Read an Excerpt

A Tea Drinker's Novel: Chilverton Park

Celebrating the Styles of Austen, Trollope & Wodehouse

AuthorHouse

At the Adelphi Club, Victorian London

"Wald, old fellow! Where've you been keeping yourself?"

"Wherever I can be assured of not meeting you."

Hastings Bickerstaff threw his head back and laughed heartily. "Wald, you keep me humble, my man."

"I can but try."

"Have a brandy."

"Such was my intent."

The bar at the Adelphi Club was nearly full due to an influx of gentlemen to town for the early part of the Season. The club's membership was mostly younger gentlemen, devotees of the game of Whist and sometimes Loo, though not, as a rule, of the fairer sex. Mr. Erskine Wald, who had wintered in Cannes, had just returned from his recent travels on the continent. Erskine was the only nephew and heir of Sir John Wald of Wald Abbey in Hertfordshire. As such, he was a man of family and some expectations. But, though he was not an intemperate man, he was considered a confirmed bachelor and definitely not a marrying man. He lounged his tall, thin figure elegantly against the club bar and observed the conduction of a game of Pitch with detachment. His heavy-lidded eyes under thick brows expressed his bemusement while his wide mouth wore its accustomed smile of irony.

Eustace Owerly interrupted his reverie. "Erskine Wald, as I live and breathe!"

"You here?"

"Constantly, my dear. I hear you've been gadding about the continent, scattering largesse at the faro table."

"So I'm told." Erskine shrugged, remembering his mother's lecture of the previous evening.

"It's a shame you missed Lady Fallowell's rout."

"Yes, I'm inconsolable."

"Wasn't the same without you, dear boy."

"I should imagine not."

"That isn't all you missed, Eustace continued. "The Metropolis has been fairly buzzing with activity. Heard about the Tollerson business?"

Brows raised, Erskine Wald sniffed his brandy. "You interest me, my lad."

Hasty Bickerstaff leaned in. "Tollerson's all right."

"Oh, no doubt of it, dear fellow. It's only the suddenness of the break of which I speak."

"With Lady Caroline?" Wald surmised.

Hasty nodded ruefully. "My sister has always been thick with Lady Caroline ... practically raised together down at Chilverton, you know. She's certain it was Lady Caroline's decision to break the engagement. Tollerson wasn't pleased, I can tell you. Fairly broken up about it."

"Sad business," drawled Owerly. "They say Lady Caroline wants to turn Roman and join a convent."

"Bosh!" Hasty scowled. "That's hardly probable. Besides, Cecelia would have said."

"Lady Cecelia Stafforth may not know just everything there is to know," sniffed Owerly.

"Nevertheless," Erskine intervened, "I thought the thing was fixed! Whatever was Tollerson about?"

"Nothing whatever! He swears it!" Hasty shook his head. "Apparently Lady Caroline feels that there is not a sufficient agreement of temperament between them."

"Been throwing his weight around, I suppose."

"I can't see it. Tollerson's the coolest fellow going." Hasty puffed his cigar. "I don't understand Lady Caroline. She seems so levelheaded, but she takes odd notions. Tollerson's been damned patient. I don't think I could have stuck it out like he did. She's a deal too flighty for me."

"Lady Caroline flighty?" Erskine's expressive eyebrows shot up again. "That has certainly not been my impression."

He sipped his brandy thoughtfully. "What does her brother say about all this?"

"Birtwood is as fogged as any of us." Hasty shrugged. "But then, he doesn't say much."

"And nor should we, situated as we are here in the bar," Erskine observed. Gentlemen are not accustomed to speak a lady's name in a bar room.

Owerly was piqued. "I just thought you ought to know, seeing how thick you've always been with the family."

"Well, enough has been said about it," Erskine replied. "I shall get to the bottom of this matter myself. It may be well for me to take a little respite in the country for a change of air. Chilverton Park is lovely this time of year. I shall have Mother fix it for me with Lady Sylvia."

Lady Sylvia, Countess of Chilverton, was the wife of the Earl of Chilverton and the mother of Lady Caroline Downey, the lady in question, as well as Hugh Downey, Baron Birtwood. These were the inhabitants of Chilverton Park in Hertfordshire and the first family of the county.

The family at Chilverton Park was well known to Mr. Erskine Wald. While Erskine's father had lived, the Wald's home had been very close to Chilverton Park. Erskine had practically grown up with the children there, as his uncle, SirJohn, was a close friend of the Earl of Chilverton. However, in recent years Erskine and his mother, the redoubtable Mrs. Hortensia Wald, had lived in London and had seen comparatively little of the Earl's family. Mrs. Wald was only too glad to arrange a visit to Hertfordshire to see her old friend, Lady Sylvia.

Mrs. Wald took the opportunity to combine the visit with a short stay at Wald Abbey, the old family home, in order to keep in the good graces of the present baronet, Sir John Wald. Sir John had never married and lived alone at the abbey with a set of grizzly servants. His temper was not good in the best of circumstances, but though he did not enjoy company, he insisted on seeing his heir from time to time. Mrs. Wald, who kept a keen eye towards her son's interests, perceived that the time had come due for a propitiatory call on the old bachelor.

Lady Caroline

Lady Caroline Downey drew a deep breath and lifted her shoulders. The face in her mirror showed a slight blue tint under the eyes. The color in the cheek was almost too heightened, while the rest of the complexion stayed a snowy white. She stared into the dark eyes looking back as if to dare herself. "I will make the effort," she said, determined to appear strong despite feeling a deep internal weakness. Turning for the door, she took a wobbly step and then steadied herself. She lifted her chin and strode to the door.

At the stair she met her father, the affable but elderly Earl of Chilverton.

"How are you, my dear?" asked the Earl.

"Very well, thank you, Papa."

"Glad to hear it, glad to hear it." He gave her his arm. As they entered the drawing room, a rather short, very plump, older woman turned from fussing with some flowers. She squared herself as for battle and stiffened her long upper lip. "Well! I see you have decided to let us see you downstairs this afternoon."

"Yes, Aunt Clara. I am feeling a little better today."

Miss Clara Hilliard gave a huff of derision. "I hope you do not intend to give us one of your little dramas this evening."

"I shall try my best, Aunt."

"As you know, Mrs. Wald is a very old friend of your mother's and mine. I do pray we shall all want to make her stay here pleasant. Let us have no repetition of your performance at dinner yesterday."

Lady Caroline only smiled slightly. It was well known to be fruitless to respond to Miss Hilliard's unpleasantries. "Come and sit with me, Papa," she said, leading him to a small divan by the open windows. "Is Mama annoyed with me?"

"Of course not, my dear! No, no, no! She knows you have your, ahem, difficulties."

"I hope she does know that I try very hard not to cause disruptions. I really do try; its just, sometimes I cannot seem to do all that is expected."

"There now, daughter, do not distress yourself. Have a pleasant evening, and do not be concerned about your aunt. She is just a little anxious about the guests. You know she wants everything to be perfect."

Caroline smiled, remembering her aunt's favorite phrase, "just perfect". If only the dear God would allow perfection in this world, her Aunt Hilliard might be happy. Miss Clara Hilliard, Lady Sylvia, Countess of Chilverton's older sister, was a woman of strong opinions and commanding personality. She had lived with the Earl and his wife since the death of her mother some five years hence. Originally the Earl had thought it probable that the arrangement would be a temporary one. But, old Mrs. Hilliard had not left enough in her estate to make a comfortable home for her daughter in the style to which she had become accustomed. A mild, generous-natured man, the Earl of Chilverton had made his wife's sister welcome in his home despite her occasionally unpleasant behavior and her acerbic criticisms of his daughter, Lady Caroline.

Lady Caroline, in an attempt to calm her aunt's temper, rose and offered to help with the flowers. Miss Hilliard reluctantly accepted the offer with just a tinge of hauteur. She instructed her niece to take particular care with the flowers in order that all should be just perfect for Mrs. Wald's arrival that afternoon.

Stafforth Hall

At Stafforth Hall, the home of Sir Robert Stafforth in Hertfordshire, very near to Chilverton Park, Lady Cecelia Stafforth arrived home from performing some parish visits to find that she had missed a morning call from the vicar's wife.

"What did Mrs. Pettigrew have to allow?" she asked her sister-in law, the lively Miss Minnie Stafforth.

"Mrs. Pettigrew is a vicious old cow!" Minnie Stafforth set her teacup down with a decided click.

"She's not so old," Lady Cecelia whispered.

Minnie laughed delightedly. "There, you see, Cecilia, you can be as ill-natured as I am."

"Oh, she makes it so hard to be kind," sighed Lady Cecilia.

"My dear, she thinks that as she is the vicar's wife she has the right, nay duty, to interfere in absolutely everything. I've no patience with her!"

"I suppose she thinks Caroline in the wrong."

"She's absolutely furious with her, though of course she wouldn't dream of criticizing."

"My poor Caroline." Lady Cecilia walked to the window. "She's really suffering, Minnie. You must understand that."

"I understand that she suffers, but I will never understand her."

"Minnie, dear, if only you could see how good her heart is. She is sacrificing herself for Lord Charles Tollerson's happiness. It hurts me to hear people say that she is capricious."

Minnie rose and came to her sister's elbow. "Darling, you know that you are the only one who believes in Caroline, and I love you for it. But I think you are far too angelic. I will never know how my reprehensible brother ever had the good fortune to marry you." The sisters kissed fondly. "Now come and have your tea. You'll not help anyone by wasting away."

Lady Imogen Stafforth, Sir Robert's mother, entered with an unusually brisk step. "My dears, I have just had a note from Lady Chilverton. She wishes to see us Monday for luncheon. Mrs. Wald and Mr. Erskine will be down from London. And, we are to have croquet; Mr. Erskine enjoys it so."

"Oh, how nice! Mrs. Wald is such a brick! There's no stopping her."

"Minnie, darling, I wish you would not use such expressions. It sounds so unattractive and no one can tell what you are saying."

"Oh, Mama, you're so old fashioned."

"I daresay, my dear, but I do hope you will not say such things in company."

"Did Lady Chilverton mention any other company?"

"Just the Pettigrews, and young Mr. Felix Parmenter. Quite an intimate group." Lady Cecilia and Minnie exchanged glances.

"Not Lord Edward?"

"Lord Edward will be in town, I am sure, for there's a vote of some sort."

"Tiresome Parliament," sighed Minnie.

"My dear, Lord Edward takes his position in the government quite seriously."

"Yes, I know. It's very inconvenient."

Lord Edward, Viscount Welsey, was the eldest son of the Duke of Bloxham and a member of the House of Lords. His youngest brother, the Honorable Mr. Felix Parmenter, had recently been sent down from college for pranking one of the dons and was in ill favor currently at Bloxham Castle. For some time past, Lord Edward and Miss Minnie Stafforth had been considered almost engaged by their friends. But, of late, Lord Edward had been neglectful, and their relationship was in question. Minnie was growing impatient with Lord Edward's indifference. As Lord Edward's attentions waned, his brother Mr. Felix's interest in Minnie had increased. He had become enamored of the fine blue eyes and silky blond curls of his brother's friend.

Mrs. Hortensia Wald

As she stepped down from the carriage, Mrs. Hortensia Wald surveyed the Chilverton Park demesne. Sylvia Hilliard, that was, had done very well for herself by marrying the nearly addlepated old Earl of Chilverton. And Clara Hilliard had certainly seized her main chance at proximity to a title, considering her chances of marrying one were questionable at best. She waited for her son's arm before proceeding to the door. "Now, Erskine, you will see a splendid home, and a splendid heiress waiting to be claimed."

Erskine Wald gave his mother a sidelong glance. "I know, Mother, I practically grew up here." He was familiar with his mother's views for him concerning marriage.

"Yes, yes, I know dear. But that has been many years since. Your father's passing has made a difference for us, as you know. Just keep your eyes open. That's all I ask." Erskine shrugged resignedly. He had other intentions for this visit to his old friends. A lady and a friend had by all accounts been cruelly treated by her now-former fiancé. He was determined to see her righted.

Mrs. Wald, a large woman and substantially built, was also a large personality. She possessed strong features, a loud but carefully modulated voice, and a square jaw with a perfectly terrifying smile. She was an acute observer of character and an enthusiastic toady, but generous and good hearted. Her keen, small eyes glinted with intelligence and plenty of life force.

The Walds met Lord and Lady Chilverton in the hall. "Lady Sylvia, I declare! You look younger than ever! And Lord Harold, so pleased! Of course you remember my Erskine. How glorious dear Chilverton is in the Spring! How good of you to have us down to your lovely home. And Clara, my dear, as charming as ever! How this country air agrees with you!"

"Welcome! Welcome!" Miss Hilliard gestured wide. The Earl's eyes turned cold upon Miss Hilliard, a thing that she did not notice, but Mrs. Wald was more observant.

"Lady Sylvia, we are so very obliged to you for this kindness."

"Nonsense, Hortensia! Always glad to have you."

Lady Caroline rose, smiling as Mrs. Wald entered the drawing room. "Lady Caroline, darling girl! How are you, my dear? You are in exquisite looks!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Wald. It is so good to see you again."

"And, I have brought dear Erskine with me, you see."

"Mr. Wald. I am so glad!"

"Lady Caroline. It has been too long."

"Do sit beside me, Mr. Wald. I understand you've been wintering on the continent."

"Yes, I have been at Hyeres and Cannes mostly. Dreadful place, Cannes; one can do nothing but sleep."

"Oh, I have heard you found at least one other occupation," said Lady Caroline, thinking of the Faro tables.

"I am sure you have not been listening to tittle-tattle, Lady Caroline!"

"I have little else to do here at Chilverton, Mr. Wald. Mrs. Pettigrew daily brings us the news."

"Then I understand your plight!"

"Have you seen Hugh in town?" asked Lady Caroline. "He has been little with us here of late."

"Birtwood keeps to his own set, but I've seen him since Christmas. He is burning the candles over his blue books for Lord Attenbury. If I ever talk of taking a ministry position, have me shot at once."

Lady Caroline laughed. "He does seem rather constantly busy. But I do wish he would come home sometimes." She lowered her voice discretely. "It is a bit lonely with just Aunt Hilliard."

Erskine looked toward his mother and saw that she had Miss Hilliard's ear well occupied. "Perhaps I might be pardoned for suggesting that Miss Hilliard's residency here coincides somewhat with Birtwood's prolonged absence."

"I fear you are right," Lady Caroline sighed. "Hugh does not seem to get on very well with Aunt Hilliard."

"Birtwood is a man of fine taste and discretion."

"Oh, Mr. Wald, you are quite wicked!"

"I should certainly hope so."

"What are you saying that is so amusing, Caroline?" demanded Miss Hilliard. "Let us all hear."

"We were just speaking of Hugh, Aunt Clara."

"I did not know that Hugh was so entertaining a subject."

"Oh, Birtwood is a most amusing character, Miss Hilliard," interposed Mr. Wald. "His stories of life at Chilverton are quite diverting."

Miss Hilliard bridled slightly, suspecting herself to be talked of. Mrs. Wald hurriedly reclaimed Miss Hilliard's attention with some current London gossip.

"However do you tolerate it?" whispered Mr. Wald.

"One grows accustomed to it," sighed Lady Caroline.

Having silenced Miss Hilliard, Mr. Wald kept Lady Caroline rapt with his droll stories of Cannes until they all retired for a rest before tea.

Miss Clara Hilliard

Miss Hilliard did not retire for a rest before tea. Miss Hilliard never required rest. She enjoyed a hearty constitution, for which she was insufficiently thankful to her God as she considered her health due to her own prudence and good sense. She occupied the time on that afternoon before the remaining guests arrived by annoying the maids and the cook, making sure that everything would be just perfect at tea time.

So it was that only Miss Hilliard was present as the guests, the Reverend and Mrs. Pettigrew, arrived. The mild and long-suffering Vicar was left to find occupation with a book while his wife and Miss Hilliard entered conclave on a number of things not their business.

"Has she come down yet?" was Mrs. Pettigrew's first remark.

---

Excerpted from A Tea Drinker's Novel: Chilverton Park by Susan Russell Thompson. Copyright © 2016 Susan Russell Thompson. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

---