Fragile Blossoms

by Dodie Hamilton

  Julia wanted to turn Abigail down but liked Gussy and so accepted the booking and offered a wedding cake as a gift to the bride. Abigail told her friends. By mid afternoon a trend had developed bookings taken for similar occasions. Julia rang Cambridge. ‘I do hope you can make wedding cakes, Maud. I’ve committed you to more than a few.’

  Mrs Mac laughed. ‘As a partner in our ‘fashionable emporium’ I’m happy do good business and only wish my mother were here to see it.’

  ‘Yes and my husband.’

  There is a soiree this evening in Suffolk at Long Melford Hall. Daniel in the South of France with Callie Hugh is to be Julia’s escort. Hugh Beresford Fitzwilliam is elegant and droll and not above poking fun at himself. A self confessed homosexual he offers to be her escort because he might get a glimpse of the ‘delicious Daniel.’

  Nan asked if the relationship between Julia and Daniel was serious. Julia said she’s happy when she is with him and when not wishes him there.

  ‘If you feel like that,’ said Nan, ‘you should accept him.’

  ‘He hasn’t asked.’

  ‘That’s because he’s unsure of your feelings. You’re a cool sort of person, Anna. You don’t give anything away.’

  ‘What would you have me give away?’

  ‘Your heart! You should speak to the man.’

  ‘And say what?’

  ‘Well nothin’ if you’ve to struggle for it! When a woman is in love the words should shoot out of her mouth like fireworks. She shouldn’t have to think about it. Weren’t you that way with your husband?’

  Since Egypt Julia is unable to give a clear answer to any question about Owen. ‘I suppose you’d call ours a quiet love.’

  ‘Would I?’ said Nan. ‘Well it takes all sorts to make a world. I dare say if you’re right for Mr Masson and him for you the words will come sooner or later.’

  The carriage pulled into the yard. Hugh climbed out and gazed toward Greenfields. ‘All the lights are out.’

  ‘The Greville Massons are away.’

  ‘Dash it, how disappointing! I was hoping for a glimpse of the man but yet again I am on the outside looking in.’ He turned to Julia. ‘And here’s another alone and virginal-looking. I love the gown! Love the furs too but not the rubies. In the wrong light you look like your throat’s been cut.’

  Dorothy Manners, who lives in now as Julia’s personal maid, was waiting at the door. ‘Hello, Dottie,’ said Hugh. ‘You’re looking bright-eyed and bushy tailed. Is it safe to leave you alone or have you some young chap hiding behind the wall ready and waiting with a bunch of mistletoe?’

  Dorothy blushed. ‘Ooh no sir.’

  ‘What no one? Dearie me what is the world coming to?’

  Julia stepped into the carriage. Hugh bundled her train in behind and rapped on the roof. ‘Drive on, my good man, but take your time. We’re mixing with riffraff this evening, no one there worthy of gaining more chilblains.’

  The carriage pulled out the drive, a row of faces at the window, Matty smiling and blowing kisses to Hugh. ‘That’s a gorgeous little lad, Julianna.’

  ‘I know. I do adore him.’

  ‘And do you adore your Colonial neighbour?’

  ‘I like Daniel.’

  ‘That’s not what I asked.’

  ‘I was earlier asking myself that question and couldn’t help thinking adoration should be a more immediate thing.’

  ‘I wouldn’t know. I’ve adored many a chap but was never adored in return.’

  ‘Has there never been that one special person?’

  ‘My dear, there have been hundreds of special people but they never got beyond a fumble. They can’t get beyond a fumble, not if I want to keep my job, my home and my prize marrows. It’s an odd world. A man can be all kinds of swine, he can beat his children, lie and steal, but mustn’t love another man.’

  ‘Dear Hugh.’

  ‘I’m alright, Anna, truly I am. I manage my little tied-cottage with my cats and my dowager’s hump. I keep my garden and I go to Matins on Sunday and confess my non-existent sins. I take a warm brick to bed and tell myself I’m too old to care. What about you and Daniel?’

  ‘We are friends.’

  ‘Lord, how awful!’

  ‘Why is it awful? Can’t a woman be friends with a man?’

  ‘Of course she can! I have masses of women friends, and that according to the Marquis of Queensbury is because I am a sinful sodomite and harmless to women. Talking of sodomites, as we are at this moment, how come you, a vicar’s daughter, is so laissez-faire about me and my delights?’

  ‘Oh that’ll be father and ducks on the pond at Bentham.’

  Hugh blinked. ‘The ducks on the pond?’

  ‘When I was girl we had ducks that though male cared for one another and were keen to show it. I asked father why. He said the Lord God liked variety.’

  Hugh hooted. ‘You’re pulling my leg.’

  ‘Truly he did say that. My sisters are farmer’s wives. I was often there as a girl and saw that animals don’t always follow rules as laid down by Adam and Eve.’

  ‘My goodness, Mrs Dryden, you are a chameleon. Just when I think I know who you are you slip into another colour.’

  ‘Don’t be silly, of course you know me. But getting back to Daniel why can’t we be friends?’

  ‘Because you can’t be and look as you do, simmering passion and Venus rising from the waves. Any man would see it as a waste, unless he’s another like me or dead from the waist down his Jolly Roger shot off at Spion Kop!’

  ‘Hugh!’

  ‘Well you’re asking the impossible, especially of that man. We’re talking of one who squares his shoulders and strides from the crotch, who exudes passion and warm beer, and who turns his bewitching eyes on the world and the world weeps. Oh! ‘Hugh shuddered. ‘I could do much for a man like that.’

  ‘It’s as well Daniel can’t hear.’

  Hugh shrugged. ‘He wouldn’t care. He’s a Yankee and a modern man. Anyway who says I was talking of Daniel? I might have another in mind.’

  ‘Who?’

  ‘Who?’ He rolled his eyes. ‘Gossip is right about you. You are like Tennyson’s Maud, a block of ice, ‘icily regular, and splendidly null.’’

  ‘Am I really?’

  ‘So I’ve been told.’

  ‘By whom?’

  ‘I can think of several hatchet wielders, your butterfly friend, my Goddaughter, Eve Carrington for one. She’s not above lobbing the odd dagger.’

  ‘And her brother, does he also lob a dagger?’

  ‘I should say not! The dear boy doesn’t know how.’

  ‘You’re right. He doesn’t. I like Freddie.’

  ‘Everybody likes Freddie. It’s a shame Freddie doesn’t like Freddie.’

  ‘Yes why is that? He was born into a good family. He has talent, is a wonderful painter. Why is he not happy?’

  ‘He has history, my dear, and a bad case of not owning his blood.’

  ‘What does that mean?’

  Hugh was silent and then he said, ‘I saw the portrait he did of you’

  ‘If you mean the White Lady he destroyed it.’

  ‘Freddie destroys everything that means anything. With both Freddie and Evie it’s a case of those whom the Gods love they first maltreat. But I’ll say no more about that. I’m Godfather to both and know them wounded. Evie is clever at a time when it’s not good for women to be clever. Freddie is beautiful and so the ugly tear him apart. You should know about that. Your name is thrown back and forth without impunity.’

  ‘I know.’

  ‘And doesn’t that worry you?’

  ‘I used to worry but not now. I have learned things are never as they seem and that it is best to stay on the fringe and feel nothing.’

  ‘There speaks an adult!’ Hugh
stared. ‘What happened in Egypt? You went away a child and came back a woman.’

  ‘You’re exaggerating.’

  ‘Yes a little but you are different and I am sad about it.’

  ‘As am I.’

  ‘Oh this is no good! We can’t be miserable! I’ll tell you the latest gossip and give you a smile. It is said you are a saintly icon to be sighed over while humping a Lady of the Bedchamber, and though saintly not averse to giving Bertie the occasional thrill but always from a distance and wearing gloves.’

  ‘That is so silly!’

  Hugh laughed. ‘I know but you have to laugh or you’d go crazy. And so back to our dark-eyed Adonis, you really don’t know to whom I refer?’

  ‘How can I know when according to you I am splendidly null?’

  ‘Touché, my dear, but it won’t do. You know as does everyone in Society that Evie’s gypsy lover only has eyes for Ju-ju Dryden.’

  ‘Oh don’t call me that! I hate the name and the association.’

  Hugh patted her arm. ‘Now, now, my dear, don’t get upset.’

  ‘I can’t help it. I am changed and it hurts.’

  ‘It happens when one is near a fire. I’ve been where you are and know sooner or later you have to make a choice, this feeble glow, the reflection of Princes, or real love. Meanwhile if you want to know about Freddie see his painting currently under review at the National. That’s the real Freddie. Then again you could always ask him yourself. He’ll be there tonight with Eve. They’re bringing their tame fortune-teller.’

  *

  Freddie sank down in the chair beside Julia. ‘Evening, Ju-ju.’

  ‘Hello, Freddie.’

  ‘My God-Pa not with you?’

  ‘No he’s away teasing another poor soul. How are you?’

  He rolled his shoulders. ‘I’m managing.’

  He’s not managing, thought Julia. He looks dreadful. ‘What’s happening? You look to be losing weight.’

  ‘Oh don’t you start!’ he said wearily. ‘I’ve had enough from the others. I’m perfectly fine! I’ve been running full tilt trying to finish my showing.’

  ‘Ah yes, the painting. I’m told it’s good. I won’t say clever.’

  Freddie grinned ruefully. ‘I am sorry about that. What an idiot to throw such tantrums. I do so regret spoiling White Lady.’

  ‘Are you happy with your new work?’

  ‘I think it the best I’ll ever do. They won’t hang it. The National is chary of male nudes. You have to be dead a thousand years before they consider you and your subject monstrous with dimpled thighs. I don’t put my brush to anything ugly and the subject in question couldn’t be anything other than divine.’

  ‘You’re speaking of Luke?’

  ‘Who else.’

  ‘Is he well?’

  ‘He seems well enough though awful busy, everybody wanting him to resurrect their country pile.’

  ‘I heard you were in Italy.’

  ‘And you in Egypt. How was Egypt?’

  ‘Hot. How was Italy?’

  ‘Stormy. Most days I was with Johnny Sargent. He and Hellue had portrait business there. I paddled along and sat in sunlight drinking ver’ good wine and painting ver’ bad pics. I couldn’t say what the others were doing. Much the same as me I imagine but with amorous overtones.’

  Amorous overtones, Julia closed her eyes but couldn’t stop the visions those words conjured.

  ‘I wonder does sunshine bring out the lover.’ Freddie gnawed on the handle of his cane. ‘I am an affectionate sort of fellow, don’t you know, but in the main keep my secrets secret. Evie is a clutching sort. Always has been. In Rome she quite overstepped the boundaries. I was mortified, wanted to bag her up and toss her in the Canal. It’s him bringin’ out the beast in people, though a one-sided beast as Evie’s things so often are.’

  As though to point the conversation there was a sudden hush. Evie and Luke were in the doorway, she in lilac silk with amethysts in her ears and about her throat, and he elegant in black tailcoat.

  ‘Here they are Romeo and his aging Juliet!’ Freddie leaned forward. ‘He doesn’t look especially pleased to be here, does he? If he could cut and run he would but good country manners and bad sultry nights prevent him.’

  The company seated a harp was produced and Adelina Patti began to sing. Her first song was from Bizet’s Carmen, an aria of passion and of jealousy.

  Gaze fixed across the room Freddie sank down into the chair. ‘You know what this song is about, don’t you,’ he muttered. ‘It’s about people takin’ what is not theirs to take. It’s about envy. I know about those things. Evie is always collectin’ things I want and stealin’ ‘em away.’

  Freddie was drunk. Julia tried not to listen. She was fighting her own battles and didn’t want to know about his. The room was a sea of dark tail coats and nodding fans. Luke was taking Evie’s shawl his hand brushing her shoulder, a hand Julia remembers. This hand has a ring on little finger of the left hand, a gold ring with a black stone. It is not a big ring and yet it was enormous eclipsing all else, the sun, the moon and the stars.

  Why is it there? Did she give it him? Does it mean something?

  Freddie shifted in his seat. Arms folded and legs stuck out he brooded on the same two people. ‘It’s always been the same. Evie can’t bear me to have friends of my own. She’s always borrowin’. She did it with chaps at school and at Cambridge, takin’ fellows out to lunch and buyin’ affection. They thought she was wonderful, the glorious Evelyn Carrington. She did it with Johnny Sargent. She tried to do it with Danny Masson. She did it with Bella.’

  ‘Bella? Do you mean Susan Dudley?’

  ‘Yes Susan. I was fond of Susan. We had plans.’

  ‘Plans?’ Julia stared at him. ‘What do you mean plans?’

  ‘What? Oh some foolish idea. Forget it. It’s done now, old news. I’m off after this song to the Blue Salon and the séance. I tried for the first sittin’ but they only take a few at a time so I’m in the second. Are you comin’?’

  A séance after a visit to the Great Pyramid and Owen? ‘I don’t think so. My father would say the dead should be left in peace.’

  ‘And what if they’re not in peace?’

  ‘Surely that’s the need of a priest. What can we mortals do?’

  Freddie shrugged. ‘We could tell them we love and miss them.’

  ‘You believe in this then, table rapping et cetera?’

  ‘I don’t know that I believe in anythin’ but I’m willin’ to give it a go. Wouldn’t you like to hear from a loved one?’

  Again Julia remembered Egypt and light flickering over an empty tomb.

  ‘Not if it’s Tennyson quoting his wretched Maud. I’ve heard enough of that particular lady to last a lifetime.’

  Freddie frowned. ‘You’re changed, Julianna. You’re nasty now, sharp as glass.’

  ‘I don’t mean to be. It’s this world. Things don’t seem to work out. Is there someone you’d like to hear from?’

  He was silent and then nodded. ‘Yes and then I might get some rest.’

  The music done he ambled away. Hugh returned. ‘What’s wrong, my dear, you look a little pale. Was Adelina Patti’s singing not to your liking?’

  ‘I thought her very good.’

  ‘Me too! Her voice is light and pleasant. One doesn’t feel as though sound is being stuffed down one’s throat. Come!’ He took Julia’s arm. ‘We’ll take a glass of wine and smile and be gay even though our hearts are breaking.’

  As usual with such meetings when not with Daniel Julia sat among the ladies and gentlemen of the Court. They laughed and gossiped and were amused. She wanted to laugh with them but her thoughts were with Susan Dudley. What plans could the Honourable Freddie have had with a maid?

  ‘Ah, there you are, Julianna!’ Gown swirling, Evie is coming a
t a rush. ‘I’ve been looking for you everywhere.’

  ‘I have been here.’

  ‘I know but as usual the centre of an adoring crush and thus not easy to prize away.’ Evie smiled at Hugh. ‘May I steal her from you, Dear Godfather? She is wanted in the Blue Room.’

  Hugh bared his teeth. ‘And does Julianna want to be wanted?’

  ‘I don’t know but she must come.’

  ‘Is there not someone else, Evie?’ Julia is reluctant. ‘There must be scores of people anxious to sit.’

  ‘Apparently it has to be you.’ Evie took her arm Julia rising to her feet as though on the end of a piece of elastic. ‘A message has come through, she’s to come to the table or Madame can’t conjure the right spirits.’

  ‘Nonsense!’ said Hugh. ‘It’s all rubbish.’

  ‘Rubbish or not, Godfather, she’ll be among friends. There’s Freddie, and Luke Roberts, who I’m sure she remembers, and there’s the Jersey Lily. Julianna will like Mrs Langtry, they have much in common.’

  Nineteen

  Séance

  They are taking their places at a table.

  Madame Leonora gestured. ‘And you, Senor Roberts, the chair in which you are seated is known as the North Gate or the Gate of Denial.’

  Luke stretched his back. He’s been sitting too long. ‘And what am I denying?’

  ‘Those that would impede our progress. You have bright energy, sir. It will repel negative energy.’

  ‘Negative energy?’ Lillie Langtry frowned. ‘Is such a thing likely to bother us?’

  ‘Mrs Langtry, you are as safe as the need that brought you. We draw to ourselves a mirror image, like attracting like.’

  ‘I say do we really?’ Freddie grimaced. ‘I’m not sure I like the sound of that. I’m an awful fellow, don’t you know, a truly dreadful chap. If what you say is true what can I draw to myself but awfulness.’

  There was laughter about the table, Freddie laughed too but his eyes were empty. ‘Truly,’ he protested. ‘I am lame creature and while not quite a coward would beg my friend Luke to sharpen his claws. I’m at the National tomorrow before the hangin’ committee. If I am to go to Hell I’d sooner it be after they agree to show my work.’