15 March 1871, Wednesday
I slept restlessly last night. Hopefully I did not keep Tattvik awake. I am anxious for the morrow but there are a few things I can do today to distract myself. I need to check my day dress and make certain it is presentable. Tattvik has offered to work with me on it– I put it away clean before we left Edenfield Court but it is rather squashed at the moment.
I know that Lady Cowperthwaite does not enjoy shopping for its own sake, but I would like to re-trim my hat to more closely match my dress. I have not spent as much time as I should have updating wardrobe. The bulk of my dresses are still black. I have the wine coloured dress from the Cowperthwaite’s wedding and the fawn and copper dress that I will wear to my own wedding but I have not been back to London and our trusted seamstress since last year.
16 March 1871, Thursday
~Morning~
I was very tired by the end of the day yesterday and, as a result, was able to sleep through the night. I woke very early this morning with the conviction that, since we are not to exchange rings, I must make a garland for Mr Salmalin for our wedding.
I asked Tattvik if Lady Cowperthwaite was awake. She was not, so Tattvik, Mr Salmalin and I went down to breakfast. I couldn’t keep myself from smiling at Mr Salmalin.
Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite came down to breakfast as we were nearly finished. I could not tell her my plan in front of Mr Salmalin but was soon able to make an excuse to speak to her privately.
She was willing to assist me in my search for hot houses and I heard her make a suggestion to Sir Cosmo that he take Mr Salmalin in hand.
I am very nervous. It is a good thing I ate breakfast before I really realized that I am getting married today. Had I not finished my sewing last night I would be in a fix this morning, my hands are shaking so.
~Evening~
We are Married. I am now Mrs Ravvi Salmalin.
We stopped by the telegraph office and sent telegrams to No.’s 12 and 18 Charles Street as well as to James and John. Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite took us out to dinner. Tattvik returned to the hotel while we ate. I thought it odd at the time and should have realized she was up to something.
We returned to the hotel to find that Tattvik had moved my belongings in to Mr Salmalin’s room. Our room now.
I did not expect to be this nervous.
It is very strange to see my trunk next to
Mr Salmalin Ravvi’s small travelling bag. He is meditating
before retiring for the night. I suppose writing in this journal
is a form a mediation for me. Hopefully the sound of the pen scratching
across the paper does not disturb his concentration.
He surprised me during the ceremony by presenting me with a simple silver ring. I was so touched that I started crying. What can you do when your beloved knows your own heart better than you?
17 March 1871, Friday
We boarded the train for home this morning. Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite have agreed to stop over in Cheshire this afternoon. I do not know what the reception will be from my family. They may completely ignore me. If so, it will be good to have the support of my friends and husband.
~Later~
I should stop under-estimating John. He met us at the platform in Cheshire and was clearly ready to do his duty by his new brother-in-law. He informed me that Emily had taken to her bed suddenly.
John offered the hospitality of the house but seemed relieved when I said we would be staying at the inn nearer the train station. Sir Cosmo has some telegrams he would like to send and our train to Lancashire leaves early tomorrow morning.
John shook Salmalin’s hand when I introduced them and again as we took our leave. He was rather stiff but unbent enough to welcome Salmalin to the family and ask Salmalin to call him by his Christian name– which is a good deal more than I expected!
Salmalin was just about to hand me up into the carriage that Tattvik had secured for us when John surprised me with a hug. He further surprised me by whispering “It is still your home too.” I don’t know if he was overcome by emotion or just didn’t want one of the local gossips recounting the entire conversation to Emily.
It seems I am to remain a part of the Whitnell family after all– at least if John has anything to say about it.
18 March 1871, Saturday
We arrived back at Edenfield Court mid-day.
Salmalin and I found a surprise waiting for us. Sir Cosmo had arranged for us to live in the cottage that is normally reserved for the head gardener (who lives in the gate house with his wife who is also the housekeeper).
That is a very nice solution for where to put us. I was expecting to move downstairs with Salmalin which would be very strange for me and possibly for the staff as well.
Sir Cosmo gave Salmalin the day off to allow us to settle in to the cottage. It took Salmalin all of ten minutes to unpack his small bag– and that included five minutes of prayer in front of the little shrine to Kali that he set up in the hall just outside our bedroom.
In addition to my clothing trunks, I have my travelling chemistry set, my trunk of mystical supplies from Great-Aunt Hethelyn, my weapons, oh, and my books. It is quite an assemblage when packed into one small house. It took me all afternoon to get the confusion of petticoats, chemises, and crinolines under control. I hope Lady Cowperthwaite comes to appreciate what she has in Tattvik.
Salmalin’s things take up so little space that I feel guilty. Perhaps I will be able to whittle my possessions down a bit now that I no longer need maintain my former status. Salmalin very patiently helped me move trunks around as needed. This cottage is similar to my own in West Darlson but only one story. It has two small bedrooms, a kitchen with a table and benches, a small entry hall, and a parlour just off the front hall. The furniture is well made but worn in places. It looks a great deal if old pieces have been put out to pasture here when replaced by newer ones up at the main house.
For now we will use the second bedroom to store my empty trunks and also for mediation, prayer, or rituals. While I was sorting through my ritual supplies, I took the time to go through the house and set up my wards and now feel more at home.
Salmalin has put the water on for tea. I can see from my writing desk near the window that Lady Cowperthwaite is coming up the walk.
~Later~
I am stunned. Lady Cowperthwaite asked me if I would become her private secretary. I could not be more pleased. In addition to allowing me to spend time with Lady Cowperthwaite, the position gives me work of my own to do during the day while Salmalin is at his own work, and gives me my own place in the household, as well as a bit more money to add to our savings. I tried to talk her out of paying me but she would not have it. Her conditions were that I accept the salary offered and that I call her Namaste.
I countered by accepting the salary and offering to use her given name in private. The part of me that was trained by my mother cringed a bit, but I don’t think my mother’s training has much to say on such an upside-down relationship as ours. She is now, well and truly, “My Lady”, while I am the footman’s wife. No wonder Emily had to take to her bed. I’m certain my sister-in-law’s head was spinning quite dreadfully upon receiving the news of my marriage.
Lady Cowperthwaite did not stay long after we came to our agreement. I asked Mr Salmalin if he had any objections to my taking the job. He seemed rather surprised at my question but voiced no objection. The matter was settled and I am to start work tomorrow, ‘as the mail has rather piled up while we were gone...’ according to Lady Cowperthwaite. I offered to start right away but she was quite firm that it could wait one more day.
~Later~
I have finished the most difficult letter to Inspector MacGregor and committed it to the post. It is useless to speculate on his response. I hope our friendly regard will withstand this latest development. It is vanity to think that he still holds feelings for me beyond that of a friend, yet I must consider that he might and that my actions may have wounded his pride. I would not hurt him for the world. I owe him a debt that cannot be repaid as a result of his honourable and selfless actions in the matter of the Vengeance Demon in Belgium.
I hope my letter conveyed my continuing friendship without presuming that he would wish to return same given my new status.
I don’t really have anyone to talk to about this. If Ruth were here I could show her the letter before I sent it. I trust her judgement in such matters. I think it would be terribly awkward to show it to Salmalin, thoughif he asks, I will certainly tell him the contents.
~Later~
I have decided that there are certain things of a personal nature that I will not record in these pages. Up until now my journal has been the only place I could turn to when I needed to talk things out but could not– either because I lacked good company to share my thoughts with, or because what I was working on was secret and could not be shared. Now I have someone to share my life with and I will not intrude upon his privacy more than necessary to keep a record that is useful to me.
Suffice to say that I am very happy in my marriage–
though I don’t know how long it will take me to learn to
use Salmalin Ravvi’s given name– even in private.
19 March 1871, Sunday
Dear Mrs Frazer,
I hope you and Mr Frazer are well. Lady Cowperthwaite says that we may expect the pleasure of your company near the end of this month. So much has happened since I last saw you, I barely know where to begin.
First, if you have any ill will left in regards to the Parlour Incident while we were on the Continent last summer, know that you are avenged. Lady Cowperthwaite used an entire mansion to achieve a similar effect on Mr Salmalin and I.
We were married before the Registrar in Glasgow with Tattvik, Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite as our witnesses. We told no one else of our plan, as I feared the news would get back to my family prematurely. As it is, there was much wailing from my sister-in-law (though I was spared seeing her in person when we stopped at Cheshire on the way home to Edenfield Court). My older brother John appears to be willing to make the effort, so it seems I am still a member of the Whitnell clan, will I or nil I.
We are now settled in to a snug cottage on
the Estate. It is normally is given to the head gardener–
but he is living in the larger gate house with his wife, who is
also housekeeper here.
I was at loose ends for all of one day before Lady Cowperthwaite
proposed me for the position of her private secretary. I accepted
and am now eyebrow deep in correspondence. She was not exaggerating
when she said that the mail was piling up.
I have spent the morning sorting the piles and found a rather large stack of calling cards that have accumulated in addition to the letters. I will have to consult with Graves as I begin scheduling return calls as I do not know the neighbourhood and would not want to start my employer off on the wrong foot my first week on the job.
I hope you found the books I gave you useful, or at the very least, amusing. As with everything else styles seem to change from year to year.
Speaking of which, upon your return to Edenfield Court, I would dearly love to consult you on some matters of wardrobe. My old blacks are near to rags– and no longer appropriate, and I have not had time to shop for much else that is new. I am uncertain as to what I will need in order to be well turned out for my new job.
I hope this letter finds you, Mr Frazer and the rest of your family well. We miss having you, Miss Bertilde, and Mrs Cuthbert at defence practise. I do hope you are keeping up on your exercises (but not too vigorously!).
I must return to my labours. The piles of letters will not get any smaller just by looking at them.
Your Friend,
Victoria
PS Please find enclosed a report written by Edward for Mr Balderstoke. His assignment was to do a comprehensive review of previous bridge projects attempted between Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin, convert Mr Balderstoke’s notes regarding the current site to a readable report and summarize the information gathered.
20 March 1870, Monday
Mr Salmalin and I are slowly establishing a routine in our little house. The first night he left on patrol I ended up staying up, quite unintentionally, listening for his return. I fell asleep in a comfortable wing chair in the front room. Salmalin returned before dawn. He said he only woke me because my head was at such a strange angle. He rubbed the stiffness from my neck before we retired for a few hours before rising at the more usual time to meet Miss Lady Cowperthwaite for defence practice in the courtyard.
Last night third night Ravvi suggested that
I get ready for bed before he left on patrol. It is rather strange
to be tucked into bed by one’s own husband but I did fall
asleep after he left. I found him awake and at his prayers when
I got up in the morning.
I must finish sorting the notes and cards that have come in since
the wedding. Fortunately, Tattvik dealt with the most urgent items
during the honeymoon. Today I will be writing the thank you notes
for the wedding gifts and getting Lady Cowperthwaite to sign them.
If I have time I will sort through the calling cards and make
a few more appointments for Lady Cowperthwaite to return calls.
Tattvik has already gotten the new calling cards made up, so that
is one less thing to worry about.
~Afternoon~
Ravvi (it still feels very strange to write his first name) and I took our tea break together at the cottage. We were both a bit rushed. Apparently Thomas, the First Footman, is busy getting everyone and everything in shape for our guests later this month and has everyone under him hopping– not that Ravvi hops– but he does work hard. Many of the servants have been pressed into helping polish the silver. Ravvi says that it is a duty very conducive to meditation.
I was reminded that I need to make an appointment to speak with Graves. I will try to do so before returning to work this afternoon.
~Evening~
We are in our quiet hours between the time Salmalin Ravvi comes off duty as a footman and goes on his rounds as a bodyguard. He is reading some notes that Graves has given him while I update this record. Before our marriage, I did not realize how much time Ravvi was putting into studying, not just all the arcane rules for being a footman, but also regarding Sir Cosmo’s houses, staff, and neighbours. He works very hard to be good as his job and sets a high value on advice and information given to him by Mr Graves.
Speaking of which, Mr Graves very kindly made time for me this afternoon. I wanted to assure him I will do what I can to fit in and I asked his advice.
He said that "Every person in service is keenly aware of his or her place within the hierarchy of the home. They are also aware of the standing of their employer in the greater society. If you take away that clear delineation, some cannot cope. You understand that, or you wouldn't have asked the question. A secretary, like a governess, often finds themself in this selfsame situation. They are employed by the master or mistress of the house, yet they are afforded some privileges of guests or family."
He had several suggestions and observations– the two that seemed most directly applicable were that I observe the Code of the Downstairs and that I not be disingenuous.
The Code of the Downstairs is: “what is said downstairs, stays downstairs”. I interpret that to mean that conversations between staff members are not to be shared with the Master and Mistress of the house or any of their guests. Graves warned me that I may never be fully trusted among certain of the staff because of my background. In that case, there is nothing for it but to ignore it– or more accurately– not take it personally. I do worry our marriage will have an impact on Ravvi’s relationship with the other staff. They may worry about what he will tell me and thus, what might be passed on to the Mistress.
I think the second piece of advice follows from the first. There will always be people who are, on some level , vexed with me for crossing the line. Pretending that there was no line to cross, or that I am now completely comfortable in my new role, or in addition, that I have any right to their acceptance will not help matters.
I must be respectful of those around me and not jump to conclusions if their treatment of me is not what I expect. He was quite frank in saying that some staff might use their superior knowledge of the workings of the House to frustrate me in my own work. However, he went on to caution that sometimes what I think should be a reasonable request may not be considered so by other staff. I should not assume that because a request is turned down that there is an intent to frustrate me in my own work.
He was kind enough to say that I could consult with him further as I had questions– but he also warned me against coming to him too often as I will need to develop my own relationships with the staff and learn to manage.
21 March 1870, Tuesday
Mr James Whitnell
Oxford College
Oxford
My dearest James,
I am at a loss for words. It meant a great deal to receive your telegram of support on the 17th. And now to hear from you at greater length is indeed a pleasure. You are quite right in your identification of my new husband. He is indeed the footman who accompanied Lady Cowperthwaite (formerly Miss Chigwidgeon) on her visit to our house all those months ago.
I realized during our talk at Goxhill, that you thought 'that nice Inspector chap' as you term him, might hold out some hope for me. I could not confide in you then because, while I have known for quite some time who my heart was set upon, Mr Salmalin and I had agreed not to discuss the matter until after the end of my mourning year. That, and I had given you rather a lot to take in as it was.
I could not, in conscience, speak to you or John about my hopes when I had no real expectations to ground them on. Then when Mr Salmalin and I met again at Edenfield Court events moved more swiftly that I could have imagined.
I made the decision to marry and then ask forgiveness– for I did not know how difficult permission (or at least approval) would be to come by. I have married for duty once to my deep and abiding regret. And while I am not so far gone as to think I would have died if my suit had not prospered (I was, after all, braced for the notion that my affection might not be returned) once Mr Salmalin and I had agreed to wed, I could not bear the thought of a long engagement or worse, family interference in this most private of matters.
I am sorry that you were not able to see me married to the man I love with all my heart. I hope you will be able to visit us, or we will be able to visit you one day soon.
In rather less earth-shattering news, I have taken a position as Lady Cowperthwaite's private secretary. It will be very good for me to have work of my own to do during the day while my husband is occupied with his own duties. My new responsibilities may make it difficult to get time away from the household but I do hope something can be worked out, and soon.
I remain your loving, if often perplexed, sister,
Victoria
22 March 1871, Wednesday
Mrs Anne Whitnell
No. 18 Charles Street
London
Dearest Mother,
I started this letter so many times that I have lost count. Your own letter reached me just today and has given me the courage write to you.
I am terribly sorry to have underestimated your faith in me. I will say, in my own defence, that I have been set on this course for some time, but could not tell anyone, as I did not know until 22 February that there was any hope for my suit.
I think you will like Mr Salmalin. It was he who insisted that we postpone any conversation of substance until after the end of my mourning year. When I was at last free to speak with him, and found that we were matched in our affections, I did not want to risk losing him. I was then afraid if I told anyone in the family in advance, the news would spread, and some effort might be made to stop me. I know I am a grown woman but I have seen only to clearly the power Men hold over Women. They hold our lives and sanity in their power and many of them seem to have very little regard for what who we are as Persons– and there are Women who support them in their abuse of this power and of other Women.
I am not saying that either of my brothers would do such a thing, but you are right in noting that my marriage and subsequent divorce from Captain Forrester has made me wary. That I have married again is something of a miracle in and of itself. A year ago I could not have imagined such a thing.
But then I never could have imagined such a
man as Mr Salmalin.
I hope you will come to forgive me and that Mr Salmalin will find
a home among the Whitnells as he has with me. He is much more
than he appears.
If I stop to enumerate his virtues this letter will be very long indeed.
I don’t know if it is what you would wish for me, but I have taken service with Lady Cowperthwaite as her private secretary. I am well pleased and hope you will be also for my sake.
Mr Salmalin and I have arranged with Sir Comso to come to London this weekend. If you are still at No 18 Charles I will be able to introduce you. I have also invited James, presuming he can get away from his studies.
Again, my sincere apology for not sharing what was in my heart. It seems we have both changed more than I realized while I was away in India.
Your loving daughter,
Victoria
PS I noticed from your letter that you are doing much more than visiting the homes of wealthy women to talk them into giving money for the Project. I expect you to take precautions and ensure that Miss Bertilde is with you as you roam about London. She is very capable, as I hope you have not yet had reason to discover.
VS
______________________
Miss Betty Whitnell
No. 18 Charles Street
London
Dear Betty,
Thank you for your kind thoughts. I have received letters from you, John, James, and Mother.
It may seem romantic to elope, but was also very difficult. Knowing what I know now of our family, I do not think it was strictly necessary. I am stunned by so much love and support from the family, especially given my chequered history.
Mr Salmalin is one of the reasons I have been counselling you against coming out too early. I learned to my regret, that even 19 was too young to make a good decision as to who would be an acceptable marriage partner. You are not quite 17. Give yourself time to grow into womanhood. Do not stunt yourself by rushing out into Society too quickly.
After my experience these past few weeks, I believe that ‘romantic’ must really equate to stomach churning anxiety. Also, mud. We spent most of the three weeks in Scotland visiting a construction project being run by one of Sir Cosmo’s business partners.
The work they are doing is fascinating but the site itself is well worn and there was mud everywhere. I have worked at my third-best pair of boots every day for the past week and still have not managed to brush all the mud out. I don’t know if you were old enough to remember John and my’s attempt at a garden back at Whitnell House. Now that I think on it you were not yet born when he and I turned the little plot given to us by Stewart into a mud hole that ate seeds, full grown plants (which we had ‘borrowed’ from Mary’s garden plot) and two shoes (one from each of us). That is what the main construction site was like– multiplied by 1000.
I probably do not need to ask this, but I shall just to be certain. Please do not spread the details of my elopement to your friends. I know it sounds romantic and makes a good story but I would keep it in the Family as much as possible if I could.
Mr Salmalin and I have received permission to travel to London this weekend for a short visit. If you and Mother are available I will present Mr Salmalin then.
Thank you again, for your words of support. They mean a great deal to me.
Your loving sister,
Victoria
_________________________
Mr John Whitnell
Whitnell House
Cheshire
Dear John,
This has been quite a day for letters. I got one each from you, Mother and Betty. James was a bit quicker off the mark (or the post is faster between here and Oxford) as I received his letter yesterday.
It meant a great deal to me to see you at the
platform in Cheshire.
I am sorry my actions have put you in such a difficult position,
but I am not sorry for them. I made the best decision I could
under difficult circumstances.
When we talked at Goxhill, I got some inkling that you knew my heart’s desire. I could not speak to you then because I had promised Mr Salmalin to wait until the end of my mourning year before raising any matters of substance with him. I am glad you restrained yourself from writing to me concerning your observations of Mr Salmalin and my mutual regard. It was difficult enough waiting all these months to be free to speak– if you had put your oar in I might have handed it back to you in pieces.
I am terribly sorry to be so difficult. The letters I have received from you, James, Mother, and Betty have shown me how much I underestimated all of you. Mother may have hit upon something when she wondered if my lack of trust in her was linked to her approval of my engagement to Captain Forrester. It is not that I do not trust her (or you), rather that I have been taught by experience that trust, like love, is not always returned. It took meeting Sir Cosmo and the exceptional people that he surrounds himself with, to teach me to trust again... and to risk myself once more in marriage to Mr Salmalin.
I see now that I have had too little faith in you and for that I am truly sorry.
Your loving, and well loved sister,
Victoria
PS I forgot to mention. I have table-shaking news– I have accepted the position as private secretary to Lady Cowperthwaite. I am very excited to have work of my own to do in the household and believe that my education and experience will serve Lady Cowperthwaite well.
PPS Also, Mr Salmalin and I have been given permission to go to London this coming weekend. We will be in town all day Saturday. If you can get away, you would be welcome to join Mother, Betty, Mr Salmalin and myself. If little Anne felt up to it you could bring her as well. I am certain Mother would enjoy visiting with her grandchild.
PPPS Please don’t let Major Haywood, Mrs Russell and Miss Eliza slip through the cracks during all this uproar. Miss Eliza really could do with a visit to her cousins– she has so much to adjust to and Haywood Hall is rather echoingly empty at the moment with just the three of them and their servants. If Emily is not up to having visitors, perhaps you can persuade one of our sisters to visit the Haywoods soon.
__________________
To: Mr James Whitnell, Oxford College, Oxford
From: Mr and Mrs Salmalin
22 March 1871
We are travelling to London 24 March 21.30
STOP
Staying at No 18 Charles STOP
Come if you can STOP
23 March 1871, Thursday
Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite approached me about the coming preparations for Easter. Lady Cowperthwaite and I must make time to go into Manchester to make some of the arrangements. It occurs to me that we might be able to make a few more of the calls on our list on our way back from town. I have fixed the date for Monday and begun scheduling other calls to be made that week.
We have spent the week returning the calls of the ladies of the neighbourhood. Graves was able to supply me with the names and addresses of ladies who might be too infirm or aged to make first calls. We took one of the smaller carriages and Lady Cowperthwaite requested Mr Salmalin as her driver. I was not able to talk her into going alone an leaving me to work on the thank you notes. She was very insistent that I come, so I packed a small travelling desk and a few notes to work on so I could sit in the carriage and occupy myself at such times as her call was received and she was invited in.
Work continues on the interminable thank you notes. I hope to finish the last of them before Mr Salmalin and I leave for London tomorrow. My hand is quite sore from all the writing today. Salmalin is offering to rub the stiffness out of it– I think I will take him up on the offer.
~Later~
I’ve been thinking a great deal on the letter I received from my mother earlier this week. It has reminded me of some of my less-than-sterling hours in Belgium when I let fear rule me in the matter of Herr Schmidt.
If I am to continue in the work we do for Our Employer, not to mention the strange events that are not exactly covered under that work, I need to learn to better control myself. My mother’s letter framed the issue in terms of trust. I talked with Ravvi before he left for the main house. When he suggested trusting myself more, I realised that my true concern was how quickly and deeply fear can affect me. If I am to wield power in defence of my friends in the League and for the greater good, I cannot let fear– or its outward facing twin, anger, overmaster me.
Ravvi suggested that I work more extensively with the Seed of Peace mantra. Of course the trick will be to remember it when next I am next afraid– or even to realize when it is fear that is informing my choices.
In any case, I do not think I could have prevented Emily’s prostration had I attempted a more conventional courtship. And I certainly could not tell Mother one of the reasons for my unseemly haste. Both Mr Salmalin and I came very close to death last summer and since we have lived long enough to marry, I do not want to waste any of the time we have.
I do not think my mother would be pleased to hear that.
24 March Friday
~Evening~
We are safely ensconced in one of the downstairs rooms at Sir Cosmo’s townhouse. This is something of a compromise, as Graves and Sir Cosmo both instructed Mr Salmalin that he was off duty for the weekend, however Ravvi insisted on being housed downstairs. I think he had some thought that I would resume my usual rooms upstairs. He was incorrect– I refused to be separated from him. If he is more comfortable downstairs, that is where we will be.
Based on reception given to us by Stuart and David, I suspect Graves sent very specific word on ahead. We arrived too late for dinner but Mrs Murphy made us a late tea in the kitchen. We then met Mother and Betty in the second floor parlour that they have made over into an office for their work for the Society.
It was late. I introduced Mr Salmalin to Mother and Betty– which felt very strange because they have seen him before both at Whitnell House and at Goxhill Hall. Of course, at that time, Mother wasn’t looking at him as a potential son-in-law. After a brief conversation we excused ourselves. I was weary, both from travelling and from nervous excitement.
We have all day tomorrow to be in the company of my family before we must return to Edenfield Court and our duties. I know that Salmalin is anxious to return. He was not sanguine about leaving the Cowperthwaites– even though, as Sir Cosmo pointed out, Graves and the other staff have been managing all these years– and Tattvik has been training at Lady Ottoline’s.
If possible, I will suggest that we catch a late train back to Edenfield tomorrow night, rather than waiting until Sunday afternoon as originally planed.
In the meantime, I will ask Salmalin to help me braid my hair for the night. It is ever so relaxing to let his deft fingers weave through my hair.
25 March 1871, Saturday
Mr Salmalin and I took ourselves, and Miss Bertilde, over to No 12 Charles street for defence practice with Mrs Cuthbert and Mrs Frazer. It was awkward until Miss Bertilde took her first swing at Mr Salmalin– then we were all business. I was very happy to be among my friends once more. Miss Bertilde has been working with Mrs Cuthbert and Mrs Frazer during their time in London. Both ladies are looking particularly well. Mrs Cuthbert seems to have had her dresses taken in quite a bit over the past few months. I noticed it first over Christmas but it is quite marked now that we are all beginning to shed our heavy outer clothes.
Mrs Cuthbert invited us all in for breakfast after we had cleaned up. She insisted that Mr Salmalin join us at table even though he was showing signs of wanting to retreat into the kitchen. He bore it quite well and his flinch was barely noticeable when one of the maids banged the metal lid into the tray holding the eggs with rather more force than was necessary. After a breakfast made longer by good conversation, Mr Salmalin and I returned with Miss Bertilde to No 18 Charles.
We retreated to an unused parlour for a bit of peace and quiet but then Ravvi suggested that we take advantage of the fine weather and go for a walk. He did not reckon with Betty’s inquisitiveness and before we knew it our private walk had become the two of us, Betty, and Miss Bertilde. Mrs Frazer saw us assembling and made to join us. While on our walk she made a particular point of asking me to make sure that I stop by this afternoon.
Betty tried to monopolize Mr Salmalin and he tried in return to answer some of her more pertinent questions. She is still quite taken with the ‘romance’ of it all, in spite of all my attempts to insert a bit of reality into the fluffy pink clouds that seem to fill her head at times. Of course it does not help matters that my husband is handsome and well turned out and carries himself with a great deal of humble dignity.
We returned home to find that James had arrived in time for luncheon today. He had travelled 3rd class and needed a few moments to change. It had been clear when he set out but a sudden rainstorm had wetted all of 3rd class. He was unperturbed by the soaking and seemed quite gay.
He was a wonderful help in keeping conversation
light and flowing throughout the meal. Salmalin answered most
of the questions that were put to him, but frequently with very
short answers. There is so much that we are prevented from talking
about because it leads back to the activities of the league. However,
I was able to get Mother talking about her work for the Society
and that filled in the gaps quite nicely. I realized part-way
through the lunch, that this short visit was really not going
to show my family much about the reasons why I love and esteem
Mr Salmalin so much. At least everyone seemed willing to make
the effort to be cordial.
James had some funny stories about his Masters at Oxford, though
that did draw some fire from Mother, in that she attempted to
pin James down about when he will be finished with school. He
aiming for Honours in Natural Science and confessed rather sheepishly
that he is thinking about applying for a Fellowship after he completes
his degree.
Who knew my fun-loving brother had such a passion for academics? I knew he was intelligent– anyone who can both take a clock apart and reassemble it at age six is a force to be reckoned with.
~Afternoon~
After lunch Mr Salmalin and I walked back over to No. 12. Betty tried to tag along but I pointed out that the invitation had not been extended to her. Mrs Frazer settled Ravvi in the parlour with Mr Frazer and took me upstairs to her room. She was acting quite mysterious but also very cheerful– allaying my fears that I was in for a scolding from my friend.
In her sitting room, I found two new dresses laid out for my inspection! Mrs Frazer had, upon receiving my letter and plea for her sartorial assistance, collected my clothing allowance from Our Employer, and ordered four new dresses for me. As our seamstress here in town has all of our measurements, Mrs Frazer had but to select the fabric and the trimmings and hand over the money.
The dresses have the matching underskirt in the short length, and all the adaptations recommended for Ladies of Action! I was quite undone at her thoughtfulness and at her ability to talk the seamstresses in to completing two of the dresses in so short a time. The two dresses that I have will certainly be grateful for the reinforcements as they have seen much use in the past two months.
The new outfits which are complete are a visiting dress and a day dress. The visiting dress includes a jacket. The dress itself is cocoa brown with dark maroon trim. The skirt and bodice are a soft wool, cut with a moderate apron swag and bustle. The jacket is velveteen in a slightly darker cocoa brown. It is trimmed with a band of maroon silk on most all edges and hems, with sections highlighted in passementerie in the same maroon colour. The jacket has a peplum and moderately full sleeves. I will be able to wear it with different dresses if I so choose. There is even a matching hat!
The day dress is quite suitable for working at home or receiving callers and is a warm gray faille skirt and bodice. The bodice does not have peplum but the skirt includes an overskirt in the same colour which can be drawn up in two different ways for swags and bustles. The trim is a three inch wide ruched band in an ochre-gold silk with a fine stripe of charcoal gray running around the hem of the skirt and the overskirt, and a narrower band at the neckline and cuff. The trim bands are affixed as a ruffle, with a line of charcoal-gray braid running along the gathering line. I particularly love the colour of the trim on this dress and suspect Ruth has been taking note of the colours and fabrics I have looked at but not bought during our various shopping trips over the past year.
After I spent time admiring the new dresses Mrs Frazer escorted me downstairs and we were reunited with our husbands. I told Ravvi about the dresses while Mrs Frazer organized us for a carriage ride. The other dresses were still at the seamstresses and Mrs Frazer had arranged for the two of us to view them this afternoon. When given the choice, the two men opted to join us for the ride but took the carriage for a few of their own errands while Ruth and I visited the shop.
The third dress is for the evening, and is a deep wine red damask, with a paisley design in texture. Mrs Frazer suggested a pewter-coloured trim with silver highlights. The seamstress suggested a golden-yellow trim but it was much too orange when laid up against the damask. I took Ruth’s advice. It will be so nice not to have to wear my black evening dress– should I be so fortunate as to be invited out anywhere that is...
The final dress is made of plain dark grey wool with a high neck and fitted sleeves, and a plain skirt. Mrs Frazer showed me a fashion drawing she had marked that showed a banded trimming in ligne braid, but had not settled on a colour. With her assistance I decided on a maroon braid that is very close in colour to the trim on the visiting dress. The trim looks nearly black in dim light and the dress itself is dark enough not to stand out should I have a need to disappear in to the dark.
Our Gentlemen returned with the carriage in good time. Ravvi handed me up into the carriage and then seemed to have to think for a moment before getting in and sitting with us. We drove back to No. 12. As a parting gift, Mrs Frazer gave me new gloves and a bertha. She also offered to help me retrim some of the dresses (if they survive) later in the year to keep them looking fresh and new. I thanked her effusively as Mr Salmalin and I took our leave. We returned to No 18 just in time for a late tea with Mother, James, and Betty.
~Late~
We caught the last train to Edenfield. I could tell that Ravvi was anxious to return to his charges, as he became quieter and quieter as the afternoon progressed. He is not talkative at the best of times and when it got to the point that I could tell that he was meditating rather than listening to my family prattle on I took him aside and suggested that we take our leave.
Stuart gave me a stack of mail for the household at Edenfield as well as some notes to Mr Graves from him and David.
Many of the letters were addressed to Lady Cowperthwaite. I can see that Sisyphus and I will now have something in common.
26 March 1871, Sunday
Things didn’t go quite as we intended. Apparently Graves was somewhat vexed with Salmalin for returning early. Vexed is rather too strong a word I think– perhaps exasperated would be better. He has told Salmalin that Sir Cosmo gave him the weekend off and the weekend he shall have. He is not to return to duty until Monday morning.
I found this out after returning home from church and finding Ravvi curled up in the wing back chair in front room. He is determined to read though Graves’ notes on Edenfield Court’s neighbours.
I am staying out of it.
There is not much that needs to be done around the house. Ravvi is very tidy and I find myself following his example. In addition, a year with the League has taught me that it is better to keep everything organized. It seems that we never know when we will have to pack everything on short notice and go where Our Employer sends us.
I think I will go do the dishes. Perhaps later I will ask Ravvi to go for a walk around the grounds.
If he’s walking with me, then it’s
not patrolling.
Proceed to Dark places
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