Lady Ann sat for a few moments gathering her thoughts rising from her seat she took the manuscript upon which she had been working and locked it away. Taking up writing paper, she returned to her seat. Taking up her quill...
The content of the missive was one upon which she took a few more moments to contemplate before she began writing
The letter she was about to write was to a distant cousin Lady Sarah Fitz-Gibbon who’s husband a peer of the realm styled Lord Fitz-Gibbon held estates in the north of England.
The ancestral home been near York Lord Fitz-Gibbon was of an ancient and honorable lineage having an ancestor who had served well in the parliament of King Henry in the time of the reformation.
For his pains and troubles, the gentleman had been well rewarded with lands, which had formally belonged to a Benedictine house.
My dear Sarah,
I hope that you are well and in good health she began thereafter, she continued in this vain discussing the health of various members of her family the weather and other local incidents, which she considered her cousin Lady Sarah Fitz-Gibbon, might find of interest
Coming to the point of her missive, she enquired after the well-being of Lady Sarah’s daughter Arabella who she had last seen some three years earlier at her coming out.
“You must bring Arabella to visit us at Oakland Park I am sure the children would love to have there cousin here. Sir Thomas is away in London at present and is not expected back for a few more weeks, thus it would be a grand occasion should you and Arabella be here when he returned.
Young Tom has been asking particularly about Arabella, as you will recall they were very close when last the visited.
So pray dear Lady Sarah do come and visit us at your convince she wrote these words thereafter she closed the missive with the usual graces.
Sealing the letter she had but to wait for the next time that there arose an occasion to visit the village and to post the letter. However, after a few moments of contemplation she called for a servant who took the letter directly to The Bell the inn in the village from whence the coach would depart at three O’clock in the afternoon
At midday, the family found themselves round the table partaking in that meal of the day, which brings much, thought for contemplation in the later hours of the afternoon for there was a quantity of food, which made the table groan.
Lady Ann having said grace watched as her family descended on the unsuspecting food hot steaming plates of mutton, pork, and beef graced the table.
The gravy tray been passed around as each member dug in and began to eat. The sons of there neighbor Mr Parker were present having spent part of the previous day and the night at Oakland’s.
George Now seated next to Lady Ann’s dearest daughter Lydia seemed very much taken by her and it was with a fervent expectation that the two young people would in due course be betrothed.
The thought gave Lady Ann a sense of contentment with the world for the Parkers though not of the aristocracy had to there credit.
The fact that they were one of the wealthiest families in England owing to some wise investment s of Mr Parker’s father. Who had first made his fortune as a merchant many year previously. To Lady Ann’s way of thinking it would not be long before the Parkers would rise to the peerage for Mr Parker had been busy in government for some small time, his ideas of reform gained from the study of Wilberforce had lead him to the conclusion that much could be gained from reform in government.
Lady Ann ever forward thinking had not considered at this time the implications for people of a certain class unto which she herself belonged of radical reform. Of course, she knew that radical reform carried to far could be dangerous one had but to look a short distance across the channel to see the result of this dangerous action.
Of course, things had a way of righting themselves she reasoned for had not Bonny made himself the emperor of France once the initial troubles had been settled.
In the mean time, Thursday week would be the next assembly and there would as was the custom of the ladies of the house be much preparing for this even. I hope that by then Sir Thomas would have sent word as to when he was to be expected back from London.
“I have written to Lady Fitz-Gibbon asking her to visit with us and to bring her daughter Lady Arabella for a few weeks” said Lady Ann. “Oh Mamma that is a nice thing I can hardly remember when last they spent time here,” said Mary. Who was the only daughter of the house to show any real interest in her relatives. For the young lady had collected a book of relatives from the earliest times of the family’s existence in that part of the county.
After the midday meal the daughters of the house and there guests found occasion to spend some time in the garden, for it was there custom to spend lazy afternoon’s near the lake watching the water fowl. Thomas retired to his fathers study to do some writing while John descended once more on the garden to take up a spade and rake for this son of the house of Sterley loved gardening more then any thing in the world.
The sound of a busy London street drifted upward to the ears of the men sitting in the study Of the Earl of Waterford Lord Lieutenant of the tower of London and Gentleman of the privy seal. For a moment before he began to speak Sir Thomas listened to the sounds of horse and carriage passing by the house in Grosvenor Square
Sir Thomas had recently arrived in town and had as a matter of urgency requested an interview with the Earl on a matter of mutual business.
“I am lead to understand that there might be the possibility of certain commons in the Royal dragoons,” said Sir Thomas.
“Indeed there are a certain number available to worthy members of a certain good families for a not inconsiderable consideration,” replied the earl of Waterford.
“I would be most interested my lord to know what such a commission would cost say a lieutenancy or a captaincy,” said Sir Thomas
“I am not exactly sure Sir Thomas but I would be able to find out from the commander of the dragoons he owes me a certain service.” Said the earl “May I enquire for whom you require the post? He continued. “
“My boy Tom is of a moody nature who spends to much time writing poetry and prose I have half a mind to by him a commission and give him a chance to get out in the world don’t you know” said Sir Thomas as he raised a snifter of Brandy to his lip’s
“Ah I have just the right command for a young lad like that,” said the earl. Give me a few days to arrange it, fear not Sir Thomas your troubles are at an end for a certain consideration. Of course I am sure I we will be able to make available to your young man a command which is ideally suited to his nature and complement” he continued.
“I see that Sir Grenville has been mentioned in the latest dispatches,” said Sir Thomas by way of reference to the earl’s second son who had been leading quite a charmed life under Lord Wellesley. “Ah yes Grenville he is a wonderful boy going into the army was the best thing I could ever have arranged for him of course, he fought and screamed against it he wanted to go into the theater of all things. What a member if the nobility in the theater have you ever heard of such an idea” said the earl “I blame his mother of course always encouraging him to act
“I fear that it was seeing his uncle of Shadberry in the company of the prince regent that put such a notion in his head. As you know John Shadberry has always followed the fashion of Prinny and as a result this has rubbed of on Grenville but I knew the army would make a man of him” ended the earl.
“It says here that he performed with the utmost bravery when leading a contingent of the rifles whilst with drawing from an open position,” said Sir Thomas
“Indeed the lad seems to have found his place in the service,” replied the Earl. Who held a glass before his rather large red nose savoring the flavor of the illicit cognac recently seized by a very alert captain on a revenue cutter in the channel on dark evening.
“Pray Sir Thomas I am confounded sir that you would want your lad in the Army for I believe that you are a navel man yourself?” said the Earl
“Indeed my lord is correct I fought at Cape St Vincent the first battle of course, yes I meditated upon the Navy for my son. However since Nelson was killed there has not been much of a chance of honors at sea. With most of the war effort going on land” replied Sir Thomas.
“Exactly sir you are correct in that assumption for the glory now days is not at sea but on the many fronts on the continent don’t you know said the earl as he swallowed the cognac
“My service to the crown during my tears at sea also taught me one thing that some men will never make good sailors poor Thomas cannot even get out on the lake with out becoming green about the gills. Thus I am forced to turn once more landward,” said Sir Thomas with a sigh as the thought of his son becoming a great navel captain disappeared from his mind.
“Indeed sir Thomas you have my sympathy but we have time to consider this matter latter tonight I have a little celebration of my own. I would like you to attend as my guest for my daughter Virginia is to marry captain Sir Benjamin Witling and they are to announce there betrothal tonight. It would be my pleasure sir if you would attend,” said the Earl “Of course straight afterward I am sending her back to Waterford for the season is to hot here for her,” the earl. “Quite unfitting that a young lady should be in London quite un-chaperoned you might be surprised to know that the countess is not fond of traveling and has not left Waterford these twenty years,” he continued
“My Lord is to kind I await this occasion with much pleasure pray my lord at what time will the event begin?” enquired Sir Thomas “ “We shall dine at nine” replied the earl as he showed Sir Thomas to the door.
Outside the great house of the Earl Sir Thomas stopped to consider what he had achieved. For by mere accident it had come about that his grace the earl had known some of the history of his service to the crown. This had helped him in his efforts to secure a commission for young Tom. It seemed however, to Sir Thomas there must be some thing amiss with her ladyship of Waterford for he could not imagine any one not traveling for such an extended period as the earl had mentioned.
Lady Ann would be pleased with what he had managed he planed to write to her as soon as he arrived at the hotel where he was staying. London had under gone much change since his last visit he was beginning to think that he would lose his way some day while out walking. Like the country squire he was he set out with his walking stick in hand to walk the mile to the hotel taking in as he went all the new houses that were been built, they said that it was due to the wishes of the prince regent that this was been done.
“Isn’t our Tom a fine strong man?” asked Lady Ann “I dare say he is said Lady Sarah as she eyed the young man in question who had shortly before taken up a position besides her daughter. “I do so hope Sir Thomas well be home some time soon’ said Lady Ann as she picked at the piece of embroidery upon which she had already expended quite a number of hours.
“Ill warrant that he is quite caught up in some busyness in town and has little thought for us,” she continued. “Come Ann I am sure that you know your good husband far better then that,” said Lady Sarah as she closed the book which she was reading
“Lydia dear will you ring the bell for some tea please” said Lady Ann as she took up the fan and begun to wave it about “these autumn days are so hot one wonders if we will have much of a winter at all” she said.
“Mary bring your work here let me have a look at how you are doing” said Lady Ann. “Oh Mamma it is alright I have been very careful to keep with in the lines’ replied. Mary as she rose from the chair upon which she was sitting bringing with her the material upon which she had spent most of the morning.
“I think we should have a ball soon yes we shall what a wonderful ball it will be, Lydia dear play some music” said Lady Ann “Yes Mamma replied the young lady in question as she crossed to the Harpsichord and begun to play.
“John, JOHN” shouted Lady Ann to attract her son’s attention which was been occupied by copy of the latest agricultural gazette.
“Sorry Mamma this is so fascinating what is it you want dearest Mamma said the young man as he came to stand besides his mother.
““Your fiddle boy fetch your fiddle accompany your sister” she said “Hurry boy” she said
“Oh tom do stop you have quite captured the attention of Arabella give Mary a chance to take a turn about the room with her dear cousin “ said Lady Ann Obediently Mary crossed the room and took up the arm of her cousin and began walking about the room admiring the paintings of Mr Russell.
“I am so glad you came to stay with us dear cousin life is so provincial here that any distraction is a new adventure” said Mary “I love been here it is so restful. at home of course papa is always busy and of course the troubles at the mines have been causing poor dear sweet papa so many late nights” said Arabella “I hope that Papa will be able to join us soon” she continued
“Mamma here is the post coach come to the door with a letter from Papa,” cried Sophia who had just come in with the letter. “Come child let me see what your Papa has written” said Lady Ann taking the letter and breaking the seal.
“Dear Wife,
I am glad to report that business is well in hand, I should be able to return home the week after next as I have been waiting upon the Earl of Waterford who has some influence in the service.
Pray do not be alarmed I do not intend to leave you to fight I do however have some news to impart to you in regard to our son Thomas who has been much on my mind of late.
I had occasion to attend a grand ball the other night at the town house in Lester squire at the home of his grace the Earl of Waterford. There I met many men of influence and hope to give you a happy report shortly.
Also present was the Prince Regent who was kind enough to speak with me for a moment what a splendid prince he is stout and strong truly a good dresser and a wonderful patron of the arts.
I also learned from his gracious lady that there daughter Virginia is to have her coming out next season at the same time as our Sophia pray kiss the children for me
Your husband
Thomas Sterley
“What a delightful bit of news” said lady Ann shall we have some more tea my dear Sarah she said as she refilled Lady Sarah’s cup. “Indeed it seems that we will be alone for a few more weeks left to our own devices,” said Lady Sarah
“I think that we will have that ball Tuesday week I shall begin at once there is so much to be done, Lydia and Mary you will have to help. Tom go to the village and see if you can find Mr Smith and ask him if he will arrange the village players for Tuesday week if he is agreeable should he think otherwise pray inform him that it is my wish and I will not be gain said in this matter. Hurry now Tom take one of the horses and be quick,” said Lady Ann
“My dear Ann you should take a moment to breath” said Lady Sarah “Arabella and I are here we to shall help and the ball will be a wonderful thing. pray consider your health and take a moment for yourself” the good lay continued for she had hosted many ball sand knew that these things should not be rushed at but taken at a leisurely trot
Mean while let us rejoin Sir Thomas in London
“May I say this is a splendid bottle of port your lordship,” said Sir Thomas “Ah Sir Thomas your flattery of my cellar brings me much pleasure” said the Earl of Waterford who was busy poring himself another glass of the aforementioned port.
Pray do tell me my lord what news of the matter on which I first approached you?” enquired Sir Thomas “Indeed matters progress well I have spoken to the master of the household cavalry and I do indeed have some news which will give you pleasure” said the Earl
“A captaincy can be gained for the sum of seven thousand pounds paid in advance of course,” he continued. “Sir Thomas considered this particular but of information with great unease for seven thousand pounds was not a matter to be trifled with and he would need to speak to his steward to see if such funds were indeed available. For he knew that the annual return on rents for the lands adjoining Oakland Park brought a return of 5 thousand pounds. In fact, Sir Thomas never knew how much money he had in his accounts and the great chest in his bedchamber at Oakland. However, he felt certain that if he worked sparingly he would find that he did indeed have enough money to by the captaincy and have enough to see Oakland Park's upkeep threw to the next term of rents.
“Rumor has it that the prince regent is planning on a new round of building” said Sir Thomas “Ah yes I believe he has some plans for a few rows of mews houses for worth families” replied the Earl.
“Tell me Sir Thomas have you ever visited Ireland?” Asked the Earl “my lord unfortunately I have never visited the Irish counties however I was once in Dublin when our ship stopped for repairs” he replied.
“A strange and moody race full of rebellion the Irish I will be leaving next week for the Irish counties on matters of Crown and country business.” Replied the Earl moodily, for the earl liked London in all the world best the fact that he had to on occasion visit his lands in Ireland distressed him he would have gladly given it up had it not brought to him a vast amount of money
“I am lead to understand my lord that Ireland is one of the greenest countries in the world. Of the people I not much, although the few that served under me at ST Vincent were the best fighting men in the world bar the Scots who beat everybody else without trouble.
The hunting is good I have occasion to hunt on my estates quite often and have always found the grouse to be some of the best, Poachers however are a problem I had occasion to hang a few last time I was there. Always the same defense have to feed the family no money and so forth. I say hang them and be dammed rouges and scoundrels” the earl continued
“You have my sympathy we have some poachers but never any thing that warrant’s hanging. At Oakland Park, we have some deer that is always a pleasure I have yet to find a poacher who is bold enough to take a deer from Oakland Park. The keepers are very strict and seldom do I have occasion to punish any one. Usually if they are caught, it is small game and I usually let them of with a warning. They can keep the game Oakland Park is well stocked and one would not like to set a precinct for taking bigger game” said Sir Thomas
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