Leonora's Journal Volume One

The Sequel to 'Ring of Stone' by Bronwen Welsh

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Chapter 2 Visits and a ball

Monday September 17th
Today, Mamma, Emma and I travelled to take tea with Lady Elizabeth d'Anglais. I had no fear that Emma would disgrace us since I'd had ample opportunity to see that for a girl of eight years, she had already learned how to behave in society. Upon our arrival at the d'Anglais house, we were shewn into the beautiful sitting room, most elegantly appointed, where Lady d'Anglais was seated to receive us. Both Mama and I curtseyed to her, and Emma produced a most beautiful curtsey which made Lady d'Anglais smile.

“I am so pleased to meet you at last, Emma,” she said.

“Thank you Lady d'Anglais, it is a great privilege to meet you,” replied Emma.

“I am so sorry we were unable to invite you to our soirée, but as you are aware, it finished well past your bed time,” said Lady Margaret.

“I understand perfectly,” replied Emma. “Fortunately, Leonora described it to me so perfectly that it was almost as if I was present.”

“Would you like to look at a book while we are talking? Our library still has books from when my daughters Sarah and Lucy were about your age.”

“Thank you, ma’am, I would like that very much,” replied Emma. Lady d'Anglais rang a bell and a maid appeared who was asked to take Emma into the library so that she could chuse a book. Emma curtseyed very prettily to Lady d'Anglais and followed the maid out of the room. (Note: the spelling of 'chuse' was a precurser of the modern spelling. JD)

“What a charming young girl she is, and such beautiful manners,” said Lady d'Anglais.

Mama smiled. “I am very proud of her, as indeed I am of all my children,” she said.

A few minutes later, Emma reappeared carrying an illustrated book called 'Will Wander's Walk', and returning to her chair was soon engrossed in the contents.

Meanwhile we three adults continued our conversation, which was only interrupted by the arrival of tea. Emma was invited to take a cup as well which she readily agreed to, and a piece of cake which was happily accepted. For politeness’s sake, Mama and I also accepted cake, chusing the smallest piece available.

I knew that it was now my turn to undergo interrogation, and I answered all the questions as well as I could.

“Do you play pianoforte my dear? We have a very fine instrument here,” said Lady d'Anglais.

“Alas ma'am, since my sickness I have forgotten so many things, including how to play. My music teacher is very patient and I'm sure he will have me playing quite well again within a few months. I am looking forward to my first lesson as soon as we return to Oxford.” I replied.

“But I understand that you sketch and paint?”

“Yes, strangely that accomplishment has not forsaken me.”

I hope you will give me the pleasure of seeing some of your work when we next meet,” said Lady d'Anglais, and I could almost hear Mama cry out with joy. This was a very good sign of her acceptance of me.

A short while later, we rose to thank Lady d'Anglais for her hospitality. Emma was invited to borrow the book she was reading and to return it on the next occasion we visited. The carriage had been brought to the front portico, and soon we were on our way.

In the carriage Mama said to me “The art of visiting is knowing when to leave and not outstay your welcome. Lady d'Anglais is such a charming person and so wonderfully condescending.”

I could only agree with her.

(Note: the term 'condescending' does not have the negative implications it has today, but merely implies that Lady d'Anglais was treating the Boltons as social equals. JD).

Friday September 20th
These last few days I have enjoyed several walks with Mama and Emma and set about completing my sketches. I had hoped that Richard d'Anglais would pay us a visit, and indeed was concerned that our frequent absences from the house might cause us to miss him, but in fact he did not come.

Today was cool and threatened rain so we stayed in and I was thrilled to hear the sound of horses' hooves on the driveway, and a few minutes later, Richard d'Anglais was shown into the drawing room where we were seated.

“Please accept my apologies for not visiting before,” he said. There was no need for apologies, I would have forgiven him anything. There followed some general conversation about how we were enjoying our visit to the area ('Very much'), and finally the reason for his visit (I hoped it was in fact two reasons). He brought an invitation from his parents for us to attend a ball the following Wednesday which they were holding to entertain the local gentry, some of whom they know quite well.

Mama said that although Professor Bolton was out, she was sure she could accept on his behalf. When Richard left, Mama surprised me by following him out to the entrance hall, before returning a few moments later, and I heard the sound of his horse cantering away. I looked enquiringly at Mama but she chose not to make any comment.

Saturday September 20th,
A letter arrived from Sir John and Lady d'Anglais, addressed to Mama. She looked very pleased when she read it and called Emma and me into the dining room.

“Emma, my dear, I have a lovely surprise for you. You know that we have been invited to a ball at Sir John and Lady d'Anglais' house next Wednesday. Since you have been such a good girl, helping Leonora with her loss of memory, and also made such a good impression on Lady d'Anglais, they have agreed that you can attend the ball too. How do you feel about that?”

Emma clapped her hands “Oh Mama, that is such a wonderful surprise! I so long to hear the music and see the dancing and all the ladies in their pretty dresses.”

Mama smiled. “My one concern was that you might become tired before the ball is over, but Lady d'Anglais has anticipated that and suggested that you can stay the night with her two daughters Lucy and Sarah and return here the following morning.”

Now I realised what it was that Mama had spoken to Richard about before he left us the previous day. She had wished to say nothing in case the reply to her request was not what she hoped

Thursday 26th September.
Yesterday we attended the ball given by Sir John and Lady d'Anglais. I was far too tired to write of it when we returned home, so I am doing so today.

The afternoon was spent in preparing for the occasion, greatly assisted by our personal maids. In addition, Mama had to supervise the preparations of Emma, whom she insisted should have a nap in the afternoon since she was staying up unusually late. This Emma dutifully did, although I doubt if much rest was obtained since she was so excited about the evening's events. It was fortunate that Mama had arranged for a very pretty dress to be brought from Oxford for her, much as she had packed some elegant gowns for me and herself. I think we made a very glamorous trio when we descended the stairs once again to be greeted by Papa and John. I only wish there existed some means of making a pictorial record of our appearance, although I have heard Papa say that he would like to commission a painting of the whole family as a group. I do hope he proceeds with this.

We travelled to the d'Anglais mansion in a closed carriage since alas it was raining, and we took cloaks with us in order to keep dry. Although the carriage stopped under a portico for us to alight, there was no such convenience at the house which Papa was renting. As on our previous visit, we were shown upstairs to a room where we could adjust our dress and make sure that we looked our best. Emma has a little powder and lip gloss applied which made her feel very grown up, I'm sure. Then we descended the stairway and together with Papa and John, were announced by a footman when we entered the ballroom.

I glanced at Emma. Her eyes were open wide with amazement at the scene before her; all the ladies in their elegant gowns with jewelry sparkling in the reflections of a thousand candles. The men all looked so dashing in their evening dress. There was an orchestra playing on a raised dais at the far end of the room, and they had just finished a dance as we arrived. On hearing our names announced, I saw Richard detach himself from a group of friends and come over to greet us. Papa exchanged bows with him and Mama, Emma and I curtsied.

“I am so glad to see you all. You are looking very pretty, Emma. Is this your first ball?” Emma nodded and blushed a little. “Well, I hope you enjoy it very much. As you grow older, I'm sure you will attend many of them,” said Richard in a most friendly and courteous manner. I confess my heart beats faster at the sight of him. If I do not marry him, I will feel that my life is over.

Richard led the way to where his parents were greeting their guests. Both Sir John and Lady Elizabeth were very kind and welcoming to Emma, complimenting her on her appearance. I am convinced that Lady Elizabeth has become very fond of Emma, even though she has only met her once before. Mama, Papa and Emma then found some seats around the dance floor perimeter, John went to talk with some friends from university, and as I had hoped, Richard invited me to dance with him. We lined up with about twenty couples facing each other for the Country Dance. The band started up a rousing air and we set off. Being Richard’s partner, I was the 'top lady' of the set, a great honour, and Richard and I danced down between the row of couples, followed by the other couples in turn. It is a very energetic dance and at its conclusion, I was very happy to accept Richard's invitation to accept some refreshment. This also gave us the opportunity for a few minutes’ private conversation.

Richard informed me that he will be returning to Oxford next week when the university will be recommencing. This I already know, since Papa and John were also due to return to the university, so we would be returning to Oxford too. I was hoping that he would indicate some means by which we could meet again.

“Mama is very taken with your family,” he began. “I'm sure she will call upon you when you are back in Oxford and also invite you to call upon her. We have a house in Oxford as well as our property in Cumberland. I hope that I can somehow manage to see you again, perhaps by riding over at the weekends?”

“I should like that very much Mr d'Anglais,” I replied.

“Please call me Richard whenever it is possible to do so,” he said softly.

“Only if you call me Leonora,” I replied in similar muted tones. I didn't know if by doing so I was not acting as a young lady should, perhaps my feelings for Richard overwhelmed my sense of propriety?

After Richard escorted me back to where Mama, Papa and Emma were sitting, he left me with a bow and a look of real regret. I appreciated that as part of the hosting party, he had to dance with other young ladies but I tried not to feel jealous. Instead, during the next dance, I led Emma onto the dance floor and danced with her alone. She was thrilled to be actually dancing at a ball, and I was sure she would be telling her friends all about it.

About an hour later, Emma was unable to conceal her yawns, so I went to seek out one of Richard's sisters, and finding Lucy explained to her that it was well past Emma's bed time and I was sure she would fall asleep soon. Lucy smiled and accompanied me to escort Emma upstairs to the nursery bedroom, where we helped her undress and put on a nightdress and then get into bed. One of the maids had been organised to watch over her, and I'm sure she was asleep in no time. Lucy and I returned to the ballroom, and a little while later I had the pleasure of another dance with Richard. It was certainly a most pleasant night.

Much later in the evening as the guests started to make their farewells, Mama and I went upstairs to check on Emma, who was sound asleep clutching her favourite doll Despite fancying herself very grown up at the ball, she is still after all a little girl. A young maid called Jane was sitting in the room with her and assured us that she would be staying with her all night in case she awoke and was alarmed to find herself in a strange room. We expect her to return to our house in the morning.

As we were driven home, there was much talk about the ball and how pleasant an evening it had been. To spare my blushes there was no talk of Richard d'Anglais and how he had danced with me, but I had little doubt that Mama was sure of an offer from him before too long.

About ten o'clock this morning, the d'Anglais coach arrived with Emma, accompanied by Lucy and Sarah. Emma was still buzzing with excitement after the ball. Naturally we invited Lucy and Sarah into the house for refreshment before they started on their journey back. I look forward to having them as sisters in due course, but I must not get ahead of myself.

Saturday 28th September.
Today we started for Oxford. The weather was fine, but it will still take us four days travelling to reach home. Despite the roughness of the roads, I still managed to sleep for several hours at a time until a particularly heavy jolt woke me up. Tonight, we stay at an inn near Lancaster. They were able to provide us with a nourishing hot meal which was most welcome, and the beds were quite comfortable.

Wednesday 2nd October
We are very pleased to be home at Northbridge House at last. Enjoyable though our month in Cumberland has been, with the highlight for me of making the acquaintance of Richard d'Anglais, nevertheless, it was still very pleasant to be once more in familiar surroundings. The journey home had been slow and uncomfortable in places where the road was in poor condition. I do hope that it will soon be improved. The second night we had stopped near Preston, then the third near Sutton Coldfield and after a long day's final journey in rain and wind, since we did not wish to stop at another inn, we arrived home. Word had been sent ahead warning the staff of our impeding arrival, so all was clean and warm with fires in every room, since the weather is now becoming quite cool. After supper, it was not long before we all retired for the night.

Wednesday 9th October
Today was the first time since my illness that I had a pianoforte lesson. My tutor is Signor Enrico Clementi. In preparation I had visited our music room where the pianoforte was situated, and I stared at the keys for some time, trying without success to remember what he had taught me. When Sr Clementi entered the room I was seated om a couch with Emma beside me. Mama had insisted on a chaperone for propriety's sake and Emma can serve the purpose without being too obvious a person in the role. As can be deduced from his name, Mr Clementi is Italian, tall and handsome with dark curly hair and a most pleasant and refined manner.

Sr Clementi bowed. “I am so pleased to see you once more Miss Bolton and looking so greatly recovered from your indisposition.”

“Thank you, Sr Clementi,” I replied. “I am indeed physically well recovered, but not in all things.” Here I am sure I blushed. “Alas as a result of my illness, my memory has failed me, and I can remember nothing of what you taught me. Sadly, that means that I shall have to prevail upon you to recommence your tuition right from the start. However, I can assure you that I am anxious to learn and promise to devote an hour of practice every day that I can, in order to absorb all that you tell me and I hope, make my progress that much swifter.”

Sr Clementi bowed again. “Thank you for being so candid with me Miss Bolton. It will give me great pleasure to recommence your tuition.”

I could not help thinking that he was merely being polite, and I was determined that I would do my best to learn as quickly as possible. After all, every young lady plays the pianoforte and after reaching a certain level of expertise, is called upon to perform solo or to accompany a singer or soloist, for the entertainment of visitors.

Sr Clementi bowed again. “If you would be kind enough to take a seat at the pianoforte, Miss Bolton, we will commence with the organisation of the keyboard.”

It is not my intention to make this a description of how to play the pianoforte; suffice it to say that Sr Clementi is an excellent teacher. By the end of the first hour, I was playing, with several false starts the simple nursery tune 'Twinkle, twinkle, little star.” with my right hand.

“Excellent, Miss Bolton, you have played your first composition which was actually used by Herr Mozart!” Sr Clementi cried.

“Mozart?” I responded. “Surely not! It is altogether too simple a tune.”

Sr Clementi permitted himself a laugh. “He did not write it, the French composer is unknown and it was originally called "Ah! vous dirai-je, maman?" However Mozart did write twelve variations on the tune, it is thought as exercises for the pupils that he taught pianoforte, and when you are more experienced, I will teach them to you."

While I was having several rests advised by Sr Clementi, not to make my fingers sore, I questioned him about himself, apologising for what he had undoubtedly told me previously. It seems that he is a nephew of the celebrated composer Musio Clementi, now working in London and giving concerts of his compositions.

“When I knew he was coming to England, I prevailed upon him to take me with him. However, he insists that I make my own way in the world and not to trade upon his name which is becoming increasingly well known. I too wish to become a composer, and have written a few works, but for the present, I am giving music lessons in order to make my way in the world.

At this point, I prevailed upon him to play for me an example of his work, and after a show of reluctance this he agreed to do. It was quite a short piece but very pleasing to the ear.

At the conclusion of his composition, Mama entered the room. I think she might have thought that I had miraculously recovered my memory of my previous lessons, and no doubt she was disappointed to find that it was Sr Clementi playing.

“Mama!” I cried, and Sr Clementi immediately rose to his feet, turned and bowed to her. Mama acknowledged him with a slight bow herself.

“No doubt my daughter has explained that a loss of memory has resulted from her illness, Sr Clementi?”

“Indeed, she has, Mrs Bolton, but we will work together and hope to restore her knowledge as soon as possible.”

“And I am determined to do so with Sr Clementi's help, Mama. No doubt you heard how beautifully he plays, and while I cannot hope to match his skill, nonetheless I hope with diligence to achieve my former level of expertise as soon as possible,”

“Well, I must not interrupt your tuition. I will sit in the corner of the room, and please continue as if I am not there.” So saying, Mama walked to a seat in the far side of the room where she occupied herself with her sewing, and we continued my tuition.

At the end of one hour, it was time to stop. Indeed, my fingers felt a little sore, but Sr Clementi assured me that they would soon become accustomed to pressing on the keyboard. He made his farewells to both me and Mama who again acknowledged him, and then he left.

“Mama,” I said. “You heard Signor Clementi play, and that was his original composition. May I suggest to Papa that we prevail upon him to give us and some friends a recital? However, we should give him some recompense since I do not think he is very wealthy.”

Mama smiled. “I will speak to Professor Bolton on your behalf and see what he says but let us keep this proposal to ourselves for the present. Do not forget that Signor Clementi is employed by us to teach you, and do not get too familiar with him.”

It occurred to me that I was perhaps over-enthusiastic after my first lesson, and I could feel myself colouring, so I contented myself by saying: “Of course, Mama.”

To be continued.