Beetaliciousness

Rosalind Richardson, that took her father’s name of Dalrymple as a stage-name to avoid comparison with her mother, that was only slightly less esteemed than Miss Addington, that Second Siddons, was sitting by the open window in her lodging in Heggleton, engaged in the womanly task of tending to her wardrobe. For an actress in her position, that was only sharing a dresser, was obliged to turn her hand to such matters herself.

Sunday afternoon. Perchance she should not be working upon the Sabbath, but reading the Bible or some improving work of literature, but there was little enough time to give to such cares!

She fancied she had already proved her vocation: there had been some supposition in her family, when she had run away from school to seek a place in one of Lady Ollifaunt’s companies, that 'twas a girlish whim that she would soon grow tired of. But sure, the theatre was in her blood: before darling Mama, there had been great-uncle Elias, that she could just remember, the famed comedic actor, that they had a painting of in the character of Bottom.

O, she knew that 'twould take some time before she was thought fit for the really important parts! But Amanda, in The Rivalrous Ladies, was by no means a part to sneer at: while the Rivalrous Ladies themselves were better, Amanda was not the vapid doll some innocent heroines that the hero married were – no, had spirit, and wit of her own, one could show well there.

But she was learning: not just the matters of her art, but all the matters of backstage intrigue and rivalry and how to make and keep friends and avoid making enemies….

There was a tap on the door, and Poppy, the maid, put her head round. There’s a gentleman wishes to see you – Mrs Matten has put him in her own parlour, says he wishes to talk to you in private – is in an invalid chair –

Rosalind felt her spine straighten. Sir Oliver Brumpage, she doubted not, come to look over this minx that his grandson the Honble Mr Oliver Parry-Lloyd had been dancing attendance upon.

I will be down directly, she said, getting up to look in the mirror to see whether her hair was tidy, her garments all in order –

She went downstairs, wishing her heart did not beat so.

As she entered the parlour, her guest said, Miss Dalrymple? Sir Oliver Brumpage – pray excuse me from standing up – do be seated –

She disposed herself in the easy chair placed vis-à-vis, and clasped her hands in her lap.

Mrs Matten brought tea herself. Sir Oliver desired Rosalind to do the honours. Was sure her grandmama had taught her well –

Rosalind blushed a little, and apprehended that he knew quite enough about her family situation.

She cleared her throat and said, Sir Oliver, I confide you suppose I have designs upon your grandson, but indeed, 'tis not so. I have no doubt you consider me a shameless creature already –

He raised his eyebrows.

– so I will immediately proceed to telling you that I am in no desire of obtaining either a wedding ring or an establishment from him.

She handed him his teacup. But it has been – most agreeable – to spend a little time with someone who reminds me of happy occasions of my younger days –

Sir Olive frowned a little.

The Raxdell House New Year parties.

Ah.

That had been darling Dadda’s kind thought – that they did not get invited to the parties that his old friends held for their children, because of their equivocal birth – so they did not go to the revels at Bexbury House or Osberton Hall, or the houses of others in his set – so Dadda had spoke to Lord Raxdell, and Lord Raxdell had spoke to the Ferrabys, and Dadda had come in brandishing the invitations –

And oh, they had been quite magical experiences! Everything so wonderful – such a fine house – such beautiful decorations – the marvellous food – the games and the dancing – the company –

We loved them so much, she said, and found herself quite unexpected choking a little and her eyes dampening. La, anyone would suppose she was The Little Matchgirl, rather than brought up very comfortable by doating prosperous parents.

I see. So that was all?

Rosalind tossed her head, desirous of casting off this weakness. O, I daresay I have been also endeavouring to refine my arts of flirtation by practising upon him.

Sir Olive guffawed. You are a minx, he said, but there is no harm in that. My mind is quite set at rest.

I am not sure it should be, said Rosalind, very taken by this amiable response. He talks a good deal of Lady Theodora Saxorby –

I was in some puzzlement as to whether he still had that yearning.

I fancy he has. But takes it as hopeless.

They both sighed.

Sir Oliver turned the conversation to his visits to the theatre, and showed a very nice judgement in theatrical matters.

***

Ollie – the Honble Oliver Parry-Lloyd – had discovered a most congenial recreation during this residence in Heggleton. Had noted, on his visit to St Oswald’s, that it boasted a very fine organ, and an organist of some accomplishment. So he continued to attend the services there, mostly for that reason, but also – o, mayhap 'twas foolish – but to find some sort of sympathy with Thea. Had no doubt that she would prefer these services to the austere Evangelical practices of the Pockinford household.

But the organ was the principal attraction! And since Ollie went about a good deal in the musical set of the town, his own talents on bassoon, bass fiddle and pianoforte being in considerable demand, in due course met Mr Edgell, the organist, that was scraping up a living giving lessons &C. Fell into a conversable friendship over musical matters, amiable brangling over the rival merits of Handel and Bach, and Ollie had come round to opening his desire to try his hand on that organ.

Had had some experience, but had not had a deal of opportunities to practise –

Did he think of it, one was astonished that with all its other appurtenances, Bexbury House did not sport an organ! One must suppose that the former Marquesses had been no more than fashionably interested in music.

– Edgell had declared that was the vicar agreeable – and he could not imagine why he should not be, let Parry-Lloyd come along on the evening when he himself rehearsed the music for the forthcoming Sunday, and he might try his hand. And a compliment to the organ-blower would be well-received.

Very civil! thought Ollie, and since then had made a habit of going along and trying his hand under the benign supervision and instruction of Edgell. 'Twas an act of friendship – he fancied Edgell would be offended did he offer money – but he should find some way of making recompense. So went about advancing his interest – wondered whether one might find some way to provide an organ at the Institute, for concerts –

One evening he came in from a very agreeable organ-playing followed by a mug or so of ale in a local tavern with Edgell, to find his grandfather waiting for him, looking somewhat serious.

Was this ominous?

Sir Oliver picked up a letter that was lying on the arm of his chair and waved it at Ollie. Here is a letter of complaint, signed by Brump, Folly, Lotty, Gianna and Georgie, that you are not doing your share in preparing this cantata of Zipsie’s for your mother’s birthday – puts a deal of a strain on Zipsie, that should be taking matters a little easy at present –

I have, said Ollie, been rehearsing my part – Fox in the henhouse! Fox in the henhouse! –

But you are not working with the ensemble, are you?

Ollie conceded that that was so. But did not like to leave his grandfather –

Sir Oliver snorted. Why, I fancy I can fadge as necessary, with Barton to aid me – but now the election here is happily concluded, very satisfactory, and business matters doing entire well, I daresay I can be spared to return to Town, with Charley’s birthday impending –

And, he went on, seems to me that 'twould be entirely prudent for you to cease dilly-dallying about these parts –

Ollie blushed. It dawned upon him that Granda was entirely apprized that he had been seeing a good deal of Rosalind Dalrymple – a considerable deal, when one thought of how much of her time was took up with the business of her profession – the performances, the rehearsals, various matters of fitting of costumes &C – even among his other recreations about the town.

But she was such entertaining company! He did not have any fears that he had fallen in love – no, while they might act somewhat flirtatious to one another, that was what it was, acting, he did not deceive himself that Miss Dalrymple had any serious intentions towards him, whether that was for matrimony or a snug establishment.

He sighed.

Have nothing against that little minx of an actress – she knows which side her bread is buttered on – and one must admire that she desires to make her own way upon the boards, as they say, without drawing upon her mother’s reputation and influence.

Quite so, said Ollie. But I have not been spending all my time in such dalliance – he disclosed his recent studies upon the organ –

Sir Oliver gave him a vulpine grin. Fie, have I not heard that Hughie Lucas has a fine organ at St Wilfrid’s? Might you not, from antient friendship, desire the opportunity to practise upon it?

Ollie groaned. Hughie will doubtless bargain for me to undertake work with the young men of his parish – teach 'em cricket, perchance – mayhap pugilism, fighting clean –

And will that not look exceeding well with Lady Theodora?

Ollie minded that his grandfather had the reputation of being a shrewd businessman.

But it was the faintest glimmer of hope –

Oh, Thea. How was she doing, at Pockinford Hall, subjected to her parents’ Evangelical practices? At least her noxious brother Simon was on his way to Peru – Artie and Rachel would be there – mayhap 'twould not be entire martyrdom.