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This was largely an entertaining, though also instructive and mayhap profitable, excursion for Jessamy Wilson. The Gopal spice importers had been so very prepossessed by Aunt Seraphine’s receipts for a tiffin party, published in the Ladies’ What-Not, and so very popular that they had been reprinted as a pamphlet, in which she had mentioned Gopals’ products as being of particular merit, that they had invited her to come visit their warehouse nearby the East India Dock. Adding that perchance Roberts and Wilson might have some interest in an arrangement of supplies for their pickles and condiments.

Indeed that was a consideration!

So here were Jessamy and Mr Simcox, that had a later meeting in the City, along with Seraphine, that had her daughter Hannah with her –

Hannah fell back a little as Seraphine was greeted with great effusiveness and remarked to Jessamy that as a lady of the press fancied she might find a story or so in this – she lifted up her head and sniffed the air – the exotic fragrances of the Indies –

Ah!

For indeed there was a story, it turned out, that was being recounted quite in antiphon 'twixt Seraphine and her hosts.

La, the chap that had first give Aunt Seraphine her receipts for curries and kebabs &C had been the grandfather of young Mr Gopal – had been the cook of a retired General in the Madras Army – had been left a snug pension when the General died – decided not to return to Madras but to open an eating-house for those of his compatriots about the Docks – had been in some bother over the quality of the spices he could obtain – went about to acquire 'em from his connexion at home – his son came about to set this importation on a more regular basis and to go into the wholesale trade –

There was Aunt Seraphine quite tearful over the story – the good old General Yeomans – finest of fellows –

Yeomans? murmured Jessamy to Hannah, knowing that the fine Surrey estate where she resided with Flora Ferraby and a pack of orphans was called Yeomans –

Oh, indeed, 'twas his estate – was called somewhat different, after some battle he was in during the Mysore Wars, but the neighbours could not get their tongues around it, so referred to it as Yeomans, that has come to be its name – that he left to Her Ladyship.

Jessamy nodded. Sure these Gopals were almost family! Indeed, there was the elder Mr Gopal mentioning that his father had spoke of Her Ladyship’s kindness to the old General –

The younger Mr Gopal fell back from what had become an exchange of reminiscence to talk a little of business matters with Mr Simcox and Jessamy.

A very well-looking fellow, she thought. For there was no harm in looking at fellows and appreciating 'em! Had no intention of going be foolish. Would, in due course, some several years hence, make a prudent business-like marriage that would be advantageous to their own enterprize.

One did not live in a fairy-tale or in the pages of a silly novel. One might greatly enjoy the company of a very pretty-spoken young man that was by no means ill-looking, while quite understanding that he was quite out of her sphere. As, she suspected, for different reasons, so was Mr Gopal, that very like still practised ancestral beliefs.

For they were now overhearing the romantical tales of how grandfather and father had found very proper Hindu wives, that had been unfortunate ayahs abandoned after having been brought as maidservants to these shores. Sure there were fine charitable ladies endeavoured rescue the poor creatures from destitution, but often had the intention of saving their souls and preaching over 'em &C.

But at last this fine convocation was beginning to wind up its proceedings, just as Mr Simcox was looking in some anxiety at his watch, and there was parting with assurances of mutual esteem and the likelihood of beneficial mutual business. As well as certain matters of being presented with packets of prime spices! La, her ma Euphemia would be exceeding pleased!

So they got back into the carriage they had hired from Jupps, and Joey Smith was driving 'em, as a family favour. Had grinned at the prospect and said, sounded to be a fine day out! for Joey, she fancied, while by no means the idle apprentice, did not manifest that ambition that one saw in his brothers and was quite happy a-driving the fine Jupp conveyances.

Had a very nice hand at it! For here they were coming into the City, very bustling, 'twould be very easy to get into some accident, but there was none of that, and they arrived at the offices of the Knowles enterprizes in good order.

Sure Jessamy had been daunted the first time she attended a business meeting here! but really, nobody could be more civil than Mr Knowles, and of course Her Ladyship was a partner, and there was usually one or other of the Ferraby connexion – today 'twas Lady Ollifaunt, remarking that was entire glad to get away from the turmoil of a county election.

And there was a splendid nuncheon laid on in the boardroom – she perceived that Bodgett’s Piggeries, that they sent their waste to, had presented not only a most excellent ham, but that there were sizzling in a chafing dish their prime sausages.

So she set about making up a plate to be sent down to Joey, along with a bottle of ale.

Once that was despatched by one of the porters, she might turn to preparing a plate for herself!

But, what, who was that young man in mourning being interrogated by Lady Ollifaunt? Could it be –

Her Ladyship tapped Lady Ollifaunt on the shoulder – the young man turned away with a certain air of relief – and caught sight of Jessamy. A delighted expression dawned on his face.

He was pleased to see her. Jessamy caught her breath, as she could not refrain from smiling back, and reminded herself, out of your sphere, as she went over to shake his hand and make civil.

I suppose one must say Lord Talshaw now?

He groaned. I suppose so – does anyone address me thus I still look over my shoulder for my late brother –

She murmured sympathetically, and enquired whether he was residing in Town these days? – no – only up for a few days about certain business matters – staying with his brother-in-law Mr Grigson – otherwise living in the country, Worblewood, one of his other brother-in-law, Trembourne’s, estates – they were engaged in archaeological diggings –

He must find that very interesting? she hazarded.

Indeed so, and Mr Chilfer, that came to give 'em the benefits of his knowledge, an entire prime fellow.

Their attention was recalled to that matter of food, indeed she had quite an appetite after the morning’s excursion, as her mother came over saying, what was this story that her aunt Seraphine was telling Her Ladyship about these Gopals?

So she was obliged to recount the tale, and Euphemia sighed and said, had not known the late General’s cook herself, but Seraphine had shared the receipts she had had of him, that were ever highly praised – Jessamy minded to hand over the packets of spices, at which her mother exclaimed exceedingly.

They went over to the table and were helped to the good things there, and convoked a little over the matter of Gopal’s spices, though there would be further time for that.

In due course there was the business meeting, and matters were very satisfactory, for the thing about jams and pickles is, her mother would say, that even when times are hard, they are a little treat that people will spend upon, 'tis hardly an extravagance. Do you make good things, you will have the preference.

Work was proceeding very satisfactory over the new premises – the old warehouse entirely pulled down, foundations being dug –

Her Ladyship remarked that she should quite desire to go look at it, the day being so fine and bright –

There could be entirely no objection to that! Jessamy fancied that Her Ladyship had observed the rather wistful expression on Lord Peregrine – Lord Talshaw’s – face, and that one must guess that he would like to look upon this plot that he had been left by his godfather that was now coming to such good use.

So they got into Lady Bexbury’s own carriage, with Nick Jupp on the box, and went back through the bustling streets of the City – Her Ladyship enquiring whether His Lordship had had much opportunity to look about it – many fine sights – that she pointed out as they passed – across the bridge – and here they were in the somewhat different bustle of the Borough.

On a hot summer’s afternoon 'twas not the most fragrant of spots! But their manufactory was a deal more pleasant-smelling than many of the businesses that flourished hereabouts.

She could observe that Mr Simcox considered it somewhat improper that she should look upon the toiling workmen that, most understandable, had stripped off their shirts as they bent to their task, but could hardly say somewhat as Lady Bexbury displayed no qualmishness at the sight. Asked sound sensible questions about how the work proceeded – did they turn up anything of interest in their excavations –

Lord Talshaw looked very interested and enquired whether that was a common thing.

Why, these parts have been inhabited time out of mind, there will be this and that turned up, though 'tis very seldom buried treasure – old shoes – broken crockery – mayhap a coin or so of a previous reign – but becomes somewhat oppressive out here, let us go in and refresh ourselves.

Also, she added as they walked towards the door that would lead to the offices, I cannot like to stand spectating upon men at work as if they were beasts in a menagerie – 'twould be a different matter was one an artist for could make a fine composition –

They went in, where it was a little cooler and shaded.

Ale for the gentlemen, tea for the ladies –

His Lordship ventured shyly to ask whether 'twould be possible to have an assortment of jams and pickles for his family at Worblewood?

There could be entirely no difficulty with that! Jessamy advized that they might put up a fine crateful and dispatch it by rail – 'twould be an inconvenient matter for you to take yourself.

One could get very attached to that look of admiration.

Lord Gilbert Beaufoyle found keeping up the reputation of a dissipated young fellow quite excessively tedious – had less time than he would have liked to wrestle with the intricacies of the Basque language – but duty called and there was some likelihood that as he went about these exploits might come across some intelligence about this matter of a Society extortionist.

However, had not found out anything of material value, and was spending a quiet hour of self-indulgence at Mulcaster House with Lécluse’s Grammaire Basque, when he was interrupted by the entrance of his younger brother Steenie.

Gillie?

Hmmmm?

You know Bertie – Bertie Fawsley –

Mmmmm. Fawsley was one of Steenie’s versifying set and contributor to that poetical rag Helicon – sure one was amazed that issues ever appeared!

–  Well, Elkington – oh yes, he was Elkington’s younger brother – goes give a party at Vasterlake, and is very desirous that I should prevail upon you to attend.

Gillie yawned. Oh lord. What a horrid bore. I suppose you have no idea who the other guests are like to be?

Though he was fairly confident that at least the Ladies Leah and Inez would be not among their number, since they were both at present assisting the electoral activities of their families by showing civil at balls, handing teacups, &C. Also fancied that Elkington stood rather aloof from the Nuttenford/Offgrange connexion, so they might not have been invited even in less political times.

Steenie shrugged. Said somewhat about Frimleigh, did you not encounter him in Dresden or somewhere like that?

Vienna, said Gillie, with an inward groan. Frimleigh was a young fool, now gazetted in a cavalry regiment, whom he had no desire to re-encounter.

Trelfer – Nottinge – Taskerville – the Coombes – I do not know who else.

Not Blatchett and his leech?

Steenie shook his head. Elkington never could stand Blatchett and Bertie gives him out very pleased at this opportunity to convey the cut.

Gillie sighed. Well, I suppose 'tis only civil to accept.

Steenie left in high spirits.

This was an interesting invitation. Here there were three at least of the victims of the extortionist – Nottinge because of his eccentric dressing habits – Taskerville on account of certain letters from Lady Whibsall – Mrs Coombe, he collected, was the lady obliged to pawn certain family jewels to cover her losses at Lady Venchall’s card-parties –

He fancied the delicate hand of Sir Vernon was in it somewhere. Dared say had been at Winchester with Elkington’s father – or played cricket with him – or some such – mayhap some family connexion –

Well, he should see what he should see.

Perchance it had nothing whatsoever to do with Sir Vernon, he thought, when Elkington came up to him remarking that he had some conceit of himself as a fencer, but would be entire honoured to try a pass or two with such a renowned swordsman as Lord Gilbert.

And really, Elkington was by no means inept with a rapier, but Gillie had a reputation to maintain, though went a little easier on him than he might have done.

Felt obliged to recount the tales of his exploits with Magyar Hussars and Cossacks – Elkington sighed and said had been still quite young when was sent on his Grand Tour – the most tiresome prig of a bear-leader – prosing on about historical sights – entirely tedious –

Over the next couple of days, the conversation took another turn that gave Gillie to suppose Elkington had his own motives for the invitation. That very fine young woman, Lady Isabella. One supposed that His Grace had had approaches –

Gillie grinned and said that having been out of the country since Bella was a chit still in the schoolroom, knew very little about how matters went there. O, yes, she was quite recovered from the chill she took after that very rash endeavour of Blatchett’s – indeed she was a fine healthy creature –

He apprehended that Elkington took his hoyden little sister in considerable admiration, and that this was not just a question of counting up her points of eligibility!

And does not simper and titter –

For as Steenie had gloomily observed on their arrival, there is Trelfer’s giggling ninny of a sister, that has the emptiest head in all of Society. At least we are safe from her wiles – unless she hopes we might establish her interest with Essie –

Gillie, however, wondered about Lady Gabrielle Mallafrey. Did she not somewhat over-act the simpleton? He thought that once or twice he had caught a certain slyness in her expression. But indeed, had one heard the womenfolk in one’s family and friends expatiate upon the Marriage Market, one conceived that a young woman might fly a deceptive flag to catch an offer, since too many men seemed to find silliness in a woman positively charming. When allied to what he supposed were acceptable looks.

Over cards that evening he looked around the table. Frimleigh, that spoke in the affected style common to cavalry officers, and kept his distance from Gillie. Nottinge, with those very splendid whiskers, must make quite the bearded lady when he donned a dress. Phineas Taskerville trying not to gaze in the direction of Lady Whibsall, that was seated at an embroidery frame while Sir Francis was at the card-table. Mrs Coombe was a surprisingly competent player, that gave him to wonder about how straight the play was at Lady Venchall’s little gatherings. Trelfer, that had assured Gillie that he did not blame him for Lady Leah’s defection, could see that Lord Gilbert had done nothing to encourage her, but would then go sigh a great deal over the lady, to whom he was still devoted.

There were others in the company whom he still had to sound out.

Somebody in the party, however, was the extortionist, or in the plot. For Gillie found that those incriminating items with which Sir Vernon had supplied him, had disappeared from the place – concealed, but not too concealed – where they had been amongst his things.

The next move, he supposed, would be the note of ransom.

He was not sure how he could come at seeing how that was placed.

The following afternoon 'twas a fine sunny day and most of the party were about the gardens, that were displaying to great advantage. Several of the gentlemen had repaired to the bowling green, that was in a most excellent state, and there was already money being laid.

Gillie had not precisely sneered at this recreation but had contrived to let the company suppose that for him 'twas a very tame sport.

Tea, he fancied, would shortly be brought out –

He caught, from the corner of his eye, the sight of the edge of a skirt whisking into the concealment of the shrubbery. Casting his eyes about the assembly, he found that was not, as had immediately suspected, Lady Whibsall, seeing her husband entirely engrossed in bowls, at which he had a fine conceit of himself and the twist in his wrist, sneaking off to an assignation with Feckless Phineas. No, Lady Whibsall and Mrs Coombe, that had become quite sworn sisters these past days, were sitting on a rustic seat and deep in gossiping upon their respective nurseries.

Gillie, yawning, drifted into the shrubbery himself and soon came to observe a female figure, moving very surreptitious towards a back door of the house. He followed.

Was that really Lady Gabrielle? Could it be that she was about an assignation? For surely, was it a matter of having the headache or such would have informed the entire company before withdrawing.

He still pursued.

To the wing in which the guests were housed.

The corridor on which his chamber was situated –

And, by God, that was where she was bound.

He silently followed her in and observed her about inserting a note into the place where the quack’s letter and pamphlet had been concealed.

He closed and locked the door, and cleared his throat.

Lady Gabrielle started, turning around, colour rising in her cheeks. Lord Gilbert!

Lady Gabrielle. He strode across the chamber and took the hand with the note in it. A billet-doux? But how charming – I had no suspicion –

He plucked it out of her trembling fingers and unfolded it. Ah.

It was the handwriting familiar from the notes of demand he had already had sight of.

He looked at the lady. All affectation was gone.

Why, he asked, are you doing this? Is somebody making you?

Lady Gabrielle plumped down on the edge of the bed and burst into tears – no matter of pretty beguiling drops but racking sobs and blubbered face. Gillie handed her a handkerchief.

Eventually she handed the sodden thing back, looked up at him and said, for my daughter.

Your daughter?

Another tempest threatened. At length she said, I have a daughter – Fleurette – seven years old – living in Brittany with my former governess, Mme Huguet –

Gillie, feeling as if he had been punched in the stomach, sat down himself.

The tale came out. Some eight years ago, before their father had died, the Mallafreys had been staying with their grandfather Lord Emberry. That in those days had not been quite so much of a recluse as he had latterly become, so there were some several other guests.

And one night there was an old man came into my bed and told me to keep quiet and hurt me – and that I was not to tell. And some months later Mme Huguet noticed things, and informed Mama, and so I went to Brittany with Mme Huguet, give out for my health and so that I could improve my French –

– and before Mama died she arranged to send money to Mme Huguet to keep Fleurette, and I try to go see her when I can but I am penniless, and now she grows such a great girl the expenses are more, and we do not want to put her into an orphanage –

She put her face into her hands. Do I marry I will have a settlement I daresay, but what can I do?

Gillie patted her shoulder and said, he saw that she was in a desperate hard position, but was not confident that putting other people in fear of disclosure of their secrets was a proper course. Let him think upon the matter.

What he thought was, Lady Bexbury.