Leonora's Journal Volume One

The Sequel to 'Ring of Stone' by Bronwen Welsh

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Monday 17th February, continued
Upon leaving the church, Richard and I entered our carriage and led the procession of carriages back to Northbridge House, where I was delighted to see that all the servants had gathered at the steps leading up to the front door to congratulate us with applause, a greatly appreciated gesture.

I and my bridemaids retired to my bedroom to ensure that we were looking our best, and then descended to where Richard was waiting. All the guests were already seated at the dining room table and when the head footman announced our entrance with “My lords, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr and Mrs Richard d'Anglais”, they all stood as the doors to the dining room opened and we entered.

On this occasion we took precedence and hence Richard sat at the head of the table, and I sat at his right-hand side. Next to me sat Mama, Papa, Emma and John and I was interested to note that Richard's pretty cousin Cecily was seated next to John, whether by accident or design I do not know but they had obviously been properly introduced, probably by Richard and seemed to engage in a lively conversation. Opposite us sat Sir John and Lady d'Anglais and the two Misses d'Anglais, Lucy and Sarah, Mr Irvine and his wife, Richard's Best Man, Archie, with all the other guests seated in order of precedence down the rest of the table.

To commence proceedings, Papa as the host of the gathering stood and proposed a toast to the King and the Prince Regent, and then a toast to Richard and me, wishing us a long and happy married life together. This was received with great applause by the assembled company.

White soup was then served, and afterwards the gentlemen helped themselves and nearby ladies to their choice of meats which included beef, mutton, tongue and chicken. A variety of vegetables such as beets, potatoes, parsnips, carrots and turnips were available as desired by the guests. If anyone wished for a dish not within reach, then it was fetched for them by a footman. Several kinds of wine were available but both Richard and I were very sparing in our consumption of it.

I should also mention that while we were eating, Papa had engaged my music teacher, Sr Clementi to play the pianoforte which had been moved into the adjacent sitting room for the occasion, with the intervening door ajar, thus contributing to the very pleasant atmosphere. At the conclusion of our meal, Sr Clementi played for us while we had some dancing. What a joyous meal it was, and one I will always remember!

It was quite late in the afternoon when the festivities concluded, and as it is winter, it was already getting dark. Our trunks having been loaded into Papa's coach, we made our farewells of all the assembled company, and especially our families. Poor little Emma was close to tears again and I had to console her and tell her that I would buy her a nice present in London and come to see her as soon as I returned from our honeymoon. We were then conveyed to a most superior inn on the eastern edge of Oxford from whence we were to take the stagecoach for London on the following morning, (Wednesday)

The accommodation Richard had arranged was of the most superior kind, consisting of two adjacent rooms, one a bedroom, and the other, a combined sitting and dining room, with a connecting door between them. Both rooms also had a door to the corridor. Marie, my maid, and Robert, Richard's valet had already been conveyed there and were waiting to be of service. Richard asked Robert to fetch some wine, and also to arrange an early breakfast for us and himself and Marie, so that we might take the stagecoach which leaves at nine o'clock. After that he was dismissed for the evening, and Marie went to the bedroom to arrange my attire for the following day.

After a small glass of wine, I repaired to the bedroom where Marie helped me undress and put on my nightgown, brushing out my hair. After this she left by the door to the corridor, and I went to the connecting door, and opened it. Richard was seated and reading, or at least pretending to read the newspaper. I told him that I was retiring for the night, and he said he would join me shortly.

(Note: At this point in the journal two leaves have been added and glued around the edges so that they were not immediately visible to anyone casually reading the journal. I have carefully parted them to read what they contain. Dora D)

It is my wish to record our wonderful wedding night as an aide memoir for my older self, should she wish to avail herself of it.

When I retired to bed, I confess that my heart was beating very fast. Despite Marie's invaluable information on what might take place, I was inevitably feeling nervous. The room was quite dim, with only a single candle burning, so when Richard entered, I kept my eyes closed so that he would not think I was watching him. From the sounds I knew he was undressing, and finally I could not resist opening my eyes a trifle to look at him. By now he was quite naked and as he turned to the bed, I confess that my first view of him caused me to start. What a magnificent body he has!

When Richard slipped into bed beside me, I turned to him.

”My darling, you look more lovely than I have ever seen you” he said. I truly think that this was the first time he called me his 'darling'. Before we were married, there was always a certain restraint between us, but now we are married, there is no longer any need to be restrained. We began to kiss and even our kisses were of a far more generous nature than before. I felt my body responding to his closeness and soon I no longer felt frightened of what was to come. It is of course expected that a young lady of quality goes to her marriage bed a virgin, but alternatively a young man is expected to 'sow his wild oats' before he is married, and this at least means that one person in the marriage bed is not ignorant of what will take place. I confess my heart was pounding as Richard covered me with his body. He was very gentle and told me that what was to take place might cause me a moment's pain. But this would only be the once and afterwards he hoped that I would be well compensated.

He was right – there was indeed a sharp pain in my secret place but what followed was more than I could ever have expected. My body seemed to develop a glow which gradually enveloped all of me. I could hardly believe the sensations which were the like of nothing I have ever experienced before. I knew that I was at one with my husband and that it was so ordained by the Lord God and so was something to appreciate and enjoy. The experience seemed to grow more and more, and I know that I was gasping and crying out with the intensity of the pleasure until it seemed to reach a climax on both our parts and then gradually to quieten down.

We lay for some minutes gasping for breath with our hearts beating wildly before Richard lifted himself off me and lay by my side.

“Well, my darling?” he said, and I replied “Very well, my darling.”

We soon fell asleep, but some time later I awoke to find Richard lying there, his head propped on his hand, looking at me. The candle had burnt down so some hours had passed. I immediately felt the desire to give myself to him once more and this time as he had promised, there was no pain, only pleasure as intense as before. If I had known this, I would not have been so nervous.

We slept once more and the next time we awoke it was daylight.

(Note: Leonora must have opened the leaves in her old age since there was a note in her handwriting, although somewhat crabbed and irregular, saying 'Opened and read again 5.7.68. Oh my darling, how wonderful you were and are. How I long to be with you again. Your Leonora XXX'. The journal then continues on another leaf. Dora D)

We were wakened early by a knock on the door and Robert calling out, 'Sir, Madam, I have the breakfast you ordered.'

Richard replied, asking him to place it on the table in the next room. Then we both arose, put on our robes and went to the second room where we breakfasted on some cake and hot chocolate and while we were doing so, Marie knocked on the door and I asked her to prepare my clothes for the day's journey. It was a dry day but very cold so she laid out a cloak for me even though I would have the advantage of a closed coach to ride in. Once I was ready, Richard and Robert took over the bedroom so that he could prepare for the journey. We then proceeded down to the parlour where there was a roaring fire and were offered a glass of wine while we waited for the coach. There were a number of other persons in the parlour, but we were not familiar with them.

When the coach arrived, our luggage was loaded on board, and we took our seats in the coach while Marie and Robert would be riding on the roof with their backs to the wind. An elderly gentleman wearing a black suit and a white cravat with a lady of about the same age, entered the coach and took up the other two seats opposite us. Since it was obvious that we would be travelling together, Richard introduced us, and I confess to a thrill hearing myself referred to as 'Mrs d'Anglais'.

The old gentleman introduced himself as the Reverend Mr Archibald Marsden and his wife as Mrs Marsden.

“I have the living of St Aldgates in Oxford,” he said in a self-satisfied tone of voice. “My curate, Aloysius Bell is currently in charge while Mrs Marsden and I visit some relatives in London. I am sure he will do an excellent job since he is hoping for the reward of succeeding to my position when I go to my eternal reward, but that is by no means certain.” With that he smiled as if he was in possession of a secret. “In any case I hope that he still has some years to wait.”

Richard felt the need to respond, so he revealed that we were travelling to London to visit some relatives.

“May I venture to suggest that you are on your honeymoon?” said Mr Marsden, and seeing the look on our faces, including my blushes, he smiled and said, “I have officiated at too many weddings not to recognise a newly married couple when I see one.”

Richard smiled and confirmed his suggestion. “We were married at St Nicholas' Church Marsden by Mr Henry Irvine. Perhaps you are familiar with him?”

“Henry? Yes indeed, a capital shot,” replied Mr Marsden which I confess was not the response I was expecting. I suppose even the clergy are entitled to sporting hobbies.

Everything being loaded aboard, we started on our journey to London. Snow was falling again, and I was pleased to know that Marie and Robert were well covered by their cloaks. Due to the conditions our progress was slow, and while there was only one stop in order to change horses, the condition of the road was such that by the time night was falling, we had only travelled as far as High Wycombe, about halfway on our journey. Here we stopped again and since there were vacant rooms at the inn, we and the Marsdens decided to stay the night.

I am sure the innkeeper was pleased to have unexpected guests and fortunately he was able to provide us with a very palatable dinner. Mr and Mrs Marsden insisted that we dine with them and as the evening wore on and Mr Marsden consumed an amount of wine, he regaled us with stories of his time in the ministry, many of which were most amusing. We finally retired at around eight o'clock, hoping for an early start in the morning. As she had done previously, Marie assisted me in preparing for bed before retiring to her own room, at which point Richard appeared. It hardly needs mentioning that we enjoyed a very pleasant night's sleep.

Tuesday 18th February
Soon after dawn, Richard dressed and went downstairs to the kitchen in order to order us an early breakfast. Marie arrived to help me dress. I should mention that as a grown woman I am perfectly capable of dressing myself, but as a lady I naturally have a maid and I have to say that it is always pleasant to chat, perhaps even gossip, with another woman once or twice a day, and Marie is also excellent at arranging my hair. It is generally well known that if you want to confirm or otherwise the rumour of scandal in any of the great houses, then the maids and footmen are a very good source, since many of the masters and mistresses ignore their presence when they are discussing secrets, almost as if they were statues rather than humans with ears! I have always been very aware of who is present in a room, not that I ever spread rumours of scandal of course! Marie is an exception of course – she is totally reliable in her discretion.

This morning Marie and I were chatting when Richard knocked on the door and entered. He looked quite strained, and I wondered what was wrong.

”Marie, would you excuse us for a few minutes, there is something I wish to discuss with your mistress,” he said. Marie bobbed a curtsey and left the room. That is something else I like about Richard; he is always polite to the staff.

“What is it Richard?” I asked as soon as Marie had closed the door.

“It's Mr Marsden,” he replied. “Unfortunately, Mrs Marsden discovered him dead in their bed this morning.” I must gave turned pale since Richard was most concerned but I assured him it was just the shock.

“But he was in fine form last night, I detected no suggestion of any illness,” I replied.

“I suppose it was his heart, I can think of no other cause,” said Richard. “I know that we are on our honeymoon, but Mrs Marsden knows nobody here and I feel obliged to offer her some assistance. May I share with you what I have in mind?”

“By all means, my dear.”

“Assuming she is amenable, I propose to hire a carriage in order to convey her back to Oxford, accompanied by our party, but without the distress of travelling with strangers. Fortunately, the poor weather yesterday means that we are only about five and twenty miles from Oxford, and since today's weather is much improved we should arrive there by early afternoon. I will also speak to the innkeeper to find a local undertaker who can convey Mr Marsden back separately.”

“That is an excellent plan, my dear, and one which I endorse wholeheartedly.”

“I do not think it is appropriate that I approach Mrs Marsden myself, so I must reluctantly request that you approach her my dear and ask if she will accept our offer of assistance.”

“Do you know where she is at present, my dear?”

“I believe that she is still in the bedroom, watching over her husband.”

“Then I will go there immediately, and I think it might be advantageous to take Marie with me. Meanwhile you can make other enquiries and I will send word if Mrs Marsden agrees to your suggestions, which I have little doubt she will.”

Marie was called back into the bedroom and while she completed my hairstyling as quickly as possible, I explained what had happened and Mr d'Anglais' proposal. Then we proceeded to the Marsden bedroom and knocked on the door. On being bidden to enter, we found the room very dark with the blinds drawn, and Mrs Marsden seated still wearing her night shift, next to the bed on which the body of her husband lay, covered by a sheet.

Marie and I curtseyed to her and to the bed as a mark of respect. I then expressed my sincere condolences, and after receiving her thanks, explained our proposal to offer our assistance.

Wiping her eyes, Mrs Marsden said “Mrs d'Anglais, you and Mr d'Anglais are too kind, but I fear I can never repay you for your kindness, since I am now a clergyman's widow.”

“I assure you madam that our offer of assistance is by way of a gift; no repayment would be sought or accepted.”

This brought more tears to her eyes. “In that case I accept your assistance most gratefully.”

I was very pleased to hear her acceptance and then introduced Marie and asked if she could assist Mrs Marsden with her toilette while I spoke to my husband. With that I left the room and found Richard waiting for me in our room. He was pleased to hear that Mrs Marsden had accepted our assistance and suggested that if she could be persuaded to go down to the parlour and take a little nourishment before starting the journey, then the undertaker's men could remove Mr Marsden's body by the back stairs so that she would not be confronted with the sight of him being moved.

I returned to Mrs Marsden's room to find that she was now fully dressed, and Marie was assisting her with her hair. I was uncertain whether she would accept the offer of some breakfast in the parlour, but she probably understood the reason for being removed from the room, since she agreed to my suggestion. While I accompanied her to the parlour, Robert arrived to help Marie pack all of their possessions into their trunk.

We both had some cake and chocolate, and I was sure that the sugar would be of help in restoring her, it certainly made me feel much improved. A few minutes after we had eaten, Richard entered the parlour and informed us that the coach was loaded with the two sets of luggage and ready to depart as soon as we were ready. We walked outside and I saw that Richard had hired a coach and four which would help us to travel with greater speed. Robert assisted Mrs Marsden and me to enter the coach, with Richard following. Robert and Marie took their seats on the rear of the coach roof; the driver climbed aboard, and we were on our way.

To be continued.