny of the hallway, until they joined the others in the drawing room.
Jane and Harry were already sat with their hostess, and looked at each other with despair at the sound of Mrs. Maldon’s pretentious tones. Mrs. Everton, a woman who would have been rather plain looking, had it not been for the same silver hair and sparkling eyes as her husband, had the same easy going nature as her husband, and greeted her guests warmly.
Sophia noted with some satisfaction that her own gown was almost as good as her hostesses’, if not indeed a trifle more stylish.
She held one of the little pug dogs in her arms, whilst the other two lay at her feet.
Sophie Maldon eyed them warily.
“My dear Mrs. Maldon and Henrietta. You are most welcome. I have heard a lot about you from Jane. Now Henrietta, you must sit next to me at dinner so I can find out all about you. Now, let me introduce you to my children. This is Honey, and the other two are Baby and Teddy. Say hello, Honey.”
Waving a tiny paw at the guests, Mrs. Everton carried the dog in her arms toward them, whilst the other two yapped amiably at their ankles.
“What sweet little creatures,” Sophia Maldon forced a smile, as she patted the funny little face, whilst gently moving the other dogs away from her with a sly maneuver of her foot.
The dinner was sumptuous and rich, as course after course of fish and meat and other delicacies, were served. Luckily, the dogs were not allowed in the dining room, at least whilst they were eating.
Mrs. Maldon held court quite easily given the amiable and informal company. The more the wine flowed, the more Mrs. Maldon talked, becoming more animated with every glass, much to the consternation of her daughter and son-in-law.
“It is such a blessing for Jane to have married Harry. He is such a sweet boy. I cannot tell you the relief it was to me and poor Mr. Maldon. There was a time, when I thought I would be left with three unmarried daughters, and what with the expense of young girls these days.”
Elizabeth Everton nodded sagely. She and her husband were childless and had no e
xperience in the matter.
“But such beautiful daughters, Mrs. Maldon, surely it will not be long until all are married?”
Charles Everton smiled kindly at Henrietta, noting her look of discomfort at her mother’s conversation.
Sighing, Sophie dabbed at her mouth with the corner of a pristine white damask serviette.
“Ah, if beauty were enough, Mr. Everton. I am sure I should have been a duchess myself if that were the case. But I mustn’t complain. Mr. Maldon has been a very good husband to me, a very good and generous husband indeed. And of course, I have just received a modest inheritance, nothing too grand, but it keeps one in the little luxuries. I say luxuries, Mrs. Everton, but to us ladies, they are life’s necessities. Would you not say so? Yes, to keep my daughters looking as well as they do, is not an easy task. Not with the cost of muslin and satin. Mr. Maldon would be having a turn if he knew how much I had spent on new dresses for our visit.”
Jane gave her mother a withering look.
“I am sure Mrs. Everton doesn’t want to hear all about our domestic situation, mother,” she chided.
Elizabeth Everton smiled a benevolent smile.
“Actually, there was a time when I could not even afford a new dress. You probably would not have guessed that by looking around you now, but when I first met Mr. Everton, he was as poor as a church mouse. Is not that right, dear?”
The old man smiled approvingly.
“Everything you see around you has been worked for, all through hard work and effort. Mr. Everton has a good business head, and once he got started, it did not take him long to build up his business. There are a lot of people who look down on a self-made tradesman in Bath, but it shows determination and character, and a strong will to succeed. We have one of the finest houses here in Bath. Not that money is everything.”
Mrs. Maldon laughed.
“I suppose when you have enough money, it seems trivial, but take my dear Henrietta. We need to find her an eligible young man. Hopefully, a man of means that can well look after her. We were hoping that perhaps one or two introductions in Bath might prove useful. Is not that right, Henrietta?”
The poor girl pulled a face, but remained silent.
“Oh, I am sure there are plenty of eligible young men in Bath, Mrs. Maldon, and with Henrietta’s beauty, there will be no shortage of suitors, but surely love is a big part of marriage, too? In my day, not much store was given by love. Indeed, my family thought me a fool to marry dear Charles, especially when a wealthy young man used to call on me, too. But his money held no sway for me. I was a romantic young girl and I fell head over heels in love with Mr. Everton. You would not think it to look at him now, but he was such an exciting and adventurous young man, so full of energy. That is why I found him so attractive. I married for love at twenty-one and here we are, forty-five years later, as happy as ever. Is not that right, dear?”
The old man, slightly sleepy and almost nodding off at the end of the table, woke with a sudden start.
“I am sorry, my dear, what was that?”
The ladies laughed.
“Henrietta has her head full of romantic notions, but I myself am of the old school, I am afraid. I would rather choose for my daughter. Goodness knows who she would bring home if it were left to her. She’s got her head in the clouds, you see, not like my sensible Jane here, who could not have picked a better husband.”
Elizabeth Everton patted Henrietta tenderly in the hand.
“Well, maybe you will see a young man who you both think is suitable. We shall have to visit the Pump Rooms tomorrow to see who is in town for the season. Do not you agree, Mr. Everton?”
The old man’s eyes fluttered awake once more.
“What was that, my dear?”
“In fact, I have several outings planned for you all. There are several acquaintances I should like you to meet, and I have already arranged several afternoon visits, and the countryside is so beautiful around Bath and the Cotswolds. I wonder if the weather is fine that the young people might like to take a walk. The view from Solsbury Hill is quite impressive. I am not sure that Mr. Everton and I will make the journey, but for you young people, it should not be too difficult?”
Harry looked interested, keen for a few hours to be spent away from his mother-in-law.
“How far is the walk?”
He was already planning the trip inside his head.
“Only about a mile to the east of Bath. You will find it most interesting I am sure. King Arthur is supposed to have fought battles there, and it is a magical space, connected to ancient times and the gods no less. The hill is supposed to be a place where the ley lines meet, all that mystical and ancient energy. It is said that it is a place of great fertility, and many young brides walk up there with their new husbands to ensure the marriage will be blessed.”
Jane gave a snort.
“I think Harry and I have had enough luck in that department, thank you. I am not in such a hurry to have another child.”
“Ah, but I think you should go for young Henry’s sake. They say that if a young woman walks up that hill, she will meet her future husband by the time the sun rises the next day.”
Elizabeth’s eyes glinted with mischief.
“What do you say, Miss Maldon?”
The young girl blushed. “It is a very fine story, Mrs. Everton. I am not sure that I want to marry at all, but I am sure the walk would do me good.”
“Nonsense, girl. Of course she wants to marry, Mrs. Everton. What on earth would become of you when Mr. Maldon and I are quite dead and buried, if you do not marry? Now, between the Pump Rooms and this ancient magic hill, I am sure that we can find you a suitable husband, Henrietta. Now, do not scowl. Your face will stay like that, I am sure, and then no one will want to marry you at all. Is not that right, Mrs. Everton?”
8.
The sun was shining through the bedroom window when Henrietta awoke the next morning. She had been dreaming that she was walking up a strange hill, it was moonlight, and the sky was filled with stars. As she gazed around her, it felt as if she had the whole world at her feet, her body filled with energy. In the distance, she could see a shadowy figure approaching her, the faint outline of a man, but she could not see his face. He was getting nearer and nearer, as she peered through the blackness, watching him move closer and closer toward her.
“Your chocolate, Miss.”
Jenny had brought her a morning cup of hot chocolate and placed it on the little cabinet by the bedside, whilst Henrietta woke up fully.
“I think you were dreaming, Miss?”
Sitting up, the girl rubbed her eyes, half asleep and feeling a little disoriented. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest.
“Yes, I was dreaming, Jenny; it was a very strange dream, indeed.”
•••
The Pump Rooms were crowded. Henrietta thought she had never seen so many people gathered together in one place before. In her white muslin dress and pale blue pelisse, she looked like a hundred other girls who were gathered there. Only her striking hair stood her out from the crowds. Jane and Harry walked on ahead, whilst Henrietta, arm in arm between her mother and Mrs. Everton, attempted to cross the room together.
Henry was glad she was in the middle, as they bumped and squeezed past the groups of ladies and gentlemen stood idly gossiping the morning away.
“Of course, you must take the waters now that you are both here. Mr. Everton and I both swear by them, and take a draught at least three times a week. I must say that my health has never been better. Mind you, I do draw a line at sitting in the waters up to my neck. Although, it did my cousin Freda’s rheumatism the world of good, and she is eighty-eight.”
They promenaded farther into the room, and Mrs. Maldon and Henrietta marveled at the sights, and the elegant and fashionable crowds. Passing the fountain, they reached the King and Queen Baths at the far end, which could be seen through the windows, or by standing on a little balcony that overlooked the proceedi
ngs.
Henrietta was amazed to see the men and women fully clothed, standing or sitting in the water, with only their heads and upper parts of their body visible. The women still wore their hats or caps, and even some of the men wore their toppers. The faces of all those within, were rather ruddy with the heat, and the steam from the hot water rose above their ears.
“My, my,” Mrs. Maldon tutted. “They all look like giblets in a stew to be sure.”
The women laughed.
Turning back, they approached the small bar, where the waters could be taken. A large serving area was partitioned off from the general crowds, and was presided over by a life-size statue of Richard Beau Nash.
“I had the pleasure of meeting that gentleman once, in the flesh. He was the Master of Ceremonies at the Assembly Rooms, you know. A very fine gentleman, indeed. Now, they were the days. When Mr. Everton and I were younger, ah …, the dances we have danced. There was not a better dancer than Mr. Everton in the whole of Bath.”
An old woman was stood behind the counter, serving the hot mineral water in little pewter cups.
Mrs. Maldon wrinkled her nose as the cup was passed to her.
“It smells like rotten eggs to me.”
“That is only the minerals, the sulphur. I have it on the highest authority that sulphur is good for the blood, very cleansing. Now, do drink up.”
The water was indeed as hot as tea, and left a metallic tang in the mouth. The colour rose in all of their faces.
“Come, we will walk again and listen to the music. The orchestra here is as fine as any in London, you know, if not better. Now, there are bound to be people of my acquaintance here, whom I can introduce you to.”
Many of the people nodded to Mrs. Everton as they passed. She and her husband were well-known and long standing fixtures in Bath, and even if not known socially, they were known by sight.
Henrietta noticed a few of the young men turn to look at her as they walked past, one man even looking through his eye-glass at her, making her feel very awkward, indeed.