EXCHANGE INTERFACE

It was necessary, in the service of this contrivance, to introduce Janey Merrett – la, Vicky could not go be formal over one that was not merely an old schoolfellow of 'Sina’s but her dearest beloved! – to Lady Lucretia so that they might present plausibly as friends when entering the coven around Lady Venchall.

This created some perturbation in Lady Lucretia’s bosom – o dear, one hears she is quite an immense bluestocking – a most learned lady – and the daughter of Lady Jane Knighton that is so exacting –

She wrung her hands.

Fie, have you not seen her in company? Quite the easiest of manners –

And always dressed in the crack of fashion!

Vicky concealed a smirk at this tribute to 'Sina’s skills. Also, she said, very noted for her talents as an actress.

Lady Lucretia sighed.

So came the appointed day for Janey’s call, and they were in the library when Mrs Geoffrey Merrett’s card was sent in, and Lady Lucretia was at home to her, but no other callers to be admitted –

And entered Janey most exceeding stylish, and shook hands, and looked around the room with appreciation, and took in the book that was on the table beside Lady Lucretia’s chair –

Oh, The Count of Monte Cristo! is it not thrilling? – how far have you got? – I will not venture on a discussion lest I reveal some secret you have not yet encountered –

Lady Lucretia’s face lit up – one apprehended she had not anticipated that Mrs Merrett would relish thrilling adventures – and she said indeed one wondered how all would turn out – such mysterious happenings –

Indeed, said Janey, 'tis quite marvellous that the author could keep it all in his head – pray excuse me, do I see a fine library the like of this I am magnetically drawn to examine it – Vicky did not tell me the half –

Lady Lucretia said very self-deprecating that 'twas her brother Peregrine – that now succeeded to the title Talshaw – had previously been in hopes of a fellowship at Oxford – that had selected the volumes –

A very nice taste! And in friends too, I fancy – Geoff – my husband Mr Merrett – is most prepossessed with young Mr Smithers that I apprehend was in his set at college –

Tea and cake-stands showing off Miriam’s abilities arrived.

By now Lady Lucretia was discoursing of the archaeological excavations that were being undertook at Worblewood and one saw that the two ladies were on the road to becoming quite bosom-companions.

In due course and after some divagation into remarks upon Zipsie Rondegate’s latest compositions, matters proceeded to plotting.

Janey confided that it did not matter in the least that Lady Lucretia had no particular skills at cards, indeed, all the better, would make these vultures suppose they had a pigeon for the plucking. Now, she doubted not that when they heard who her own husband was, there would be badgering for the details behind his famous cases, and she fancied letting out what seemed an indiscretion or two would provide distraction.

Vicky grinned. 'Twas all falling into place –

But, said Janey, you are not at present on calling terms with these ladies? That was your sister Lady Iffling?

Vicky cleared her throat. Why, she said, 'twould be entire in order for Her Ladyship to approach her sister and ask her to make an introduction –

Lady Lucretia groaned.

– offering a what they call a douceur.

Because, said Janey, much amuzed, ladies do not give bribes. But say on, Vicky, I fancy you have been studying at the feet of one noted for contrivance.

Vicky blushed. After all, it was very much Lady Bexbury’s intent to take down these harpies.

Now, she went on, as she too is in mourning 'tis hardly the time for her to make a jaunt to Town, though I fear that cannot be forever avoided –

Lady Lucretia sighed. Indeed, mayhap once she is out of black, next year –

– but I have in mind an offer you can make. A fitting at that most crack modiste establishment, Mamzelle Bridgette. Here you are, have a secretary that is own sister to the famed Miss Thomasine –

Vicky! cried Janey, have you spoke of this to 'Sina?

Of course, said Vicky. Has also been approved, with much sarcastic commentary, by Mr Maurice.

One may quite imagine! Now, so as not to look particular, I should go at least leave my card on Zipsie –

She is, said Lady Lucretia, very like to be having a little sleep at this hour –

Ah, said Janey, I understand you. The news has not been generally broadcast.

They parted with mutual civilities, and Lady Lucretia turned to Vicky saying how very amiable a lady was Mrs Merrett – not in the least as she had expected –

The late Admiral Knighton, Vicky responded, had considerable charm – a warmth of nature –

Th next matter was to proceed to writing to Lady Iffling. That, Vicky had been given to understand, should be managed in a very diplomatic fashion. That the letter should commence with the excellent intelligence that Lady Lucretia was able to obtain her sister’s preference to an appointment at Mamzelle Bridgette, something most exceeding sought-after. And only then, after some expatiation on what a very crack modiste establishment that was, mention that Her Ladyship found time hanging heavy, and recalled those genteel card parties Rina used to frequent, that might beguile the hours, especial given the very generous pin-money she commanded, might Rina provide an introduction to those ladies?

So the letter was sent, and Lady Iffling replied with unusual expedition, and shortly after there came a message from Lady Venchall indicating that she would be quite ecstatic to see Lady Lucretia and any friend of her at their little gatherings, when they resumed at the end of summer –

Vicky gave a little snort and said, fleecing country-house parties at present no doubt!

Janey, that was in attendance, said, did Lady Lucretia recall any of the other company at these sabbats? She glanced down, blushed a little, and said, her lawful wedded Geoffrey had in bygone days been somewhat notorious for his consoling of discontented wives. Wondered whether any of 'em might be in that circle.

How embarrassing, cried Lady Lucretia.

Janey gave a little grin. Mayhap, but I think they will fancy that I am now the neglected wife, and pity me, and perchance go be condescending – no, 'tis a role, Cretia – by now they were on first-name terms – and will not suppose the truth.

So that was all under hand, and they were practising play, and occasional had Leda Hacker come to show 'em how they might spot trickery.

Vicky was feeling pleased with herself, but then she was summoned to a convocation with Mr Grigson, that gave her to feel a little anxious.

But he seemed in amiable mood, so far as one might tell. The matter he opened was whether it would be advisable for his wife to go out of Town for a while for the good of her health – had considered Carlefour Castle but heard from his uncle and mother that was still in great turmoil on account of the election. Mayhap she might join the Trembournes and her mother at Worblewood?

Why, that might answer, Vicky agreed, but I understand that now she attains to such a friendship with Mrs Merrett, there is talk that perchance she would care to go rusticate a few weeks at Knighton Hall when Mrs Merrett does so? Will be very quiet – a party of ladies – Lady Jane Knighton would be the hostess – opportunities for riding – also boating –

Mr Grigson looked exceedingly gratified. A most agreeable thing, he said. Could have no objections at all.

He folded his hands on the desk before him and looked at Vicky. Really, Miss Jupp, your advent has been quite the most beneficial thing for my wife –

Vicky blushed and cast down her eyes.

– might I hope that you would consider this post as a permanency? I fancy the library still requires attention – your services as secretary quite invaluable – your understanding of Society and its niceties exemplary – and moreover, I observe that Lady Lucretia has taken to you exceedingly, treats you in the capacity of a, shall we say, confidante?

Leda Hacker had remarked that Grigson was a sharp one! and Vicky quite agreed. She made a little moue and said, why, here was Lady Lucretia had no sisters or female relatives about the household to confide in – went about to make friends but those ladies were oft very took up in their own affairs –

Quite so.

The matter proceeded to business-like discussion of compensation – very generous! – and she perceived that Mr Grigson quite saw the advantage in Vicky pursuing her scholarly acquaintance with Lady Jane and Janey –

Also, sure you reside at no great distance, but I was minded to have a chamber set aside for you, for occasions when you are obliged to work late – or during those times of year when night falls very early and the streets are dark –

Vicky folded her hands in her lap and said, was very prepossessed, but must of course talk it all over with her parents. And also, though she did not voice that, Lady Bexbury!

Opening the matter to her father and Sophy, she could see that they were relieved that she had found a very advantageous occupation, since attending the women’s college, that would at least have delayed consideration of the question, had turned out not to answer.

Lady Bexbury smiled and said, entirely the thing. And advised to convoke a little with dear Leda.

Dear Leda, that was practising card-tricks, looked up and grinned and said, La, must make an introduction to Bert Edwards! That is quite the, what is the word, doyen of social secretaries, at Raxdell House. Up to all the tricks and dodges.

So Leda arranged for her to meet Mr Edwards in a tea-shop that had excellent private nooks where one might hold discreet converse. He was a pretty-faced fellow very neatly dressed, the greatest gentility of manner –

Why, I fancy 'tis somewhat of the same thing that it was with the Raxdells, that were provincial gentry that never supposed they would inherit – here is Grigson, very anxious to do the correct thing – and one hears Lady Lucretia did not obtain the elder-sisterly guidance one might have hoped from Lady Iffling –

La, you may ever call upon my advice.

Leda dug her elbow into his ribs and said, and are you very helpful mayhap she will introduce you to her sister Miss Thomasine.

Mr Edwards blushed.