a princess of now

Vicky Jupp, as 'twas ever the case, was able to enlighten her. 'Tis not just that Miriam feels that she is entire the equal of Seraphine in all she learnt of her – but has lately been in convocation with the Dowager Duchess of Humpleforth’s cook, that knows a deal of dishes in the style of Bombay, that is not at all the same as that of Madras, that was what Seraphine studied. She grinned. I am like to think she also went interrogate the cooks of Their Graces’ Bengali guests!

So it was some matter of professional pride!

My dear, said Lady Bexbury one morn when Cretia mentioned this, sure you have an ideal occasion coming about – did you not remark that Lord Peregrine has invited his college set to come pass a fortnight or so in Town during the vacation? A tiffin party would be quite a proper informal way to introduce 'em into Society – 'twould not require evening dress that they may not have – or dancing that they may not have studied – one would be hesitant to hold a card-party not knowing whether they are poor scholars of Oxenford –

Indeed, Cretia had been a little wondering what she should do with Grinnie’s friends! Had been quite startled at her husband’s proposal that, since her brother would be coming to 'em for the vacation, Trembourne House still being in mourning, he might wish to invite some of his friends to go frolic with.

That was another thing Lady Bexbury had clarified for her – o, 'tis I am sure a kind thought, but he must also take a consideration that these are young men that will shortly embark upon careers in the world – I apprehend that Lord Peregrine intends go advance the interest of one of 'em to Jimsie Trembourne as a secretary – there is one has a notion to a tutor’s place – and who know what they may become?

So, here were four young men came with Grinnie, and looked somewhat nervous as they entered the house, looking about the fine entrance hall and seeming a little uneasy at the attentions of the footmen. And Grinnie made the introductions very proper – sure indeed they were of rather different station – sons of clergymen and country lawyers &C – but perfectly civil-mannered and well-spoken.

Was not at all long afore they found their way into the library, where at first they were taken aback by Vicky Jupp, but before long came to consider her an entire prodigy, that was not only able to provide 'em with the finest guidance about Town matters but was quite the paragon of learning –

Did Cretia venture in there they would be bobbing up and down and bowing and making exceeding courteous towards her, but one saw they were a little daunted by her rank – yet also quickly came about upon easy terms with Mr Grigson. One supposed that they were more used to the company of men.

They were desired to make free of the Grigsons’ box at the theatre – a carriage would be at their disposal – &C&C.

Cretia found herself in a little of a fret over the tiffin party – sure, there had been a very gratifying response to the invitations, and it fell out that various persons were in Town that would be particular suitable guests – the Samuels, Dr and Mrs Lucas, Miss Ferraby and Miss Roberts, that acclaimed mathematical savant Jolliffe of Cambridge was staying with the Geoffrey Merretts, the explorer Enderby had not yet departed for Peru –

Very fortunate, for might have felt obliged at least to extend an invitation, her father and Talshaw were at some country house party. Iffling being in Town – purportedly residing at his club, though it was very widely supposed he was in fact very comfortable in St John’s Wood with his mistress – she had sent him a card.

So, here she was, nervously waiting, and Padgett announced Lady Bexbury with Mr MacDonald, Miss Ferraby and Miss Roberts, and she saw Grinnie and his friends look very alert at that. Had indeed expressed hopes that MacDonald would be there, had heard so much of him – read his writings – has visited Oxford several times –

Then quite a flurry was admitted, and she gave the discreet signal to start serving up – platters on the tables and also to circulate among the guests – wine and fruit-cup offered –

Lady Bexbury gave her a little nod.

Came in Dr and Mrs Lucas, saying they hoped she did not mind, but had persuaded Hughie and Aggie to take a little break from the work in their parish –

Delightful! said Cretia, that was already acquainted with Lady Agatha through the philanthropic set. Had not ventured to offer this distraction, but am very pleased to see 'em here.

And here was tall Janey Merrett with the stuttering mathematician and, o, one had not dared hope! But, no, Mr Geoffrey Merrett was not in court the day and had never been able to resist a fine currie or a pillaw!

Lady Louisa Ferraby with apologies for Sir Harry – sudden pressures of business – but had brought with her her brother-in-law Mr Josiah Ferraby.

Lord Sallington with Chloe Ollifaunt, that friend of his Mr Davison that was an Oxford don and doubtless known to Grinnie and his friends, his brother Lord Stephen and several of his set, and oh, his other brother, that dashing romantic figure Lord Gilbert.

Cretia was like to expire with joy. The lions were here!

Lady Balstrup and La Signora Umberti – staying with the Apsteeds in Chelsea, entirely charming.

The Demingtons – she had been very nervous about meeting Lady Demington, having heard so much of her exceeding competence about philanthropic business from Dumpling Dora and a host of others. Had anticipated some plain severe creature, not so handsome a woman – such an odd match for plain pudgy Artie Demington, but one observed that they quite doated upon one another – and entirely amiable.

Those near neighbours of hers, the Rondegates with Lady Theodora Saxorby, apologizing for being a little tardy, but ‘twas the morning when they had their singing lessons – had indeed offered that Cretia might care to attend these, but she had come to a just estimation that her talents did not lie in that realm. But had discovered from her hours with Angelique de Clérault that for one that had started so late, did not show so badly with pastels!

Lord, said Zipsie, we are quite ravenous – la, is that Mrs Lucas? Must speak to her about my notion of making settings of those ghazuls she Englished.

Rondegate and Lady Theodora looked at her fondly and said, she should eat first or very like would faint in most uncivil fashion. Zipsie laughed, and a few people looked around, but really, her laugh was not unmusical – 'twas merely, not what was expected in a young lady. They proceeded into the throng.

There might be a few straggling latecomers, but indeed, the party was going!

Grinnie came up to her in very high spirits. Law, Cretia, you are doing us entirely proud here! The chaps will be talking of this forever.

Approached 'em Mr Wood, that was a shortish darkhaired sallow fellow that she apprehended intended taking orders, saying should go make civil to Dr Lucas and his good lady – had been to several of the Hebrew reading parties at his rectory that were not just a feast for the intellect but extreme convivial occasions – and was that perchance his son that was vicar at St Wilfrid’s in the East End? He looked wistful. One hears he is doing excellent work there.

Cretia confirmed that that 'twas indeed Hughie Lucas and Mr Wood trotted purposefully off.

Her brother grinned. Wood is somewhat High that makes some difficulties for him in finding a curacy.

She was about to go move among her guests – ensure that all were being served with the various delicacies – that platters were being replenished – that trays of glasses of wine and fruit-cup were circulating – when entered Iffling.

Made very civil to both of 'em – really, was so much more amiable when he was away from Rina! – looked about the company very approving –

Is that Demington? Should greatly appreciate an introduction – have lately appointed a new steward that has heard of the work he is doing and murmurs beneath his breath that Topping was very old-fashioned in his ways.

Indeed, said Cretia, taking his arm, I apprehend that Lord Demington quite preaches the gospel of improving agriculture.

So she made them known to one another, and then went see how her other guests did.

There were Zipsie and Agnes Lucas both very much relishing Miriam’s fine Hindu dishes – or were they, had she not said somewhat about the cooking of the Parsees? – and talking with animation about ghazuls with that friend of Sallington, that she discovered made deep studies in Persian and had writ on Persian music.

She passed by Mr Lucas and Lady Agatha warmly inviting Mr Wood to come visit their parish and see some of what they were bringing about – 'tis slow work but we get on –

Mr Thornton looking quite mesmerized by Flora Ferraby and Hannah Roberts –

Mr Averdale in deep discourse with Mr MacDonald and Lord Gilbert –

Lady Bexbury making Mr Smithers known to the Geoffrey Merretts and Mr Jolliffe – was Smithers not the one had an ambition to a legal career beyond the family country-town practice? How very stylish Janey Merrett always was, not in the least a dowdy blue-stocking.

She came up to where her husband was in converse with Enderby, Lady Louisa and Mr Ferraby, apropos, it would seem, of the fauna of China and the adjacent parts. Lady Louisa was most fulsome in her praise of the occasion – Harry will be in such envy! – as Mr Grigson looked at Cretia with an approving expression.