Chagrin

Sydney Walk
November 20th 1852

I am much chastened by Boo's response to my request. She is right, of course, that we must not seek to use the Press for our own ends. I am lucky that such an honourable woman chooses to have a self-serving silly goose like me for a friend. I shall invite her to tea and try to make amends, if that ninny of a maid can see her way to arranging some cakes. The prospect of her serving my London friends with sandwiches makes me quite faint, but I must not sit alone here all Winter simply because I have an idiot in my employ.

By Return

Showcasing the Press

My Dear Boo

I am sending the banker's draft with this note - I have asked the boy to wait and bring me your response, since I shall need proof that he has indeed put it in your hands and not used it to set off for a new life in Pennsylvania, or some such place. I have heard that America is a country where poor people may cast off the shackles of their birth and rise to greatness, although the postboy I am sending does not appear to have much ambition about him. He is a thin little fellow who would be blown overboard by the merest gust of an Atlantic wind. Anyway, please write and tell me you have received the money.

I know that I have been sworn to secrecy about my involvement with The Press, but I am so amazed by our achievements that I am finding it hard not to announce my business interest to Josiah. Do you think now might be an acceptable time to show him some of their work? I only mean to have a few small periodicals or books sent to me, so that I may plan the most propitious moment to show him that I am so much more than a London socialite. Please do not be cross with me for asking - it is only that I am so pleased with the work we have done giving employment to so many eager young women. What do you think, Boo? I am fit to burst with pride.

I shall stand with Dauncey at the window and wait for the next American President to return with your answer!

Yrs

Effie x

My terrible servant

Sydney Walk
November 3rd 1852


We have employed the stupidest girl in Christendom. She can make a fire and heat water to wash with, but beyond that she is useless. She has ruined my blue dress, the one I was planning to wear if we are invited to a party, and she has mislaid my tortoiseshell dressing set, so that my hair has to be put up with horrible little pins. And yesterday she tripped over Dauncey, who was minding his own business on the stairs, and she dropped the bowl and jug from my washstand. This morning I washed from an enamel dish, like a pauper. I have told Josiah that I do not want her working for us any longer, but he insists that she needs time to adjust to our ways.

I almost wish The Girl was back with us - she was competent, despite her ridiculous weeping all the time - but she is now working permanently for Josiah's friend. And since I stopped paying her wages I no longer have any say over what she does. So I can do little but hope this booby improves. If she steps on Dauncey again I shall tread on her head myself to see how she would like it....

New Premises

Sydney Walk
October 29th 1852

I visited the new Press this afternoon - Boo and Mrs Doughty have done tremendous work. They wanted to surprise me so they asked me to take a carriage to an address in Bayswater, where they would meet me and then walk me to the premises nearby. When I alighted, they were giddy as kittens and rushed up with a pretty scarf to cover my eyes in order to prolong the suspense. They chattered over each other in such excitement that I could not work out the route they were guiding me along, and when I told them they should slow down for fear I would never be able to find the place on my own they laughed aloud at my silliness. I have never known them in such a playful mood - it was such fun to be with them again!

The Press is now housed in a most impressive building. It is much larger than the Highgate factory, with a sprawling open ground floor where all the machinery is situated. There were more girls than I could count, all rushing around looking very busy and chattering away as they worked. It is a very happy workplace, for sure.

I wanted to be shown all the upstairs offices - I could see a lot of doors leading off the upper landing - but Boo needed to get back to LB, who has a touch of the croup she said. I do not know what croup is but apparently he needs regular steam baths and Boo was concerned that the maid would not hold his head correctly, or something. So after a whirlwind tour of the shop floor I was put straight into a carriage Mrs Doughty had arranged for me and I came back to Sydney Walk. I did not mind so much because Dauncey was waiting for me in the window and I had to write to Papa's bank to authorise a withdrawal of funds to give to Boo for the Press. I can see now why they needed such a large amount! I shall go back soon and see the rest of it at my leisure - if I can recall how to get there.

Our happy news!

Sydney Walk
October 17th 1852

What a thoughtful man my husband is! He had noticed that I was somewhat deflated at the lack of visitors here since we arrived and so he has given me my very own companion. I now share Sydney Walk with a scrumptious little kitten!

Josiah said he saw him sitting at the bottom of our street steps gazing up at the door waiting patiently for it to open. He said it looked for all the World as if the kitten had been given our address and hurried over to make our acquaintance.

"I would not have been surprised to see him with a little valise, Eff, with a collar and some dried fish inside, ready to move in."

So now Dauncey is a resident, alongside Josiah, myself, Villiers and the maid. I am beginning to see why Boo always looks so exhausted - small creatures are so full of energy they leave no room for any of one's own. And we make quite the happy household. If I listened hard enough I am sure I could hear every one of us purring with contentment.

New rooms, old friends

Sydney Walk
October 14th 1852


This London arrival has been quieter than others. Josiah placed the usual announcement in the newspaper but as yet we have had no callers. I wonder whether we are a little too far away from the centre of London? The rooms are not as well appointed as we have been used to, but nobody could know that until they have visited. Villiers is delighted to be here, he says, as there is so much to do in the evenings. He dashes straight out the moment he is off duty but Josiah and I have yet to venture out after dark - the party season is not quite upon us and we have no wish to go walking abroad just for pleasure.

Even Boo has not been here. I called at hers almost the day we set foot in the City and she was welcoming and warm as ever, but when I invited her to bring Little Bradstone to Sydney Walk she was hesitant and soon found something trivial to discuss instead. I must find out why she does not wish to see us here.

In truth, Bradstone is not so little now, he strides about their house with his hands on his hips like a true gentleman and barks his orders at their maid as if he were born to mastery. It is very amusing to witness and has made me see Boo's husband in quite a different light.

Josiah is busy again, investigating some business idea or other with Mr Waterhouse and Mr Price. He said something about a machine which could harness invisible impulses in the air or some such; I was not properly attending when he told me. But it appears that this machine could make it possible for me to speak to Boo without her being in the same house! It all seems like fanciful nonsense to me but it is keeping him occupied and happy, which is more important.

I shall write again to Mrs Doughty to arrange a visit to the Press now that I am back. Josiah is not the only one to be kept busy with new enterprise.

Back in Touch

Location

Mr & Mrs Josiah Hatherwick are delighted to announce their
Winter Residence in London
at 25 Sydney Walk, Kensington
We shall be at home on Wednesdays after 2 o'clock

Property Search

Eff

Belgrave Square already gone. Have other rooms to see later today. I will stay in Town now, so you must arrange to send our things on. Will send address as soon as secured.

Encountered Waterhouse, who likes the speaking machine idea. Investment needed, I shall approach your father.

Soon

JH

Seeing Double

Blindingham Hall
September 25th 1852

It would seem that I have more in common with the Cornbenches than I thought.

Having returned home last week under the distinct impression that they had pity for me, I could not shake from my head the need to explain our 'situation' further. Quite why their opinion of me should matter I do not fully understand, but I wandered the Hall all the next day composing a speech giving my reasons for housing Cook in her hour of need. Surely they would not expect me to abandon her for ever in that hellish place full of madmen? I had thought it courteous to tell them of our impending absence - were they really concerned that Cook was to stay at Blindingham? I had clearly not explained myself properly and determined that I should see them once more before we leave for London.

So this afternoon, after waving Josiah off as he set out for London to secure our rooms for the Winter, I called Jennet and asked him to drive me over to Lydiatt House again. I had a note with me to leave with their maid if they were not at home, but as we turned up their approach I could see them all playing croquet on their upper lawns. I must say, they do seem to like to spend all their time together in a group. I wondered whether they all sleep in a huge bed and take their baths in an oversized bathtub so that they need never be separated for a moment. As Jennet stilled the horse, Mrs Cornbench swept up to me in the same alarming manner she had greeted me with before.

"Oh, my dear Mrs Hatherwick, how lucky we are to see you again so soon! Do you play?" She offered me her mallet but I did not take it. I could not see how to maintain my dignity and aim for a hoop at the same time. I was invited in to take tea and the whole family settled round me as I drank it. Really, I am sure they must be attached to each other by fine cord.

"I am sure you must be wondering what this second visit is concerning, coming so soon as it does after the first," I began.

"Delighted to see you my dear, couldn't be soon enough!" said Mr Cornbench, beaming at me. "I was only saying to my wife this morning what a pleasure it was to have met you. We have made your husband's acquaintance recently, too. He is quite a character, is he not? A memorable man, we thought." They glanced at each other like naughty children in the schoolroom. I, of course, had no idea they knew Josiah or what he must have done to earn himself such a queer description.

I hardly knew how to continue, but I simply had to explain about poor Cook.

"Mr Hatherwick and I are conscientious employers, Mr Cornbench. We could no more watch a faithful servant suffer than we could pull out our own teeth," I said.

"Of course you couldn't, anyone can see you are the most caring of people," answered he, with a slightly nervous laugh. They looked at each other and then back at me and both smiled as though I had told them a most amusing joke. It occurred to me that they might know more about lunacy than one would have imagined. That would explain why none of them was ever left alone, I suppose.

I told them about Cook's illness as well as I could and they said they had heard talk in the village a year or so ago about Mrs Everdown finding her collapsed on the Green on more than one occasion. It seems she sometimes became unwell after visiting the ale-house to look for Jennet. This was disturbing news to me, since I had thought she was only ever taken ill at the Hall. And since I do not for one moment believe Jennet to be the sort of man who frequents ale-houses, I can think of no reason why she would expect him to be there. I should not be surprised to discover that the poor woman witnessed some abominable sights in there and was overcome with shock.

As I was digesting this new piece of information, Mrs Cornbench spoke gently to me.

"Mrs Hatherwick, please do not spend a moment of your time in London worrying about what is happening here. As I said before, we are more than happy to visit the Hall regularly to keep watch over your staff. It is no trouble at all to us to help ensure you have an enjoyable Winter. It would be a pleasure, wouldn't it Arthur?" She touched my sleeve with her tiny little hands and smiled at her husband, again.

After a while I decided we had said enough about the matter. I thanked them for their kind offer and agreed that they would be allowed in whenever they chose to call. I promised to send them our address as soon as I knew it, in case they needed to contact me. Not that anything untoward would happen, they assured me.

As I went to leave the house I passed the open door of a room I assumed was Mr Cornbench's study. He has an Indian Tea-chest exactly like the one Papa gave me! I did not mention it - to do so would have been an admission that I had been looking too closely into a private room - but I was amazed to learn that there are two such chests in the County. I must mention Mr Cornbench's name to Papa - perhaps they were travelling in the Indias at the same time - heavens, they may even know of each other! Papa may be able to confirm whether or not Mr Cornbench is as unhinged as he seems.....

Neighbourhood Watch

B'ham Hall September 16th 1852

I had occasion to visit our nearest neighbours yesterday. Mr Cornbench and his tiny wife have lived at Lydiatt House for a good few years now and have become established in the village almost as soundly as Josiah and I. They are a nice enough couple and she, despite being no bigger than a sparrow, has produced two strapping boys and a brace of girls. I do not warm to them, though, for reasons I can not fully express. However, being the next family after ours in importance, I felt I should apprise them of our plans to spend the Winter in Town, leaving a lunatic living in the Hall. I hesitated, of course, to refer to Cook in such terms directly, but I cannot pretend in this my journal that she is anything other. If she runs finally mad and burns the hall to its foundations, I feel it my duty to have warned the Cornbenches in case they wonder what the distant fires might be...

Jennet drove me over to Lydiatt - it is too far to walk even though it can be clearly seen from the belltower here - and I found the whole family at dinner together. Mr Cornbench was carving a fine bird and the children were singing some nursery song or rhyme to their mother. They do not stand on ceremony overmuch so the maid had shown me straight into the dining room with no announcement at all, like a physician in an emergency. The children broke off singing as I removed my cloak.

"My dear Mrs Hatherwick!" cried Mrs Cornbench as she swept towards me "How lovely to see you in our home. Please excuse our being at table." She motioned one of the boys aside and I was welcomed to sit between him and his mother as if I had lived with them all my life. "Would you care for some guinea fowl, my dear?" said Mr Cornbench as he drew his knives together, "We have been saddened to hear of your situation, lately and have been wondering how we could be of assistance."

I flushed as red as the cranberry sauce on the table. Villiers, or somebody, must have spoken freely about poor Cook and now we were the talk of the village!

"We are happy that our 'situation', as you put it, is proving to be of some helpfulness to those less fortunate than ourselves." I answered. 'How refreshing that you view it in that way!" said he, passing me a plate laden with the best cut of the bird.

Remembering the reason for my visit, I told them in the least alarming terms I could muster that they were now neighbours to a Hall peopled entirely by servants and half-wits (I include the Everdown girl in this, of course). Mrs Cornbench was not at all perturbed at the news and even offered to send her staff over daily to check that all is in order. She held my arm and assured me that Josiah and I must not give Blindingham a second thought while we are away. Her husband and sons all nodded their commitment to keeping a wary eye on my home.

I should be feeling happier to leave for London, I suppose, but I cannot help wondering why they seemed so keen to come to our aid. I do not want their servants wandering in the Hall every day. I shall tell Josiah of their offer and see if he thinks it a generous one. I do hope they are not simply in awe of us and planning to pretend to own the Hall in our absence.

Respite

Dearest Boo

Now that the cooler winds are upon us, I can feel us being pulled ever closer to London - I am beside myself in anticipation of seeing you all again! Josiah is planning to come up very soon to secure our rooms. I am hoping we can be in Brunswick Square again and I know Josiah is keen to be near his old associate - you know, the one we have allowed the Girl to work for over the Summer. I have been quite firm about not wishing that arrangement to continue and have insisted that her wages are not paid by us for as long as she is in his household. I had to warn Josiah that I should be taking advice from Papa if he did not accede to my wishes and he was horribly stern with me in retaliation, but he assured me the Girl's income would be found from elsewhere and so I am satisfied. After all, the widower for whom she works cannot be in want of funds, living as he does at such a fine address.

Do you remember me telling you about the man from the village who had inspired Jennet with his talk of Chinese furniture, or some such notion? Well you would not recognise Blindingham now - it is practically stripped bare. Oh, it is such an improvement, Boo, you must be careful I do not call upon you to cast your belongings aside as well! Josiah has been most assiduous in his paring down operation and almost all the heavy things, which he says had been sucking the energy from us, are all gone - banished to the lumber rooms in the servants' quarters, he says. It is a remarkably freeing experience to wander the rooms downstairs now. Instead of weaving my way carefully amongst the chairs and sideboards I can dance like a dervish from one doorway to the next! Really, I cannot recommend it enough.

In my excitement about coming back to London I quite forgot about poor Cook, whose mind is still unravelled I am sorry to report. I will not countenance bringing her with us - the bustle and noise would be too much for her fragile senses to bear - so I have left Josiah to decide whether to leave her in Mrs Everdown's care or keep the Nurse on. I confess that I am so keen to relax my own duties where she is concerned that I do not much care which decision he makes.

So, we shall soon be Londoners together again.

Til October!

yrs

Effx

Clearance

B'ham Hall September 3rd

I never cease to thank Our Lord that I am married to Josiah. Of late, he has taken to urging me to take more rest during the afternoons. He knows I am frequently drained by the constant attention I pay to Cook and he is becoming concerned for my health, the sweet angel. He is also assuming more household responsibility, I have noticed. Only yesterday, I came down from a most refreshing nap to find him overseeing the cleaning of the entrance hall. He had instructed the servants to remove all the furniture, the better to effect a thorough sweeping of the floors, and he was urging the undermaids to do their utmost to shine every surface in sight. I did not feel it my place to interfere - indeed I was glad to see him so involved in the domestic arrangements here. I have in the past been overwhelmed with the responsibility myself. I have been meaning to construct an inventory of furniture and ornaments for a good while but have simply not felt up to the task. So, if Josiah wishes to undertake such a duty I can do nothing but stand back and allow him his freedom.

This afternoon, as I wandered back through the entrance hall after completing my turn of duty with Cook, I was struck by the brightness and fresh welcome of the place. The dark stuffy pieces of furniture, most of which came with me from Hangerworth, have not returned to their place in the hall. Josiah will have found a hiding place for them all in one of the upper floors, I expect. In their stead are some delightful plants in pretty pots, which give one the distinct feeling that one might still be in the garden! How well he knows me and how much I love to feel the outdoors all around me. I do not miss the chairs, or the tables, or even that huge chest which Papa brought back with him from the Indias. I love the open greenery that has taken their place. That is why I thank the very Heavens for sending me Josiah!

Under Pressure

Blindingham Hall
August 26th 1852


This has been a monstrous day, the like of which I hope never to endure again!

I have been concerned that word of Cook's fancy and aspect had got to the village - I have received some strange glances on my way around the place lately - and this afternoon I was proved tragically right.

As I walked with Cook in my small garden this afternoon, we thought we could hear whispering and laughter - at first I thought it must be Nurse since she has such an engaging nature and is often to be heard showing her amusement at Josiah's instruction. Indeed I wish it had been them, for then the rest of the day's dreadful events would not have taken place....

I looked up from helping Cook to sit on my iron reading seat and was truly shocked to see before me a gaggle of smudge-faced boys staring at us over the hedge. I knew them to be village boys at once - there is a certain physiological similarity about many of the children in Blindingham -there can be no questioning their parentage when so many of them clearly come from village stock. I moved towards Cook to protect her from view, but too late I realised they had seen more than enough. Emboldened by the dividing hedge, these boys began to jeer at poor Cook and some of them even threw small apples at her. She stood up and smiled at them, offering a sight gruesome enough to frighten even the hardest of ruffians, I should have thought. But at her stumbling approach, the boys grew more confident in their chanting and fruit tossing. So there she was walking unsteadily towards them and there they were, encouraging her with open disdain, which she appeared to take as confirmation of her status as Mistress of the hall. I was frozen with horror.

I called to the boys to desist and to go home before I reported them to their fathers, who would have been powerless to stop them I am sure. The boys were not surprisingly quite fearless at the thought of being chastised by such a collection of wastrels and redoubled their jeering at Cook and, now, at myself.

After a few more minutes of this I began shouting for the staff - they did not hear me at first, which is precisely why we were in that section of the gardens to begin with - and it was not until I shouted "Help, we are overrun with boys!" that salvation came in the form of Villiers who appeared, breathless in our midst. I have never been so pleased to see him, I do not mind confessing.

Villiers walked calmly towards the boys, who all stopped shouting and stared at him. He was silent for a while, looking at each boy in turn as if sizing him up for work, and then he said "Is there any one of you who wishes to come further into the garden and meet this fine lady, who has served The Hatherwicks royally and who is known fondly to your parents, even if you are not." I was struck with admiration for his poise, and the boys themselves were open mouthed in awe of him. He paused for a mere moment and then whispered " Now, which of you would like to come forward?"

All but one of those urchins turned and fled.

Cook whimpered a little at their flight and started to ask me where her subjects had gone. I did my best to soothe her and help her back into the kitchen, hoping that this sorry and frightening episode was ended. I hoped too soon. The next thing I heard was a tiny, terrified voice pleading not to be hurt. I turned and saw the most alarming sight - Villiers was dragging the boy in through the window to the garden room, brandishing one of Josiah's paperweights and bellowing that the boy was about to receive the hiding of his life! I concerned myself with making sure that Cook was safely returned to her rooms - interrupting Josiah and the Nurse as he was teaching her the appropriate way to arrange patient's clothing should they become distressed whilst in her care. He is a very thorough employer, I must say, so he was irked at having to leave his instruction to go downstairs and deal with the situation. Nurse then helped me to get Cook into bed and I went directly to my dressing room to calm down.

I understood at dinner tonight that Josiah and Villiers have ensured that the boy, and probably his entire family and friends, will never return. I do not know exactly what they did and have no wish to be enlightened further. It is enough for me to know that I am protected by a brave servant and a commanding husband. That is more than I could wish for. I shall sleep soundly in my bed tonight and I trust the same can be said for Cook and for Villiers. The boy, I'll wager, will not sleep soundly for some time.

Recipe for the Cook

Blindingham Hall
August 23rd 1852

Dear, Dear Boo

I am so weary of playing nursemaid! I have asked Josiah if he will let Villiers come with me to London - I am beside myself with the need to see you and LB, and Mrs Doughty and all my friends - but he says he cannot spare me from the Hall, not even for a day. I am not entirely sure what it is he needs me for, since he is hidden away in his office much of the day and overseeing the Nurse's progress in the late afternoons. She is a very capable girl and I have told Josiah that I do not think she needs daily supervision, but he insists that Cook deserves only the finest of staff to attend her and that the Nurse is still in need of some training. He is a very conscientious man, my husband, Boo, as you know. So much so that he has asked me to consider keeping the Nurse on after Cook has recovered. He wishes to retain her services so that we may look after other unfortunates, should we ever encounter any. I am overcome with admiration at his thoughtfulness and shall agree to his request.

I walk with Cook in the afternoons now. She is robust enough to withstand a stroll in my little garden, which is by far the best place since it is not overlooked and we can be sure no staff can watch us. No-one approaching from the village would ever see her, thank goodness, because she does present an alarming vision to someone unused to her condition. She has begun to fancy herself as Mistress of the Hall and is wont to give me instructions as I walk with her! I do not correct this delusion - indeed it can be quite amusing - but I do not carry out her orders, of course. She does not notice my insubordination, poor woman, and I have no wish to distress her further by asserting my true position.

My concern is with her appearance, Boo, really you should see her. Nurse gave her some clothes belonging to Josiah's Mama - who has been dead for fifteen years - and dresses her hair each morning in a variety of mountainous arrangements which make her feel quite the fashionable lady. Nurse then allows Cook to wander around the rooms she is occupying as if she were in charge. Her delusion, which gives her a frighteningly haughty demeanour, is thus fuelled by our actions. I do wonder whether this is the best course of treatment for the poor soul, but Josiah assures me that he and Nurse have drawn up a plan which requires us to pander to her fantasies for a while longer. I am tiring of it and should love to see you, as I say, but I fear that cannot be.

This has been the longest Summer in memory. Josiah is already talking about our Winter in London - I simply can not wait!

Yrs

Effie x

Direct Speech

Blindingham Hall
August 8th 1852

While I wrote to Boo earlier today, I told her I wished to find a new avenue of employment for Josiah. The very act of writing has made me think. I am so fond of Boo and so familiar with her that I feel shy using formal letters to communicate with her. Sometimes I wonder how it would be if I could be in instant contact with her even though she is so far away. I attended a lecture in the Village last month on the Wonders of Modern Science. I would not normally attend such a dreary sounding event but I wished my presence to be noted by certain persons I knew would be there. Luckily I did manage to spend a good deal of the lecture catching the eye of some people of influence in village matters. The lecture dealt with findings of a Mr Faraday and others whose names I cannot now recall. Mr Faraday has apparently spent twenty years - goodness me - working on something I did not grasp but which made me think of an idea. I dreamt of distant speech. How lovely it would be if I could be in touch with Boo, or anyone else for that matter, without the necessity of a boy, a postbag and a horse? What if there were a machine that could allow me to speak to her direct?

I shall speak to Josiah at breakfast and ask him if he could put his entrepreneurial mind to such a marvel!

Ladygardening

Dearest Boo

I have discovered a passion for husbandry!

I was in desperate need of something to distract me from the daily task of caring for Cook - I spend an hour with her every single afternoon, Boo, and I am drained as a result. I mentioned to Villiers that I wished for some creative outlet and the next thing I knew he had presented Jennet at the kitchen door, both of them flushed with enthusiasm for my new venture.

So now I have become a keen gardener. I do not dig or weed, of course, I am far too slight to manage the utensils needed for that. Jennet is better suited to the heavy work. But I have become quite adept at pulling away dead leaves and flower heads hanging there beyond their allotted time. I am able to see which plants look well with others and can even make a drawing of a proper garden plan. Oh, but it is so pleasing, Boo. You would not, as a Londoner, know the pleasure to be got from the land!

I am to be found most evenings walking amongst my flowers and shrubs, giving them gentle encouragement and a little nourishment if they need it. Josiah has given me a basket for collecting cuttings, bless him. He sits sometimes on the bench to watch me but I know he is keen to get back to business. I am trying to think of a new direction for him but have such an empty head by the afternoons that I fear I am little use to him. He is such a generous man, my husband, that he freely gives his time helping the Nurse to care for Cook. I knew he was a kind and thoughtful soul, Boo, but I did not honestly expect him to take his responsibility to her so seriously. I suspect Mrs Everdown does not much care for Josiah, but it is of no matter as their paths need hardly cross.

I trust you and Mrs Doughty have walked enough around Town to choose new Offices for the Press? When you have the time, do please come down and visit. We shall not give a lavish party as we did last year - it would not be fair to frighten Cook with such crowds and revelry - but I still ache for congenial company. Do come to Blindingham if you can?

Yrs

Effie x

Blood Money

Blindingham Hall
August 3rd 1852

Looking after Cook is proving to be a taxing business. The Nurse does what she can, but I do not wish to leave the poor raving creature in her care all day, so I could not possibly spare any time for a trip up to London. I have assuaged my guilt at leaving all the Press work to Boo and Mrs Doughty by lightening their load a little and sending a sum of money to help ease their search. I can only hope they will not view this as negligence. I am too tired to write this journal any more tonight. I shall sleep as well as I can and prepare myself for another morning with the patient.

Wherewithal

News from the front

Hawksmoor Lane
London
July 23rd 1852


Dear Euphemia

I trust you are well, and will not mind my interrupting your Summer in the country with my metropolitan prattle. Your absence from our social - and business - lives is a trial we must bear, my dear, but we cannot forget you entirely. We spoke fondly of you when I was last at Mrs Pitt's home. Indeed, Rowena and I spent a most enjoyable few minutes remembering that spectacular Ball we were lucky enough to attend.

The purpose of this letter is not simply to tell you how keenly we miss you, dear Euphemia, although that would be a perfectly good reason to write. My intention is to inform you of the progress of the press girls. Mrs Pitt and I are excited to announce that we are in need of new premises to house our expanding workload and burgeoning workforce. It is in no small measure thanks to you that we can plan so confidently for our future. You may be in the country for the Summer, but you are a London Lady entrepreneur all year round, Euphemia, and you should be proud of your contribution.

The move will require funding, of course, and Mrs Pitt and I are spending a good deal of time searching the City for suitable premises. When we have some addresses to show you, do you think you might be able to come to Town to help us choose wisely? I do hope you can.

I cannot leave off writing without telling you that Little Bradstone is becoming a lively child with a great reserves of energy and vigour. I come from a generation who hid their children away in nurseries and schoolrooms, so to take tea in the company of the boy and his playmates was certainly enlightening. Being a spinster myself, I am unused to the chatter and clatter of children. My head only just seems clear of it after two days.

So, dear Euphemia, enjoy your rural sojourn happy in the knowledge that your city friends are keeping your interests safe.

Yours in great affection


Sarah Doughty

Bounty

Blindingham
June 3rd 1852

Josiah has surprised and impressed me. I mentioned that Cook was in a dreadful position and that I could hardly sleep for my concerns. I was trying to work out how best I could raise the subject of our bringing her here when he announced that he would not stand to see her so cruelly treated and that we should collect her at once! Bless his compassionate heart!

His only condition was that we should employ a nurse to care for her. He seemed confident that a girl from the village would do perfectly well and instructed Villiers to place notices in the little shop and in the Church meeting rooms. How thoughtful he is. We have had a steady stream of applicants over the past two days and once Josiah has made his decision we shall send immediately for Cook. I shall make sure she is cared for until she recovers, or until she is beyond saving, whichever is the sooner. She shall have rooms in the West Wing of the Hall, where she will be able to see the sun from her windows. I am not sure she should walk in the grounds yet - her infirmity means she is given to fits of raving and I should not like visitors to have to see that. I feel quite emotional at the prospect of rewarding her years of service to us!

Loyalty

Bedlam

Blindingham
May 27th 1852

May the Lord save me from ill-health and infirmity. I decided to repay Mrs Everdown's loyal service by re-engaging her silly daughter as a maid. I reasoned that her parlous misuse of the mangle could not be replicated with hair combs and I was, to an extent, correct. So, newly dressed and arranged, I set off for Horsham to see Cook.

I have never been in such a terrible place and pray that I shall have no need to return. I do not refer to Horsham as a whole, of course, but to its hospital for the demented, where Cook has been incarcerated for the past three months. My journey was spent listening to the carriage driver slavering over gruesome tales of the inmates there, to the point that when we turned into the gates of the hospital I could not help but cry out. How, then, must it feel to be taken there against one's will?

The sound of the inmates was the sound of hell itself. Crying, cursing and keening in turns. I should have run mad there myself in minutes.

Cook was brought to me shackled to a miserable nurse who looked no better than the patients. I wept to see her. She was thin with dull eyes and dank hair. Her cheeks were paler than my washstand. She has not seen daylight since she arrived there, I shouldn't wonder. She thanked me for coming and began to apologise for leaving the Hall without proper instructions for its maintenance. I begged her not to be concerned with domestic matters but to concentrate on getting herself well - I fear, though, if I am truthful, that she may never leave that place. The poor, deranged soul. I gave the matron a sum of money and insisted it be spent on Cook's personal upkeep since I could not bear to see her so dishevelled.

The carriage ride home was no more comfortable than before and I was glad to see the lights of Blindingham welcoming me home. The new maid was kind enough to comfort me as she prepared me for bed, but I spent a terrible night thinking about how Cook would manage. I shall speak to Josiah and try to arrange special nursing for her. For two pins I would have her back here with us and care for her myself - if only I could be sure she would not come to, or cause us, any harm.

Mistress of all I survey

Blindingham
May 10th 1852


Goodness me, Boo!

Last year when we returned here I was as nervous as a kitten about entering my own home. But now I am a confident Lady I almost ran up the steps to reclaim my empire! Villiers had gathered the staff as usual - sorely depleted by the absence of Cook and the Girl - and I thanked them for looking after the Hall so well. I shall find out in due course whether or not they actually have.

The Girl is still in London. Josiah tells me his associate still has want of her and since I do not care ever to see her or the child again I was happy to let her stay behind. We continue paying her wages, I believe, but I may put an end to that arrangement soon. And Cook is still in the sanatorium, poor woman. I shall visit her just as soon as I have found a personal maid to attend to me - if I do not, and I go about in public having dressed my own hair, I may be in danger of being mistaken for an inmate!

Josiah, as I predicted, set about changing the furniture in the entrance hall - he said something about making more room but I paid him scant attention because Mrs Everdown was trying to tell me what changes she had made. I had been concerned about what she would do, as you know, but I do believe she has made things run more smoothly. I resolved to be less judgemental about her in future and can only assume that someone else was responsible for bringing up her stupid daughter. She has more than compensated for the pitiful mess her child made of our linen last year.

Villiers is happier than I have seem him for a long time. His illness has quite vanished and he is charming to Josiah, myself and the rest of the staff. Something about the country air must agree with him and although I am still not convinced he is a natural servant, I hold him in almost affectionate regard these days.

I must dash now, there is so much to do when regaining control of an estate such as ours and I wish to reassure myself that Cook is in good hands.

Do let me know how it goes in the City!

Yrs

Effie x

Adieu

Dearest Boo,

Sadly, we are at the end of our lease in the Square and must return to Blindingham next week. I cannot tell you how much I shall miss you, LB, the girls at the Press and all the good friends I have made this second season in London. But I am excited at the thought of seeing Blindingham again and of renewing my standing in the village. I shall always be interested to hear about the business, of course, and can furnish you with banker's drafts with only a few days' notice if necessary.

Villiers has been laid low for a week or so, but has sprung back more effervescent than ever. He claims to be unable to wait til next week to get to the country and has suggested he go on ahead to prepare the house. That will be a shock for Mrs Everdown!

So, I must see you before we leave - I shall call on Friday if I may?

Kisses to your gorgeous Boy,

Yrs

E xx

Satisfaction

B'grave Square
April 26th 1852

I have had the most enjoyable day. I walked to the Press to meet Boo and Mrs Doughty - Boo had her boy with her so I had plenty of cuddles - and we took tea in an office just like business folk!

Mrs Doughty said the girls were working well - hard at it throughout the day and much of the night, she said - but the funds were disappointingly low due to overseas export prices, or something. I tried my best but I could not really grasp the financial situation fully. She had presented us with a very impressive sheet of paper full of numbers and lists - my head was spinning just looking at it - but I understood the main issue was that a further amount of money was required to purchase materials. I was more than happy to access 'my' account at Papa's bank, so that problem was dealt with straight away. Boo reported that two of the girls had recently left the Press for domestic reasons, I suppose they were needed back at home to nurse ailing relatives or something of the like. But she had immediately found replacements and the work had not suffered at all. I asked how she recruited suitable staff so quickly - she is a marvel, what with having a child to care for as well - and she said girls were so keen to work there she could almost pick them from the street. What high regard we must be held in to have staff so eager to be in our employ!

After we had concluded our business I wanted to spend a while with the girls and introduce my self-improvement programme to them. I have long harboured a wish to educate the disadvantaged and the Press seems to present the perfect opportunity to realise my vision. Mrs Doughty said she would ask a couple of girls to meet me but said she could not spare more and that I really should not walk on the shop floor - for reasons to do with my own safety, I think. I suppose printing machinery is a little frightening at close quarters - it is certainly very loud. The whole time I was there I could hear banging and clattering and the occasional screechings of the workers. In truth, I was not sorry to miss out on that part of my visit.

The employees I met came to the office together, giggling like schoolgirls and fiddling incessantly with their hair. I expect they were nervous to meet a proper Lady. They had a high colour in their cheeks, the pair of them and appeared to have spent time preparing their appearance with perfumes and powdering - which I thought flattering but unnecessary. They showed some interest in my plans for workforce education but when I suggested that they still had much to learn of the world they behaved very oddly. I had heard that it is possible to dissolve into laughter but have never witnessed such a thing until today. The girls clearly have no experience of schooling - it is a wonder they can construct a printer's block at all - and they do not seem to feel themselves worthy of it. I am even more determined to educate them now!

When I came back, Josiah met me on the steps with the news that Villiers has been taken ill. He is in bed under strict orders from a doctor not to leave the house until his fever subsides. He has something mild but contagious, apparently, I did not catch the name of it. The Old Girl is taking charge of his care and she tells me that he is most put out at having his night time walks curtailed. I passed her on the stairs as she was on her way to treat him with a poultice - she was positively revelling in her new authority over him! I am sure that as soon as he is fit and well we shall not see him for a week.

So now I am ready to retire and am feeling quite pleased with myself - Josiah is already planning a new business venture, the Press is thriving, I am being treated with respect as a professional investor and I have had the warmth and eagerness of a small child on my lap. It has quite given me the taste for motherhood - I am surely grown up enough now!

Disappointment

Boo!

Disaster has struck! A proper correspondent would give you a preparatory paragraph here lest you be shocked by the main content of this letter, but the truth is I cannot wait to say it - Josiah's business venture has crumbled to dust!

He had been visiting the factory less often for the last few days - as a result of a womanly wile I employed whilst in want of some company - and yesterday he came clattering home to tell me that the factory had been closed while he was not there!

It seems his associates had looked at some recent accounts and decided the business could not continue. They blamed the cost of construction materials, he said, and said that their other investors had lost confidence in this underground transport system they were building. So Mr Price laid off all the workers and locked the gates, according to Josiah. There will be some resolution soon - they have called an investors meeting for next week - but it is a great shock to Josiah and to me.

So now I have a husband who is both more present and more grumpy than ever before. Which is not what I wished for at all.

Josiah is adamant that the underground system will be successful in the future and is consoling himself with lodging some patents in the meanwhile. I am sure he will bounce back from this soon - he is not a man given to self-pity. Had he been so, I should never have married him.

I shall still be free to come to the Press on Tuesday - I understand Papa is very taken with the commitment Mrs Doughty shows to those girls, Boo, although he never speaks of it directly to me. I can tell by a renewed vigour he has shown lately. He is not the irascible man he has been since we lost Mama.

Anyway, til Tuesday!

yrs

Effie xx

Husbandry

B'grave Square
April 21st 1852

I have been feeling much less alone of late. After our picnic, which was a lesson in lunch preparation and one of Villiers' finest, Josiah and I resolved to spend more time in each other's company. He has been very loving and I could not want for a better husband - not even if granted three wishes by a wizard!

Togetherness and Persuasion

B'Grave Square
April 16th 1852


I have been thinking for some time of a ruse to persuade Josiah to take a little time away from his business, and on Monday evening I happened upon the perfect plan! I waited until he had taken off his outdoor shoes and settled by the fire with his usual glass of wine before dinner and then I laid my trap. I shall report it here to remind myself of how cleverly I bent him to my will....


Me: Josiah my darling you are working so hard these days, I am quite worried for your health.

Josiah: Nonsense, Eff! A man needs to be busy. I am working hard for us both, you know that.

Me: Of course you are and I love you for it. But could they spare you from the factory for half a day?

Josiah: Half a day is a long time in business, Eff. Have some sense!

Me: Oh, well of course I can see that, it's just.....

J: Just what?

Me: I want us to have some time together, Josiah.

J: Time together? What in Heaven's name are you talking about? I have told you already I am a businessman. Time is something women have, not entrepreneurs like me!

Me:Oh, Josiah I should so like us to take a picnic to Hyde Park or some such place.

J: Picnic?

Me: Yes. You remember what lovely times we have had on picnics, don't you?

J: I do, Eff, I do....

Me: Do you remember that time at Hangerworth when Mama made sandwiches and lemonade for us and we set off to find the lake? When Papa was out walking and he found us....

J: ....stop it, Eff!

I sat at his feet and took gentle hold of his heels to rub them at this point - Josiah has a weakness where his heels are concerned - and after a short while I played my final card.

Me: So, do you think they will allow it, Josiah, at the factory?

J: It is not for them to 'allow' me anything! I make the decisions there you must not think otherwise. And if I want half a day to take my wife on a picnic I shall jolly well take half a day!

Me: Oh, sweetheart you are so lovely to your lucky wife. I shall instruct the staff to make up a hamper first thing tomorrow morning!

We then enjoyed a most agreeable dinner together and retired early in preparation for a sumptuous outdoor feast the next day. I am royally pleased with myself and my cunning! I must report for future reference that a man is more open to persuasion after he has removed his shoes....

Welcome Back

B'grave Square
April 5th 1852



I never imagined I would say this but Villiers is back from the country and I am particularly relieved to see him. I had not realised quite how solitary my days had become with Josiah working so hard, but the Butler's presence back in the Square, with his chattering and carping all day has been a welcome change from my own company. He tells us that the Hall is well cared for and that Mrs Everdown is proving to be a surprisingly loyal and competent woman. She is coping well with the kitchens and has closed off most of the other rooms to prevent light and damp damage. It is a level of maintenance that Cook never mastered, I am forced to admit.

Villiers was especially complimentary about the work undertaken by Jennet in the grounds. Jennet is a man with great empathy for the flora and fauna surrounding our home, Villiers assures me. He had met a man in the village who recently spent time in China, of all places, and he introduced Jennet to some strange new theory about placing and prosperity. I am too much of a goose to grasp the details fully, but it seems that Jennet has spent much of his time this Spring rearranging the shrubberies to allow wealth to enter our gardens. Villiers was keen to tell me how much he had been helping Jennet amongst the greenery and I rather think I detected a note of melancholy at having to leave him behind. I reassured him it would not be long before we were back there. Josiah showed interest at the thought that moving the furniture might make us rich and will no doubt be rearranging Blindingham the moment we are home. I suppose the theory would not work for us in rented rooms.

I heard Josiah telling Villiers about my sighting of the Girl. Josiah had said I must have been mistaken and even went to his associate's house to make sure she was performing her duties appropriately. He said all was as it should be, but I am still unsure. Villiers squealed a little when he heard my story - how I have missed his peculiar little noises and hand waving - and I heard him tell Josiah that he would go to see the Girl himself to make sure she was fully aware of her reponsibilities. As I say, I am glad he is here, even if he takes some managing.

Unconfirmed sighting

My Dear Boo,

May I call on you straight away? I am quite put about by something that has just happened and cannot sit in my own rooms for another minute. If you do not send word straight back I shall most probably go on the Heath. I dislike the Heath for many reasons but it will be diverting, I suppose. Please let me come to you instead.

Do you remember me telling you about the Girl being on loan to one of Josiah's associates while we are in Town? I had almost forgotten about her, save for wondering whether she will be free to return to Blindingham with us when we leave, but I am convinced I have just seen her in the Square - she and her bastard child! She was not dressed in servant's clothes at all - she had on a thick cloak over a muslin dress from this very season - and she was walking quite proudly as if she were the finest of ladies. She was pushing a perambulator with a child in it who was easily the same age as your own dear LB. I threw open the window and called to her but just as I did so she quickened her pace and was gone before she could have heard me. Who was that boy, if not her own? Why was she so well clothed and what was she doing in the middle of the day when she should have been at work?

I do not wish to trust my eyes, Boo, but I am sure it was her. Mrs Everdown has not mentioned the child in her letters from Blindingham so I supposed her ridiculous daughter was looking after him (a fate I would wish on no-one, not even him). I must inform Josiah as soon as I see him tonight. The Girl was sent to his friend's employ at short notice, after he lost his wife. I think it highly likely of her to have taken advantage of his evident vulnerability.

I simply must leave the house now, Boo, or I will run mad. I shall wait on the step for your reply and if nothing comes after an hour I shall make for the Heath.

Yrs

E x

Wild Goose

B'grave Square
March 11th 1852

I have spent the most vexing day. Josiah did not come home last night - I confess I could not remember what his plans were and I waited in the hall downstairs until 11 o'clock but the Waterhouses had clearly claimed him once again. This morning I asked the servants to pack me a picnic hamper and I set out to find him at work. I decided to walk as I find exercise helps me to straighten my thoughts - the carriage drivers here in London are bent on killing their passengers I fear, since even the shortest journey in one is enough to rattle my brain clean from my head.

I had a map of sorts and the address of my destination and was terribly excited at the prospect of sweeping into Josiah's office to present him with a fine luncheon.

But I am such a dolt that I simply could not find where he works. Josiah clearly told me his factory was situated on Overend Arch, but the map I had made no mention of such a place.

I finally reached a street called Overend Walk, in an area they refer to as Hoxton, but when I found the number he had given me - number 42 - it was not a factory at all! Not the imposing building full of industry I had been expecting, instead it was a baker's shop. And it was closed.

Having no means of contacting Josiah, or any of his associates, I could do nothing but retrace my steps towards the Square. I did approach a lady in a nearby street but she could not help me at all. She knew of no workplaces that might house a team of engineers and even said she had never heard of the street name I had been given.

So, after six hours of walking I was back at Belgrave Square, still with my hamper full of food. I am so disappointed. I shall not tell Josiah of my adventure this evening - I feel too silly and tired.

Missing Men

B'grave Square
March 10th 1852

I told Boo about Papa's mysterious desire to see how the girls are working at the Press. She said she thought his actions were entirely understandable and that I should be pleased he was showing such a keen interest in our charitable work. A wealthy widower who has no need of employment but wishes to spend time helping to save the fallen is a man to be respected, she told me, and I must not be concerned any further. Apparently, his instruction that I should not go with him was born of concern for my health - it is a long walk from here - and a wish that I might not be burdened with his company overmuch. She made me feel quite guilty for being so upset with his treatment of me.

So, I shall think no more of it. Boo is right to say that I would not enjoy spending a good deal of time with him - he is an exacting companion and an hour in his company leaves me feeling in need of a nap. I am resigned, then. He must visit the Press as often as he likes - but alone!

Josiah is so busy with his winding engines project that I have hardly seen him for days. I need to discuss Blindingham matters with him, so if he is at the Waterhouse's again tonight I may have to seek him out tomorrow at his place of work. I must look for that note he wrote to me with the address of the factory. Now that he is a successful entrepreneur I can present myself at his offices and introduce myself to his workers. I shall play the businessman's wife and be gracious with them all and tell them how hard they are working and how much Josiah values them. They will be pleased to think that I have taken time to speak to them. I am giddy at the prospect now that I have thought of it!

Papa's Strange Request

Boo!

I have had the most extraordinary exchange with Papa and I must share it with you. I wonder whether you will make more sense of it than I could. I shall record it here exactly as it unfolded, since I am unable to interpret it with any clarity.....

Papa: "Euphemia, I have a request to make of you which I trust you will indulge."

(He only calls me Euphemia when he is cross with me, Boo, so you can imagine my consternation at his opening address.)

Me: "Of course, Papa, I shall be happy to undertake any course of action you require of me"

(I decided to respond with as much dignity as I could, although I was really quite unsettled by now.)

Papa: "I wish you to introduce me to the Lady who runs your publishing house."

Me: "Mrs Doughty?"

Papa: "If that is her name, then yes, Mrs Doughty."

Me: "I am sure she would be delighted to make your acquaintance, Papa. May I enquire why you would like to meet her?"

Well when I asked him that, Boo, he gave me a very stern look and his mouth began to twitch. He stood up and walked to my window so that the rest of the conversation was conducted with his back to me.

Papa: "Euphemia, I am your father. I do not expect to have to explain myself to you."

Me: "Of course not, Papa, I simply...."

Papa: "Do not interrogate me further! I have asked you to effect an introduction to this Mrs Doughty and I shall conduct the rest of my business directly with her. Now, might I be able to trust that a daughter will respect her father's wishes?"

Me: "Certainly, Papa. I shall send her a note immediately."

Papa: "Thank you. Please be kind enough to impress upon her the urgency of my desire to meet with her."

Me: "I will tell her that, Papa."

Papa: "Excellent. I do not wish you to accompany me when I visit the Press, on that or any other occasion. Indeed I see no reason for you and I to refer to this matter again."

Well, Boo, what do you make of that? He was not cross with me after all, I think, but he was quite distant. Why does he want to meet Mrs Doughty, and alone? Why was he so cold towards me?

Please tell me what your impressions are for I am quite bemused.

Yrs

Effie xx

Dice Man

B'grave Square
February 23rd 1852

I am so happy in these rooms we have been in this Winter. Last year was a little busier, I suppose, with tea parties and the excitement of Boo's baby arriving, but now I feel content just to gaze down on the square from our parlour window for an hour at a time. There are all manner of passers by and I like to amuse myself by speculating about their purpose as they travel from one corner to another. Some of them sweep majestically as if someone's life depended on them, others stroll aimlessly as if they have nowhere special to go. There are some who appear at the same time each day, some who can be relied upon to walk past once a week and still more who wander back and forth. This latter set can walk past our house up to ten times a day! What can they be thinking of?

I am fondest of a little man who dances along with a cheerful wave for everyone he meets. Each person who passes him is rewarded with a wink and a smile and, often, a snatch of a tune he seems to have invented. It is not one I recognise, I am sure. I make a point of noting who waves back and who dismisses him because I have decided that it is the best way of determining someone's character. If my little man is ignored, I take a dislike to the person immediately - and I warm to anyone who answers his twinkle with a likewise wave. After a whole afternoon of watching these exchanges I count up how many responses he has received. If there were more smiles than scowls I will eat cake for supper. And if the scowlers win, I eat thin soup.

I must arrange to see Boo soon. I must discuss Papa's wishes with her. Much as I love these rooms, I do need to be outdoors a little more often.

Positive Thinking

B'grave Square
February 14th 1852



Villiers has sent a note saying he is in control of the situation at home, thank goodness. He is due back here soon, though, since I am still unhappy to walk alone in London. We shall then be dependent on Mrs Everdown and her booby of a daughter to keep the hall standing. Jennet will undertake the basic maintenance work, as usual, but he is a man who likes to take instruction not initiative, I believe. That is a quality often to be found in men who work outdoors I have observed. I should not know what to say to him if we were ever to be together under a roof.

I have spoken to Mrs Doughty and Boo about my schoolmistress idea. They seemed a little vague as to how it might benefit the girls at the Press - I was surprised that they did not leap at the chance to better the staff - so I shall have to devise a more exciting plan.

Papa has told me he is keen to visit the Press. I am unsure how to introduce him, since the venture is supposed to be discreet, but he has been enthused by my description of the arrangements and says he wishes to see at first hand how we set the girls to work. Since he is instrumental in the funding of the Press I suppose I should bend to his wishes. Oh, this business of satisfying benefactors is more taxing than I had thought.

Tenterhooks

B'grave Square
February 10th 1852


I hoped for happy news from home, but it is not to be. Mrs Everdown has written to tell us that Cook has been taken to a sanatorium in Horsham. She was found in the entrance hall in a state of semi-consciousness by Jennet, who had brought up a brace of pheasants for her to prepare. Jennet rode for the doctor, who declared Cook to be parlously undernourished and in need of total bedrest for a month. Josiah has sent Villiers back to see what is to be done with the staff and I am to prepare myself for resumption of my Mistress duties there, he says. I do not wish to go, especially now that I have such responsibilities to my charity, but Blindingham is my home and our fortune. I cannot tell Josiah precisely why I am reluctant to leave London early, so I must hope that Villiers returns with sufficient confidence that I can stay here until our scheduled rustication. Which is not until June, I think.

Paternity suits

B'grave Square
February 4th 1852


My Dear Boo

Wonderful news! Papa has given me his blessing to establish my own private funds so that I can continue the donations to the Press without needing to ask permission from Josiah. He is to set aside a sum within his own accounts that I may draw from at my own discretion. Me!

I did tell Papa that Josiah would be perfectly happy to oversee administration of this account and that he would never deny me access to the funds but Papa was adamant that I should take responsibility for them myself. I know Papa holds Josiah in high regard but he was strangely insistent that he need not be made aware of this arrangement at all. So be it.

My first foray into financial independence, Boo, will be to arrange for a schoolmistress to visit The Press - what do you think? I know the girls there are intelligent and earnest in their desire to learn. They cannot spend the whole time labouring, I am sure.

I shall call a meeting for us to discuss this plan further. Oh, Boo, isn't this exciting? All I wish now is for reassurance that all is peaceful at Blindingham and then I can happily set about this new part of my life.

Kisses to LB and your self,

Effie

x

Paternal Superiority

Boo,

I fear I must postpone our arrangement for tomorrow. Papa is coming up to Town on business and has asked that I make myself available to him in the early part of the afternoon. I really should do his bidding since I have a great favour to ask of him - which I will tell you all about when I see you. Do give my sincere apologies to Mrs Doughty.

Let me know when the Press Ladies are to gather again...

Yrs

Effie x

Blameless

B'Grave Square

January 30th 1852

I thank the Lord for the day Josiah married me! Villiers has swept through these rooms like a whirlwind but still there is no sign of my jewel case. I had wanted to keep this misplacement a secret from Josiah - although I abhor deception of any kind - but when he came home from the Waterhouse's at 10 am this morning he only had to look at my face to see my distress. I threw myself at his feet and promised him that I had not been careless with my jewellery. I wept a few tears as I told him of the quest I had set for Villiers and I promised I would do all I could to recover the case.

To my eternal gratitude, and indeed surprise, I was rewarded with the utmost patience from my darling husband.

He told me he simply knew that the loss of my jewels could not be my fault and that he would not blame me for a moment if they were never to come to light again. How that man tolerates my weakness I do not know. I only know that he does not hold me responsible and that I love him all the more for it.

He did suggest I write to Papa with the news, though. I am reluctant to confess to him that I no longer know the whereabouts of Mama's precious bequest, but Josiah assured me that Papa would not wish me to go abroad with no finery at all about me and that there may be some pieces of Mama's still kept at home. I suppose he may be right. I shall draw up all my courage this evening and ask if Papa can help me in my time of need. How thoughtful my husband is and how blessed I am to be his wife.

Loss

B'grave Square
January 29th 1852


Disaster has struck. I cannot find my jewel case. I know I had it my dressing room when we first arrived here, and then Josiah moved it when that horrible man showed his face again, but it is nowhere to be found now! It has everything I brought with me - mama's earrings, my bracelets, rings - where on earth can it be? I shall cancel all Villiers domestic duties for the whole day and put him to searching for it.

I can not imagine what Josiah will say - it must be found before he comes home!

Working Classes

Boo!

I had no idea you did such remarkable and unsung work - I am in awe of you, I truly am. When you asked me to accompany you to see the results of your charitable actions I expected to be taking buns to the poor, or blankets to the homeless. I could never have imagined that you and Mrs Doughty had established such a thriving business, with all those girls saved from the streets and taken into employment. And how hard they work! I am all the more proud that you have taken me into your confidence and shall of course do all I can to help. I only hope that I may be able to contribute from afar, since we will be returning to Blindingham in April, as usual.

Fear not, Boo, I shall never let Josiah know of this. He dismissed my dreams of opening a school with such vehemence that I could not bear him to scorn this, too. I feel that the Highgate Press (I trust it is not indiscreet to write the name in a letter to you of all people) is as worthy as the school I planned. Oh, I am so excited at the thought of what we could do! Perhaps there would be a chance to add some schooling to the working day of our employees?

I shall be at the Press on Tuesday afternoon to meet you and Miss Doughty. You must feel such a freedom of movement now that LB is being cared for by a Nanny. I did tell Josiah that you had taken a servant experienced in caring for infants and he showed great interest. He wishes me to pass on his hope that the servant in question will guard LB with her life. I thought that a little over-emotional for him but it is a measure of the high regard in which he holds you.

As, of course, do I

Effie xx