Leonora's Journal Volume One

The Sequel to 'Ring of Stone' by Bronwen Welsh

---

Monday 8th June
Today I received a letter from Lady Elizabeth informing me that she will be arriving this very day, together with her maid and a footman. The letter should have arrived at least one or two days ago but thank Goodness we are prepared to receive her.

I made haste to notify Lucy and Sarah and asked what they thought she might like to eat upon her arrival. Somehow, I doubted that a full dinner would be required, knowing how I did not feel the need for one when we returned from Grasmere. Sarah said that she thought a nice warm soup, some cold meats and some wine would suffice, so we agreed that I should speak to Mrs Walker, the cook. I also informed Mrs Danvers and spoke to Mr Anderson about sending our coach to meet her at the inn where the stagecoach terminates. Finally, I wrote a short note to Richard who was already at his office, and it was dispatched by a footman. All that being done, I could relax knowing that we would not be found wanting.

The stagecoach was due to arrive at three o'clock, but an exact time of arrival is never guaranteed, depending on the state of the roads. Lucy, Sarah and I donned some of our nicest gowns and sat in the drawing room awaiting the coach's arrival. Richard had sent a note to say that he was delayed at his office with a particularly important matter, so requested that I welcome his Mama and convey his apologies, and he would come home as soon as possible.

A maid was delegated to notify us as soon as the coach arrived, for this was one occasion when we would be greeting our guest at the door. My acute hearing detected the sound of the coach wheels about four o'clock, and we had already arisen when the maid knocked at the door and entered to inform us of its arrival.

We hurried to the door and were standing there as the footman handed Lady d'Anglais down from the coach. Mrs Danvers and Mr Anderson were also present, and we curtseyed and bowed as Her Ladyship ascended the steps. Her face broke out into a broad smile as I stepped forward and said “Welcome to Marston House, Lady d'Anglais. I trust your journey was comfortable. We have your room ready to receive you.”

She smiled. “Thank you, Leonora, I knew I could count on you.” Then she embraced her two daughters. Meanwhile, her maid and footman entered the house by the servants' entrance. We ushered her into the drawing room while her luggage was conveyed to her room, and she gave us a brief report of her journey from Grasmere.

“Sir John is not coming?” I enquired.

“No, he is currently very busy with the affairs of the estate and give me full authority to act on his behalf. So, tell me, Lucy, has Mr Fanshaw made you an offer yet?”

“No, Mama,” replied Lucy, blushing. “But I am sure it is only a matter of time. I am daily in expectation of a visit from him.”

I do hope that she is right and he makes her an offer; it will be very embarrassing if she has misread his intentions. Where can he be?

“Lady d'Anglais, will you be content with soup and some cold meats for your evening meal, or would you prefer a full dinner?” I asked.

“Soup and meats would be quite sufficient, thank you Leonora, in fact I confess to feeling in want of some nourishment now. I think I will change from these dusty garments if you would be kind enough to arrange for it to be served in thirty minutes?”

“Of course,” I replied. We all stood with her and curtseyed, and Lucy accompanied her Mama to her room. Meanwhile I asked a maid to let Mrs Walker know that Lady d'Anglais would like her soup and meats as soon as she returned from her room in thirty minutes, and that we would join her in the dining room to consume the same meal.

When Her Ladyship returned to the drawing room, she said she felt very refreshed with a change of garments, and I was able to tell her that the meal was ready to be served.

“Thank you, Leonora. Lucy tells me that my letter arrived here only this morning. I wonder what could have delayed it? You have done well to prepare to receive me in such a short time.”

“I anticipated you might decide to come to Oxford after reading my letter, so I took steps to prepare for your arrival ma'am. Mrs Danvers and Mr Anderson are proving to be most helpful and efficient.”

Lady Elizabeth smiled and said nothing.

Just then Richard arrived home. He bowed to his mother, apologised for being kept at his office with a particularly difficult legal matter, and enquired about her journey

We enjoyed our meal together and Lady Elizabeth told us of events at Grasmere. I enquired after Sir John (very well) and the dowager Lady Ellen and was informed that she is still in good spirits and had very kindly sent her regards to me as well as Richard.

“Please convey my kindest regards to her and Sir John when you return to Grasmere, Lady Elizabeth.” This she promised to do.

After the simple meal, Lady Elizabeth confessed to being fatigued by her journey, which did not surprise me, and she retired for the night.

Tuesday 9th June.
As we were having our breakfast this morning, a letter arrived addressed to Miss Lucy. There was a black border around the paper, and she turned white and broke the seal with trembling hands. As she read the letter, tears started to roll down her cheeks and we all looked at her with alarm.

“It is from Freddie,” she said in a tremulous voice. “Would you kindly read it out loud for the benefit of everyone, Mama? I fear my eyes are too blinded to make out the words again.”

The news that Freddie had written the letter was a great relief to us all, but we waited anxiously as Lady Elizabeth took the letter and began to read:

Dear Miss d'Anglais,
First of all, please accept my apologies for breaking my promise to visit you within a few days of my last visit, when Mrs d'Anglais kindly entertained me.

Frederick Featherstonehaugh.

At the conclusion of Lady Elizabeth reading the letter she, Lucy and Sarah looked at me.

“In view of Frederick relieving me of my promise, I will tell you what happened when he visited on Wednesday last. As you can imagine, he expected to see you both present, Lucy and Sarah, but took the opportunity to inform me of certain wishes that he was harbouring. First, he mentioned that his father was not well, but of course never anticipated that his time was to be so brief. He also informed me that he wished to make an offer of marriage to you, Lucy, but feared that the thought of becoming mistress of Studleigh Park in the event of his father's demise might dissuade you from accepting his offer.”

“Oh no, nothing like that would dissuade me!” exclaimed Lucy, and then blushed deeply.

“That is more or less what I told him,” I said. I felt rather than saw Lady Elizabeth stiffen and continued. “I pointed out that I am in a similar position of becoming mistress of a house after entering into marriage with Richard and feel I am managing fairly well thanks to my excellent staff. However, I also emphasised that it was not in my power to give permission for Lucy to marry, and this would have to be sought from Sir John d'Anglais who is currently in Grasmere.” I felt Lady Elizabeth relax again.

“Mama, would it be appropriate for us to attend the funeral of Sir Frederick?” asked Lucy.

“I don't see why not,” replied Lady Elizabeth, and I could see that this would be an excellent opportunity for her to meet Freddie once more, when otherwise it might be delayed for some weeks. There was just one problem – none of us had suitable black attire to wear. I'm sure Lady Elizabeth had at least one black gown but it was at Grasmere.

“I wonder how we can find the date and location of the funeral,” said Sarah.

“Oh that is easily established,” I replied. “We now subscribe to 'The Times' newspaper, and I am sure that there will be a reference to Sir Frederick in the 'Obituaries' column which will give us the information we seek.”

Indeed I was not wrong for there was a large column relating to Sir Frederick and his achievements and reporting that his funeral was to be held on Thursday 11th June at 11 o'clock at St Aldgate's Church, the same one where the Rev Mr Marsden who unfortunately died when we were travelling to London, had been the minister.

“There is no time to lose. We must visit a dressmaker and purchase suitable black gowns today,” said Lady Elizabeth, so with breakfast completed, the coach was ordered, and I sought information from Mrs Danvers regarding a dressmaker she could recommend. We were soon on our way to Oxford in order to purchase suitable gowns to wear to the funeral. As Lady Elizabeth pointed out, every lady should possess a black gown as it was inevitable that we would have to attend funerals from time to time.

Arriving at the dressmaker recommended by Mrs Danvers, we examined the black material available and decided against the crepe which seems too light, and in favour of the bombazine, which is a mixture of silk and wool. The proprietor of the shop, a Miss Worthing, was impressed when our coach drew up outside her establishment, and when we explained the nature of our urgent need, she promised to have the gowns ready for a final fitting tomorrow afternoon. Our measurements were taken, and we left, promising to return at four o'clock tomorrow.

This evening I confirmed that Richard has a suitable black suit to wear.

Wednesday 10th June.
This afternoon we returned to Miss Worthing's shop to take possession of our new mourning gowns and suitable bonnets with black ribbons. I do hope that I will not have frequent need of mine, but Lady Elizabeth is right – mourning dress will inevitably be called for from time to time.

Thursday 11th June
This morning, we took the coach to St Aldgate's church to attend Sir Frederick Featherstonehaugh's funeral. As we drew up outside the church, I noted that many mourners were already present, so I was glad that we had decided to attend.

Young Frederick was standing in the porch of the church to greet everyone, and I think he was slightly surprised to see us arrive. Lady Elizabeth, Richard and I bowed and shook his hand and Lucy and Sarah curtseyed.

“I am so sorry to learn of your loss, Frederick. Please accept our sincere condolences,” I said, and he murmured his thanks.

The usher showed us to our pew, a few rows back from the front of the church. The organist was playing solemn music and the bell tolled outside. On the stroke of eleven o'clock, Sir Frederick's coffin was carried into the church on the shoulders of six pallbearers and place on a catafalque before the altar. Then followed Lady Susan and her daughters dressed in black and heavily veiled, and Frederick, followed by some other ladies and gentlemen whom I assumed to be members of the family but whom I had never previously met. They took their places in the front two pews.

A minister I had not seen before appeared, introduced himself as Mr Anselm Howard, welcomed everyone and announced the first hymn 'Abide with Me' Then followed the Funeral Service from the Book of Common Prayer which commences:

I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.

At one point in the service the minister read the eulogy detailing highlights of Sir Frederick's life, which had been both busy and productive. Mention was also made of his family grieving his sad loss.

After more prayers, the final hymn 'Rock of Ages' which I was later to discover was Sir Frederick's favourite, was sung, and the blessing give, after which the pallbearers carried the coffin out of the church and proceeded to the church graveyard where Sir Frederick was to be interred. After the family left, we all followed, and gathered around the graveside where final prayers were said and the coffin lowered into the grave, and handfuls of earth were ceremonially sprinkled onto it.

We had been informed that refreshments were available in the church hall, so proceeded there. It is very difficult to know what to say to the bereaved – words appear totally inadequate, but they must be said. Frederick approached us and again thanked us for attending.

“I was so sorry to hear your letter, Frederick,” I said. “Lucy was quite devastated, but it was kind of you to think of her in your grief. I took advantage of your notification to me that I was relieved of keeping your confidence and revealed the subject which we had discussed at your last visit to Lucy, Lady Elizabeth, and Sarah.

“I was concerned that she might feel that I had reneged on my promise to call without any explanation,” he responded.

“I see that Lady Elizabeth is speaking to your mother. While some time must pass before any decision can be made, I will inform you in confidence that I have high hopes that an offer from you to Lucy will receive parental approval.”

“I will speak to her,” he said. “The circumstances are unusual, but I would not like her to remain in any doubt as to my intentions.”

Later, I did see Lucy in earnest conversation with Frederick and I had little doubt as to the matter under discussion.

I did converse with Freddie's sisters, Phoebe and Eloise. The poor young women were totally devasted at the loss of their Papa and I did my best to console them.

Later, in the coach on the way home, Lady Elizabeth announced that she had spoken to Lady Susan, who will of course be in deep mourning for a year and a day as is customary, but on the subject of Frederick marrying Lucy they are both in agreement that it is a suitable match, and in a few months, it will be possible to hold a quiet ceremony. That was very good news.

Friday 12th June
Today, Richard received a letter from his uncle David, the minster at Grasmere. He read it through and then handed it to me, saying “Prepare yourself for some bad news, my dear.”

The letter started with the usual news of the family in Grasmere, all being well, including Lady Ellen who continues to defy advancing age. Then came to part which Richard had prepared me for:

A few days ago, it was my melancholy duty to perform the funeral service for Mr Wordsworth's daughter Catherine, not yet four years old who died of consumption. I recall that you and Leonora paid the family a visit when you were at Grasmere and Leonora was particularly pleased to visit with them. It was a miserable day with heavy cloud and constant rain as though heaven itself was weeping at the loss of an innocent child. No words of mine could offer them any comfort in their loss.

Uncle David's letter concluded with the usual valedictories, but I could no longer read through the tears in my eyes as I remembered the pretty little girl with the pale face and constant cough whose life I had concerns for, and now what I feared had come to pass. I must write to the Wordsworths of course, but how can words convey any comfort on such an occasion?

Saturday 13th June
My courses are late this month. I can normally rely upon them appearing at twenty-eight days, with perhaps a few days earlier or later. Is it possible that I am expecting a child? I confess I feel both excited and frightened at the thought in equal measure. I am sure that Marie must have noticed, but probably not Richard as men are not so aware of such things. I will wait another week in case it is a false alarm, and only tell him then if it is necessary. No doubt he would be very pleased. If it is a baby, I do hope it is a son.

Monday 15th June
Marie informed me today that the dismissed maid Mary Rose has been delivered of a fine baby boy which she had named John after his father. I don’t know if she hopes that some time in the future John Martin will return at acknowledge his son, but I think it very unlikely. I decided to send another two guineas via her mother, but even though it is from my own pin money, I thought it expedient to tell Richard what I proposed to do. Marston House is in no way responsible for what happened to Mary Rose, but I felt I would like to help her when my resources and hers are so very different. Fortunately, Richard was happy to accede to my wishes.

Friday 19th June
Lady Elizabeth spoke to me privately today. She has decided to return to Grasmere, taking Lucy and Sarah with her. She has been corresponding by letter with Lady Susan, and they have both agreed that Lucy and Frederick may marry six months after the death of his father, but it will be a quiet ceremony with only family and close friends as guests.

Sarah was distraught at the thought of being separated from Lucy, so it has been decided that she can also live at Studleigh Park after the wedding and until such time as she may receive an offer herself. Frederick has kindly agreed to this. Sir John, Lady Elizabeth and the two Miss d'Anglais will return to stay at Marston House for a week prior to the wedding.

Lady Elizabeth has been in correspondence with Sir John, and received his official acceptance of Frederick as a son-in-law. This was already decided, but it is customary for the father of the bride to make an official acceptance of the bridegroom, so all is now done and we only have to wait until sufficient time has elapsed for the ceremony to decently proceed.

In bed this evening, Richard asked me if I have any news I would wish to share with him. It seems he is more perceptive than I gave him credit for – so I told him that I was only delaying informing him for fear of there being a disappointment, but with every passing day it seems more certain that I will be bearing our first child. After speaking with Marie, who of course already suspected what was happening, we calculated that the baby should be born in mid February.

Saturday 20th June.
Richard reminded me that it was his intention to have our portraits painted by James Northcote the artist, and in the circumstances, it might be best to arrange sittings as soon as possible before there was physical evidence of my condition. With this I heartily agreed, as I imagine that posing for the portrait could become very tiring later in the year.

The great thing about painted portraits is that one can reasonably expect that they will be passed down through many generations, and I would love to think that my descendants will get an opportunity to see me as one of their ancestors. There are already a number of d'Anglais portraits hanging in Grasmere Hall and I would love my portrait to be added to them, as well as Richard's of course.

I have been thinking about the portrait and how many of them show items which refer to special interests of the subject. In my case that would be my drawing and painting, so I will ask Mr Northcote to show me with my drawing pencils and paints, and a drawing I have completed of the Druid's Circle at Keswick which is of special significance to me since it was where I first met Richard as I worked upon my first sketch of the scene.

Saturday 27th June
This evening Richard and I held a farewell dinner for Lady Elizabeth, Miss Lucy and Miss Sarah. They will be leaving us for Grasmere on Monday, and I know I will miss the two girls in particular as they are most lively and a great source of interesting conversation. Lucy is now a little sad to be leaving Oxford and Frederick and that is understandable, but when she returns it is to be married to him, and I am sure they will engage in regular correspondence in the meanwhile..

Lady Elizabeth and I have developed a very amicable relationship and she has, true to her promise, not interfered in my running the household. In fact, she has told me privately that she believes me to be very competent in the position, which is a source of great comfort to me..

“The day will come when you will be mistress at Grasmere and I will be pleased to inform Sir John that it will be in safe hands,” she said. I blushed with pleasure. This was an unexpected compliment. I informed her in confidence that I believe myself to be with child, a next generation of the family is assured. and to my surprise she gave me a hug – not something she has ever done before. I think she is very pleased to hear the news.

Monday 29th June.
The coach took our guests down to the inn from where they will take the stagecoach north. The two footmen and three ladies' maids will be returning with them which will completely fill the coach both inside and out. There is a deal of luggage to accompany them. I confess I shed a tear at bidding them farewell as did my two sisters as we shared an embrace. However, one consolation is that when they return, they will be living quite close by.

To be continued