Wednesday, 21 July, 1870
Today was quite busy, but rather invigoratingly so.
Mr. Balderstoke seems quite pleased with the outcome of the dinner party. In attendance were Lord Greyminster, Miss Pinker, Lady Ottoline Cornwall, Miss Higgins, Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge, Young Mr. Cratchet, Mr. Ned Cheeryble, Mr. Charles Cheeryble, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cheeryble, and Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Nickleby.
There was a great vigorous discussion of the particular problems brought to public light by the Brixton Horror. Though the committee headed by Lord Greyminster and Lord Shaftesbury intends to lay before parliament a number of legislative proposals, it was agreed by all in attendance that the young women and their children do not have the luxury of time to wait for those initiatives to wind their way through Parliament. While the news has prompted several prominent citizens to increase their donations to existing charities, Mr. Balderstoke expressed the belief that these charities are not addressing the fundamental problem. Lady Ottoline wholeheartedly concurred, and laid out, in rather stark terms, the difficulties facing a young woman wishing or needing to make her own way in the world.
The discussion went on for quite some time. The final result being that an outline for the charter of a new organization, with earnest money pledged toward acheiving its goal of providing a safe haven for unmarried mothers and mothers-to-be so that they may care for themselves and their children, without being forced to give the children over to the care of strangers. By the time everyone left they were most excited. Each person had a list of tasks they would perform toward the founding of this new society. I haven't seen such a spring in the steps of the brothers Cheeryble in some time. Even their nephew, Mr. Frank Cheeryble, commented upon it as they were leaving the house.
I have been so caught up in the excitement, I have almost forgotten to record the more troubling news from earlier in the day. Apparently war has broken out in earnest. As expected, Prussia and the North German Confederation have answered France's declaration of war with a declaration of their own. It seems even before the ink had dried upon the declaration, hostilities have broken out. The reports in the paper are confused, but some fighting has already occured near the Belgian towns of Hamont and Corrim. The two towns are at opposite sides of the small country, one near the border with Prussia, the other near that with France. It would appear, despite pledges from so many nations to protect Belgium's neutrality, that armed forces have strayed across the border.
The reports are surprisingly vague about which units of which armies are involved. I continue to pray that the household remains safely away from the battle lines.
Thursday, 22 July, 1870
If the notices in the papers are to be believed, they are spending a fortune on couriers. Yet the stories they tell of the early stages of war between France and Prussia hardly seem worth the coin, so lacking are they in detail. Mysterious explosions. Warships seen as far up the Seine as Metz. Who could believe such a thing? Since I have no means to obtain specific information about the master and the household, I attempted to keep myself distracted.
A very detailed report had arrived in yesterday's post from Mrs. Sharpes, including an accounting of the expenses incurred thus far preparing Edenfield Court, the master's country home, to be inhabited once more. I wrote an equally detailed reply, enclosed a cheque drawn on the household account, and posted it.
Coincidently, a letter arrived in the afternoon post from Mrs. Parks, the housekeeper of Goxhill Manor, inquiring as to any special needs of any members of the household. Giving this letter the answer it deserves may be beyond my meagre talents. I have made three false starts so far this evening.
Midday I had attended to several errands in town, including placing orders for linens and other household items Mrs. Sharpes has requested. I also visited the usual employment agencies. Edenfield requires a much larger staff than the townhouse. I also attended the emergency meeting of the protocol committee.
Mr. Balderstoke left early in the morning, saying that he needed to spend some time at the shipyard dealing with several business matters, but that he would also be calling on several individuals regarding the new foundation. He said he would almost certainly take dinner at his club, or perhaps in the company of persons he hopes to solicit donations from. He did not return until nearly 11 p.m.
I must make another attempt to answer Mrs. Parks' letter so it can go out in the morning post.
Friday, 23 July, 1870
The news from the continent continues to be dire. Even Mr. Chadwick commented upon it while Mr. Graham was reading the morning paper.
I did post an answer to Mrs. Parks' letter this morning, though I fear it is inadequate. Describing the master's household and their individualities is a daunting task.
Mr. Balderstoke was in and out throughout the day. He has quite a full slate: a new business to run, the existing partnership to keep an eye on, the new foundation to launch, and goodness knows what other projects. He spent some time assisting Mr. Chadwick with some of the more troublesome correspondence. All three gentlemen were present for luncheon and even dinner.
I received a note from Miss Pinker asking me to come consult on certain arrangements regarding the upcoming visit to Goxhill Manor and the wedding. It gave me an opportunity to visit with Arthor where I learned some entertaining news. Lord Greyminster has purchased the townhouse in which Lord Robert St. Simon has been living. Apparently he and the Duke of Balmoral sealed the deal Thursday morning. Lord Robert has been told to hurry getting his things packed and moved, as the new owner has a great deal of work to do on the house before he gifts it to the new foundation.
The purchase kills two birds with one stone. The Duke's financial situation has been strained for some time, in no small measure due to the indescretions of Lord Robert. The house is in a very fashionable neighborhood and would fetch an excellent price if rented out. This will provide a steady income for the foundation for years to come. Arthur tells me Lord Greyminster delivered the news to Lord Robert in person last night -- in the smoking room of the Carlton Club, so that several of Lord Robert's friends and hangers-on would overhear the news.
After an early dinner, Mr. Balderstoke retreated to the lab, where he has been constructing a model of some sort of machine. Mr. Chadwick has been spending the evenings reading through the master's collections of the journals of various naturalist societies. Mr. Graham is tonight writing in the parlour.
Saturday, 24 July, 1870
Our quiet evening was quite interrupted by the most unusual and unexpected arrival of Insp. MacGregor and Emily. They were in the company of a most unusual turkish man by the name of Hassan al-Kardel al-Din Kahbur, who provided their transportation, and Mrs. Cedric Middleton, the daughter of our own Mrs. Cuthbert, and her two children, Elinor and George. I hesitate to record this, but they arrived at our front door in a manner that seemed taken straight from the old testament. The next time I hear the text of Elijah's ascension to heaven in a chariot of fire I shall not have to imagine what such a thing looks like, for it was right here on Charles Street last night!
Mr. Hassan is a holy man of the Muslim faith whom the League rescued from an agent of Prussia. The household has encountered, according to the Inspector, a rather frighteningly large number of Prussian agents and soldiers skulking about in Belgium, anxiously awaiting an excuse to invade France. None of the household has suffered permanent injury, though they have had several close calls.
And the household has left Belgium. In the French city of Metz, Mr. Middleton is posted as Secretary to the Consul. When the household followed certain clues to Metz, they stayed as guests in the consulate. Now that the armies of Prussian are advancing on the city, it was decided to evacuate the children. Since many railways have been damaged, Mr. Hassan's unusual transport seemed the best way to accomplish this. It was also hoped that the unusual means of travel might mislead sorcerors opposing the League that the League had fled back to England. In fact, the League was to launch some sort of counter-attack. I pray that all has gone well with this venture.
While I settled our guests into bedrooms, the Inspector wrote out reports to Sir Anthony and Sir Sebastian. Emily went to Lady Ottoline's to check on several of her students. By morning, they were ready to return.
Mrs. Middleton has called upon her relatives in town. The note the Inspector brought from the master clearly indicated that Mrs. Middleton and her two children are welcome at the house as long as they wish to stay. She has elected to remove herself and the children to her grand-uncle's home, next door. In either case, I have offered help from our staff to Mr. Stebbins.
I found it quite interesting that Emily, who is terrified of travelling by boat, is completely at ease flying through the sky in an object appearently less substantial than smoke. She seemed actually excited about the return trip.
The Inspector seemed distracted the entire time he was here, and decidedly uneasy about the return. He did not confide in me, nor would I expect him to. I hope that all is well with him.
Sunday, 25 July, 1870
After our late night Friday visitation, everything else seems almost dull by comparison.
I was more than a bit worried this morning to discover that Mr. Graham had not returned to the house after his night out. Mr. Balderstoke and Mr. Chadwick rose early, broke their fasts, and each left to attend to familial obligations. Mr. Balderstoke kindly offered to check at the Graham family home during his travels to ascertain whether the family had seen the young man. He promised not to do so in an alarming fashion.
Just seeing the headlines on the papers set my nerves on edge, now that I know the League is in Metz. That seems to be were all the fighting is occuring! I couldn't concentrate on the vicar's sermon, but rather spent the time praying for everyone's safe return.
After services I tried to occupy myself with a bit of reading, but there was a problem in the pantry. Mrs. Murphy was missing an entire tin of biscuits (Edward's favorite packaged brand), several pounds of onions, and a cabbage. As we inventoried the other stores, I discovered that two bottles of port, one of single-malt whisky, and one of brandy were also missing. I discovered two of the bottles, unopened, in the garden. As I was searching for signs of where the culprit had entered the house, I heard Mr. Stebbins next door engaged in a similar search. The Cuthbert cellar and pantry was missing half a steak and kidney pie, a bottle of Kentucky sipping whiskey which Mr. Cuthbert had brought back from the Americas, as well as a bottle each of sherry and port. Stebbins and I found the remaining missing bottles in the the Cuthbert's garden, along with the completely cleaned out dish that had contained the pie
Why would anyone steal such an odd collection of foods and alcohol, then leave all of the alcohol behind is quite beyond me.
Later, as Mrs. Murphy was preparing dinner, she discovered the tin of biscuits -- opened with several removed, right in the spot one the shelf she had shown me empty earlier. Mrs. Murphy decided we'd been invaded by leprechauns, and insisted upon putting up some charms to ward them off. I must admit the explanation is as possible as any of the alternatives.
Mr. Balderstoke arrived home in time for dinner. He reported that when he stopped at the Graham home they had not seen the young man, but they had received a note from him indicating that he had been invited to dine with a friend's family. It seemed rather odd, but the handwriting was undoubtably Mr. Graham's.
After dinner Mr. Balderstoke returned to his project in the lab, and Mr. Chadwick continued reading the journals. Both had retired before Mr. Graham appeared at the door, unharmed and in, I must say, the happiest mood I have ever seen him in. He apologized for not sending word of his change of plans, made several rather exuberant observations on the wonders of life, and then informed me that the household was safe and sound.
I asked him to explain what he meant by that. "We received a message," he explained. "From an absolutely impeccable source. The League's counter-attack put a severe crimp in the Prussian artillery, and the cavalry have flown to the rescue!"
Although there was no alcohol on his breath, I feared that perhaps he had indulged in some other substance. His cheeks were rather flushed, after all. But his eyes seemed all right. The pupils seemed correct for the lighting of the room. I asked him what he meant by the cavalry.
"Aerofrigates," he said. "French aerofrigates and German aerocruisers. The Kingdoms of Bavaria and Wurttemberg have come in on the side of France. Oh, and also the Two Sicilies. There are so many crowned heads in Metz, you practically need a Pink'n to keep them straight. I'm surprised the papers haven't all come out with special editions already!"
Then he practically danced up the stairs to his room. As I was locking up the house, I could still hear him singing up there as he prepared for bed.
Monday, 26 July, 1870
The morning papers say the war may be over. As Mr. Graham told me the previous evening, Bavaria, Wurttemberg, and the Kingdom of Two Sicilies have come in on France's side. This development seems to have caught everyone, with the possible exception of Mr. Graham's mysterious informant, by surprise.
Mr. Graham remained almost intolerably cheerful at breakfast. Mr. Chadwick seemed quite bewildered. Mr. Balderstoke was nearly as happy, reading sections of the newspaper accounts of the situation in Metz aloud, and adding commentary as appropriate.
Mr. Balderstoke had a great deal of business to take care of today, and expected not to return until after dinner. Mr. Chadwick and Mr. Graham had their usual correspondence to deal with.
We had an unusual visitor. Miss Elinor and her nurse came over to speak with myself and Mrs. Murphy, to warn us about the fairy problem. I assume she overheard Stebbins and the staff next door talking about our strange food theif. Miss Elinor is a very charming young lady, and so serious. Mrs. Murphy took it all quite seriously. Allowing the nurse to show her how to tie a bit of string into some sort of anti-fairy charm. I'm afraid I didn't hide my skepticism very well. Mrs. Murphy gave me a bit of a ticking off afterward, reminding me that Elinor's grandmother has certain gifts.
Later in the evening, Lord Greyminster dropped by to let me know that the League is still in good health, however he suspected that they have several errands yet to perform on the Continent and will not be back for at least a week.
Mr. Balderstoke returned, as expected, after dinner. He seemed more tired than usual, but insisted it had been a very productive day.
Tuesday, 27 July, 1870
Mr. Graham offered to do some of the shopping, as the stationary supplies were running low and he had a small errand he needed to do himself. Mrs. Murphy is still rather unhappy with me about the fairy business from yesterday, so I suspect she was just as happy to have Mr. Graham accompany her to the market rather than myself. This left me to handle some of the household accounts.
The papers have more details of the events on the Continent, including mention that King Ludwig II of Bavaria, King Charles of Wurttemberg, King Francis II of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and Emporer Napolen III are all in the city of Metz, negotiating with representatives of King Wilhelm of Prussia. The papers are rampant with speculation as to why the two southern German kingdoms have not sided with Prussia. Recalling the thrashing they received at Prussia's hands just four years ago would seem adequate reason. A mutual defense treaty was part of the settlement of that war, but even though France was the first to declare in this particular altercation, it was clearly provoked.
I can't imagine that our own Prime Minister could get away with using such language to describe a rival nation as Bismarck reportedly did without there being calls for his resignation for intemperance.
I attempted to patch things up with Mrs. Murphy this evening after dinner. I don't believe I was successful.
Wednesday, 28 July, 1870
The reading public must already be tiring of the war, as the headlines at the top of page one concerned the Red River Rebellion in Canada and new developments in the Brixton Horrors. Charges have officially be laid against a Mrs. Waters; she is accused of murdering 16 infants, though Her Majesty's counsel indicated in his remarks in court that additional charges may be laid as police continue their work. The judge registered her plea of Not Guilty, and set a trial date of September to allow the investigation to proceed.
The article also mentioned the formation of Society for the Support of Young Mothers and Infants, listing Mr. Balderstoke, the brothers Cheeryble, and Mr. Scrooge among the founders.
I made my usual afternoon visit to the Junior Ganymede. Among the many interesting things I learned there, was that Lord Robert St. Simon has finished removing his property from the townhouse Lord Greyminster recently purchased. He has been unsuccessful, thus far, in obtaining an invitation to a country estate for shooting season. The rumour of his indescretion has spread.
Poor Mr. Chadwick ate dinner alone this evening.
Mr. Balderstoke was otherwise engaged with more possible donors
for the new Society, and Mr. Graham was taking dinner in the city.
He returned not long ago, just before Mr. Balderstoke. He's singing,
again.
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