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A woman of quite remarkable musical talents, beyond even the rest of the Parry-Lloyds, that were greatly noted in that art. They were also able to share amuzement over the quizzes they were obliged to encounter in Society; had similar taste in friends; &C&C. Had also come about to consider that perchance – it must make a difference, this matter of mutual affection? – he had previously quite failed to appreciate that there were charms in womanhood. For had supposed himself entirely inclined to his own sex. But indeed, he found it no onerous task to discharge the conjugal debt.

And her family so very welcoming and agreeable.

He was at present bound to call upon his father-in-law, for it was coming to seem as if the suspicions that Zipsie went with child were becoming more definite as time passed. Having no father or near male relative of his own to consult, fancied that his best course was to confide in the amiable Lord Abertyldd as to the proper way to conduct himself in this contingency. For one perceived that he must have had a deal of experience, as the father of a numerous brood and his lady being in fine flourishing health.

As was ever the case, Bexbury House was full of noises, sounds and sweet airs – somebody always practising or playing about the place, the most delightful thing – he patted his pockets to make sure he had sweetmeats about him for Lotty and Gianna, that had adopted him as another brother – here came Folly – Folliott – down the magnificent staircase, and yet again endeavoured to persuade him to come sailing – 'tis quite the finest sport! –

Count Casimir, husband of Zipsie’s aunt Dodo, drifted past, observed who it was, paused, made most enthusiastic over Zipsie’s plans for her mother’s birthday treat – very gratifying: the Polish Count, whose surname English tongues – save for that of Lord Gilbert Beaufoyle, that had been observing quite chattering in Polish with the exiled Count – could not encompass, was agreed a very fine musician indeed.

Cecil said that he would convey this accolade to Zipsie, and managed to start up the staircase just before Lotty and Gianna came in from their morning ride, and showed a great disposition to rehearse their duet for him – Cluck, Cluck: Cheep, Cheep – even before changing out of their riding-habits. They were persuaded that this could wait.

On the landing he encountered Lady Abertyldd, ivory tablets in her hand and with an air of preoccupation, that in another woman might have been harried, but she looked at him and gave a little laugh, saying, this election set all in disorder! Upset all arrangements – here they were, obliged to go down to Hembleby exceeding early – everyone sending apologies that they too are obliged to go into the country and must cut existing engagements – could not prognosticate at all whether there might be any cricket played this summer or not –

One had the entirest impression that she had all well under hand!

He mentioned that he hoped to convoke with his father-in-law, and she immediately summoned up a footman to take him, where he had failed to see one at all.

Lord Abertyldd, that was in convocation with his secretary, as they gazed upon the piles of papers covering his desk, looked exceeding relieved to see Cecil. Hulloa, Rondegate!  - all well with Zipsie, I hope – Mander, do you take that pile and try to make some sense of it and see do we need to take any of it to Hembleby –

Instructed the footman to bring coffee, waved Cecil into a chair and sighed that certainly the present Government was doing no good at all, but this election was being a great bore. Did Cecil have any intention of going down to Wepperell Larches – ?

As the coffee arrived – very grateful! – he said that he thought he might go himself for a se’ennight or so, but was not sure that 'twas prudent to expose Zipsie to the journey and the trials of going about in the local society once there –

Abertyldd cleared his throat and said, sure, Charley had said somewhat of the state of affairs –

We feel somewhat more confident that matters are in that happy condition – but sure Zipsie feels rather sickly from time to time – inclined to sleepiness –

O, quite! 'Tis entirely proper to coddle one’s wife at such a time – indulge any whims or cravings –

That was entirely the advice I wished for – am perchance a little concerned that Zipsie may overdo somewhat with this cantata she has on hand and other musical matters –

Indeed that might be a worry! But I fancy she will find that she needs to rest – nature has its ways – a little healthful exercize is commended by the profession I apprehend, mayhap walking in that very fine square? 'Twould do no harm to consult Ferraby –

You would give him the preference?

Why, I must always consider that a Ferraby will be the crack fellow in the field! Have heard Asterley cried up, but in your case, cannot but suppose it helps is the quack a married man himself.

Cecil was indeed reluctant to call upon the services of a physician, however widely praised, that he knew as a fellow-member of that certain club – that he realized had not visited this while, indeed marriage was working something of a revolution! Responded to Lord Abertyldd that indeed, one understood that Ferraby was married and a proud father himself, conveyed a certain reassurance.

Of course, 'twas his mother that was quite noted for her wisdom over womanly matters – a sad loss –

Cecil said that he greatly regretted never having known the senior Ferrabys – relatives of Lady Bexbury he understood –

Lord, she is still a fine woman, but you should have seen her in her heyday! Abertyldd cleared his throat, and said, was that all the business Rondegate had with him, supposed he ought to get back to this tedious election matter.

So Cecil left, and was waylaid by Gianna and Lotty, to hear their duet, and distributed the sweetmeats he had about him. Managed to evade any further entanglements and went home.

Where he found the agreeable sight of Zipsie, looking very well, in the music-room with Cuthbert Davison, amiably arguing over how one might convert Persian music for English ears –

Fie, husband, here is Mr Davison declares that he will no longer linger amid the delights of Town but must return to Oxford –

Really, said Davison, I have had the finest convocation with Her Grace over this new manuscript she has acquired, do not wish to wear out my welcome at Mulcaster House –

Why, you would be ever welcome here! cried Zipsie, and then blushed. La, 'tis a habit from Bexbury House, that is quite Liberty Hall –

Cecil chuckled and said, but let him second that invitation –

Davison shook his head, saying, 'twas also a consideration that his fellow dons at Oxford gossiped like old hens at a tea-party and did he spend too long in Town 'twould have tongues wagging that he was glamoured by the tinsel show –

Tiresome! said Zipsie, gathering up the music, closing the pianoforte, and generally bustling about. Well, at least I hope you will stay to dinner, that I go change for, so as not to shock my maid –

She left the two men alone.

Davison walked over the window, looked out and sighed. Lady Rondegate is a wonderful and talented woman, and I greatly enjoy our convocations, but I am coming to a conclusion that I must give them up.

What?

He turned round. I hope you are not anticipating that I am about to disclose in some commonplace way that I have fallen in love with her. No, the matter is that I do have a considerable liking for her and would not in the least afflict her happiness, but that I find myself having fallen into quite the warmest feelings for you, Rondegate.

He sighed. So I had better go away. I am not sure I can contrive to travel to Persia but there is a savant in Berlin that I might visit –

My dear chap, said Cecil, finding his heat beating strangely fast, pray do not do anything quite so drastic.

He had supposed his recent lack of interest in going to the club for any purpose save to encounter friends such as Sallington was to do with the upheaval to his life caused by matrimony and the rather surprising pleasures thereof.

But had not he, too, been finding a warm friendship with Davison, that had become in a very short space of time quite a familiar of the household? Had he not found him a very agreeable companion? A fellow of considerable attractions?

Did he not, now that he came to think upon it, find those mercenary encounters he used to enjoy at the club a somewhat stale prospect? Did one not, really, desire something more? Did he not observe that there were those that came to enjoy fine mutual devotions? Indeed, one perceived that his mentors, Narthing and Carolden, entire had the like.

One also saw that there were those that contrived to enjoy such devotions and a happy marriage – or, whatever it was that Sallington had with the fiery Miss Ferraby! That was clearly no common matter of a mistress in keeping.

Let us, Cecil went on, consider upon this matter – seek the wisdom of older friends –

Davison confided that he had had quite the soundest counsel from MacDonald –

Merrett I fancy would have some apprehension of the predicament –

They exchanged tentative smiles.

But, said Davison, I fancy 'twould be imprudent to take up lodging here until we go clarify our notions somewhat further.

That was, alas, reasonable.