I did not, however, trust altogether to Madame Bathurst. I wrote a
letter to my acquaintance, Madame Gironac, in Leicester Square, stating
what had occurred, and what my ideas and intentions were, requesting her
to give me her advice and opinion as to the best plan I could follow.
In a few days I received from her the following reply, which I insert as
characteristic of the party.
"My dear Mademoiselle,
"Your letter gave great pain to me; and as for my husband, he was quite
furious, and declared that he would not live a minute longer in such an
abominable world. However, to oblige me, he has not yet made away with
himself. It really is dreadful to see a young lady-like you in such an
awkward position, from the weakness and follies of others; but we must
submit to what the _bon Dieu_ disposes, and when things come to the
worst, hope that a change will take place, as any change must then be
for the better. I have consulted my husband about what you propose, but
he negatives everything. He says you are too good for a governess;
would be thrown away as a companion to a lady; that you must not be seen
in a cab, going about giving lessons--in fact, he will listen to nothing
except that you must come and live with us. I can only say, my dear
mademoiselle, that I join in the latter request, and that it would make
me perfectly happy, and that the honour and pleasure of your company
would be more than a compensation. Still, it is but a poor home to
offer to you, but at all events one that you might condescend to take
advantage of rather than remain to be mortified by those who think, as
they do in this country, that money is everything. Do, pray, then come
to us, if you feel inclined, and then we can talk over things quietly,
and wait upon Providence. My husband has now hardly time to eat his
dinner, he has so many pupils of one kind and the other; and I am happy
to say that I have also most of my time occupied; and if it pleases God
to continue us in good health, we hope to be able to put by a little
money for a rainy day, as they say in this country, where it is always
raining. Assure yourself, my dear mademoiselle, of our love, respect,
consideration.
"Annette Gironac."
We went to town earlier than usual, Madame Bathurst feeling lonely in
the country after the departure of Caroline, from whom she had not
received a line since her quitting her. This of course was to be
ascribed to her parents, who thus returned all Madame Bathurst's
kindness, as soon as they no longer required her assistance. I know not
how it was, but gradually a sort of coolness had arisen between Madame
Bathurst and me. Whether it was that she was displeased at my refusing
her offer to remain with her, or thought proper to wean herself from one
who was so soon to quit her, I know not. I did nothing to give offence:
I was more quiet and subdued, perhaps, than before, because I had become
more reflective; but I could not accuse myself of any fault or error,
that I was aware of.
We had been about a week in London, when an old acquaintance of Madame
Bathurst's, who had just returned from Italy, where she had resided for
two years, called upon her. Her name was Lady R--: she was the widow of
a baronet, not in very opulent circumstances, although with a
sufficiency to hire, if not keep, a carriage. She was, moreover, an
authoress, having written two or three novels, not very good I was told,
but still, emanating from the pen of a lady, they were well paid. She
was very eccentric, and rather amusing. When a woman says everything
that comes into her head, out of a great deal of chaff there will drop
some few grains of wheat; and so sometimes, more by accident than
otherwise, she said what is called a good thing. Now, a good thing is
repeated, while all the nonsense is forgotten; and Lady R--was
considered a wit as well as an authoress. She was a tall woman; I
should think very near, if not past, fifty years of age, with the
remains of beauty in her countenance: apparently, she was strong and
healthy, as she walked with a spring, and was lively and quick in all
her motions.
"Cara mia," exclaimed she, as she was announced, running up to Madame
Bathurst, "and how have you been all this while--my biennial absence in
the land of poetry--in which I have laid up such stores of beauteous
images and ideas in my mind, that I shall make them last me during my
life. Have you read my last? It's surprising, every one says, and
proves the effect of climate on composition--quite new--an Italian story
of thrilling interest. And you have something new here, I perceive,"
continued she, turning to me; "not only new, but beautiful--introduce
me: I am an enthusiast in the sublime and beautiful. Is she any
relation? No relation!--Mademoiselle de Chatenoeuf!--what a pretty name
for a novel. I should like to borrow it, and paint the original from
nature. Will you sit for your likeness?"
That Lady R--allowed no one to talk but herself was evident. Madame
Bathurst, who knew her well, allowed her to run on; and I, not much
valuing the dose of flattery so unceremoniously bestowed upon me, took
an opportunity, when Lady R--turned round to whisper something to Madame
Bathurst, to make my escape from the room. The following morning,
Madame Bathurst said to me, "Valerie, Lady R--was very much pleased with
your appearance when she made her visit yesterday; and as she told me,
after you had left the room, that she wanted just such a person as
yourself as a companion and amanuensis, I thought it right to say that
you were looking out for something of the kind, and that you were
remaining under my protection until you could procure it. We had more
conversation on the subject, and she said before she left, that she
would write to me on the subject. Her note has just been put into my
hands; you can read it. She offers you a salary of one hundred pounds
per annum, all your expenses paid, except your dress. As far as salary
goes, I think her terms liberal. And now, as to Lady R--. My opinion
of her is in few words. You saw her yesterday, and I never knew her
otherwise; never more or less rational. She is an oddity; but she is
good-natured; and, I am told, more liberal and charitable than many
others who can afford it better. Now you know all I can tell you about
her, and you must decide for yourself. Here is her note; you need not
give me an answer till to-morrow morning."
I made one or two observations, and then left the room. The note was
very kind, certainly, but it was as flighty as her manners. I hastened
to my own bedchamber, and sat down to reflect. I felt that I was not
exactly comfortable with Madame Bathurst, and certainly was anxious to
be independent; but still, I could not exactly make up my mind to accept
the offer of Lady R--. She was so different from those I had been
accustomed to live with. I was still deliberating, when Mrs Bathurst's
maid came into my room, telling me it was time to change my dress for
dinner. As she was assisting me, she said, "And so, Miss Chatenoeuf,
you are about to quit us, I find. I am so sorry--first, Miss Caroline--
now you. I hoped you would stay with us, and I should soon have become
an expert milliner under your directions."
"Who told you, Mason, that I was going to leave you?"
"Mrs Bathurst told me so, and not a quarter of an hour ago," replied
the woman.
"Well," replied I, "she told you truly, Mason; such is the case;" for
this information of Mason's decided me upon accepting the offer of Lady
R--; for Madame Bathurst, it appeared to me, had certainly decided it
for me, by making such a premature communication to her servant.
The reader may suppose, that when I made this discovery, I felt little
pain at the idea of parting with Madame Bathurst; and the following
morning I coolly announced my intention of accepting the offer of Lady
R--. Madame Bathurst looked at me very hard, as if surprised at not
hearing from me any regrets at leaving her, and expressions of gratitude
for all favours; but I could not express what I really did not feel at
the time. Afterwards I thought that I had been wrong, as, to a certain
degree, I was under obligations to her; not that I think, had she been
ever so inclined to get rid of me, she could have well turned me out of
the house, although I had been foisted upon her in such a way by Madame
d'Albret. Still I was under obligations to her, and should have
expressed myself so, if it had not been for the communication made to me
by the maid, which proved that her expressions to me were not sincere.
"Well, then," replied Madame Bathurst, at last, "I will write to Lady
R--immediately. I presume I may say that you are at her commands as
soon as she can receive you."
"Yes, madame, at an hour's notice," replied I.
"You really appear as if you were anxious to quit me, mademoiselle,"
said Madame Bathurst, biting her lip.
"I certainly am," replied I. "You informed Mason that I was to go,
previous to having my decision; and therefore I gladly withdraw myself
from the company of those who have made up their minds to get rid of
me."
"I certainly did tell Mason that there was a prospect of your quitting
me," replied Madame Bathurst, colouring up; "but--however, it's no use
entering into an investigation of what I really said, or catechising my
maid: one thing is clear, we have been mutually disappointed with each
other, and therefore it perhaps is better that we should part. I
believe that I am in your debt, Mademoiselle de Chatenoeuf. Have you
reckoned how long you have been with me?"
"I have reckoned the time that I instructed Caroline."
"_Miss_ Caroline, if you please, Mademoiselle de Chatenoeuf."
"Well, then, madame, Miss Caroline, since you wish it; it is five months
and two weeks," replied I, rising from my chair.
"You may sit down, mademoiselle, while I make the calculation," said
Madame Bathurst.
"It is too great an honour for a Chatenoeuf to sit in your presence,"
replied I, quietly, remaining on my feet.
Madame Bathurst made no reply, but calculating the sum of money due to
me on a sheet of note paper, handed it to me and begged me to see if it
was correct.
"I have no doubt of it, madame," replied I, looking at it and then
laying it down on the desk before her.
Madame Bathurst put the sum in bank-notes and sovereigns down before me,
and said, "Do me the favour to count it, and see if it is correct;" and
then rising, said, "your wishes will be complied with by my servants as
usual, mademoiselle, as long as you remain under my roof. I wish you
farewell."
The last words were accompanied with a low courtesy, and she then
quitted the room.
I replied with a salute as formal as her own, and mortified at the
treatment I had received, I sat down, and a few tears escaped, but my
pride came to my assistance, and I soon recovered myself.
This scene was, however, another proof to me of what I must in future
expect; and it had the effect of hardening me and blunting my feelings.
"_Miss_ Caroline!" said I to myself, "when the _protegee_ of Madame
d'Albret, and the visitor of Madame Bathurst, it was Caroline and dear
Valerie. She might have allowed me to quit her without pointing out to
me in so marked a manner how our relative positions have been changed.
However, I thank you, Madame Bathurst; what obligations I may have been
under to you are now cancelled, and I need not regret the weight of them
as I might have done. Ah! Madame d'Albret, you took me from my home
that I might not be buffeted by my mother, and now you have abandoned me
to be buffeted by the whole world; well, be it so, I will fight my way,
nevertheless;" and as I left the room to pack up my trunks, I felt my
courage rise from this very attempt on the part of Madame Bathurst to
humiliate me.
The letter of Madame Bathurst to Lady R--, brought the latter to the
house that afternoon. I was up in my room when I was informed by the
servants that she waited below to see me. When I entered she was alone,
Madame Bathurst having gone out in her carriage, and as soon as she saw
me, she rushed into my arms almost, taking me by both hands, and saying
how happy she was that she had acquired such a treasure as a friend and
companion; wished to know whether I could not come with her immediately,
as her carriage was at the door, and went on for nearly ten minutes
without a check, asking fifty questions, and not permitting me to answer
one. At last I was able to reply to the most important, which was, that
I would be happy to come to her on the following morning, if she would
send for me. She insisted that I should come to breakfast, and I
acceded to her request, as Madame Bathurst, who was not an early riser,
would not be down at the hour mentioned, and I wished to leave the house
without seeing her again, after our formal adieux. Having arranged
this, she appeared to be in a great hurry to be off, and skipped out of
the room before I could ring the bell to order her carriage.
I completed my preparations for departure, and had some dinner brought
into my own room, sending down an excuse for not joining Madame
Bathurst, stating that I had a bad headache, which was true enough. The
next morning, long before Madame Bathurst was up, I was driven to Baker
Street, Portman Square, where Lady R--resided. I found her ladyship in
her _robe de chambre_.
"Well," said she, "this is delightful. My wishes are crowned at last.
I have passed a night of uncertainty, rolling about between hopes and
fears, as people always do when they have so much at stake. Let me show
you your room."
I found a very well-furnished apartment prepared for me, looking out
upon the street.
"See, you have a front view," she said, "not extensive, but still you
can rise early and moralise. You can see London wake up. First, the
drowsy policeman; the tired cabman and more tired horse after a night of
motion, seeking the stable and repose; the housemaid, half awake,
dragging on her clothes; the kitchen-wench washing from the steps the
dirt of yesterday; the milkmaid's falsetto and the dustman's bass; the
baker's boys, the early post delivery, and thus from units to tens, and
from tens to tens of thousands, and London stirs again. There is poetry
in that, and now let us down to breakfast. I always breakfast in my
_robe de chambre_; you must do the same, that is if you like the
fashion. Where's the page?"
Lady R--rang the bell of the sitting-room, which she called a boudoir,
and a lad of fourteen, in a blue blouse and leather belt made his
appearance.
"Lionel, breakfast in a moment. Vanish, before the leviathan can swim a
league--bring up hot rolls and butter."
"Yes, my lady," replied the lad, pertly, "I'll be up again before the
chap can swim a hundred yards," and he shot out of the room in a second.
"There's virtue in that boy, he has wit enough for a prime minister or a
clown at Astley's. I picked him up by a mere chance; he is one of my
models."
What her ladyship meant by models I could not imagine, but I soon found
out; the return of the lad with breakfast put an end to her talking for
the time being. When we had finished, the page was again summoned.
"Now then, Lionel, do your spiriting gently."
"I know," said the boy, "I'm not to smash the cups and saucers as I did
yesterday."
The lad collected the breakfast things on a tray with great rapidity,
and disappeared with such a sudden turn round, that I fully anticipated
he would add to yesterday's damage before he was down the stairs.
As soon as he was gone, Lady R--coming up to me, said, "And now let me
have a good look at you, and then I shall be content for some time.
Yes, I was not mistaken, you are a perfect model, and must be my future
heroine. Yours is just the beauty that I required. There, that will
do, now sit down and let us converse. I often have wanted a companion.
As for an amanuensis that is only a nominal task, I write as fast as
most people, and I cannot follow my ideas, let me scribble for life, as
I may say; and as for my writing being illegible, that's the
compositor's concern not mine. It's his business to make it out, and
therefore I never have mine copied. But I wanted a beautiful companion
and friend--I wouldn't have an ugly one for the world, she would do me
as much harm as you will do me service."
"I am sure I hardly know how I am to do you service, Lady R--, if I do
not write for you."
"I daresay not, but when I tell you that I am more than repaid by
looking at you when I feel inclined, you will acknowledge that you do me
service; but we will not enter into metaphysics or psychological
questions just now, it shall all be explained by-and-bye. And now the
first service I ask of you is at once to leap over the dull fortnight of
gradual approaching, which at last ends in intimacy. I have ever held
it to be a proof of the suspiciousness of our natures and unworthy. You
must allow me to call you Valerie at once, and I must entreat of you to
call me Sempronia. Your name is delightful, fit for a first-class
heroine. My real baptismal name is one that I have abjured, and if my
godfathers and godmothers did give it to me, I throw it back to them
with contempt. What do you think it was?--Barbara. Barbara, indeed.
`My mother had a _maid_ called Barbara,' Shakespeare says, and such a
name should be associated with brooms and yellow soap. Call me
Sempronia from this time forward, and you confer a favour on me. And
now I must write a little, so take a book and a seat on the sofa, for,
at the opening of this chapter my heroine is exactly in that position,
`in maiden meditation, fancy free.'"