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Jerome had brought the promised basket from Seraphine, that contained a deal of fine tasty treats, and even some hothouse fruit – does His Lordship leave any, why, I have the reversion, for must be fresh and fresh for him, not left-overs –

So Livvy told him of how Sir Charles went set up a hothouse at the manor, so that Lady Fairleigh might have hothouse fruit, and asked was Lord Raxdell a very exacting employer?

Why, he is most exceeding nice about his dress, but he can wear it, shows very well – there will be other valets come to me, ask, how may I obtain such and such an effect with my master, and really, I must sigh and say, perchance do you go about to disguise his defects of figure with stays or some such, because one may observe that the fellow is not one that will spend a good hour or so a day in practice with his fencing master like unto His Lordship. Is particular, but shows kind and generous, 'tis not always the tale. Is not here the e’en – has seen this play several times already – I see has lent his box to Lord Abertyldd and several others of his set –

Sophy nudged Livvy. The young lady, next to Lady Abertyldd – with the white roses? – that is the Miss Brumpage that Mr Edward Merrett has a notion to.

Pretty! said Livvy.

And then the play commenced.

What a fine amuzing thing it was. The young man that determines to save his sister from a beguiled elopement by dressing in her clothes and going to the rendezvous himself – the young woman that is so horrified at her brother’s plan to beguile a young woman into a runaway match that she pushes him into the cellar and locks the door upon him, dresses in his clothes – sure Miss Addington looked most exceeding well in breeches! – and keeps the assignation – Mr Winch as the innkeeper at the appointed hostelry, o, her sides quite ached with laughing –

At the end of the evening Jerome said, sure, he would escort Livvy back to Offgrange House, 'twas no trouble in the least, and so they took their leave of Sophy and Sam, that were gazing doating into one another’s eyes, and set off, their arms linked together so that they might not get separated in the press, and Jerome keeping his stick in hand, just in case.

As they walked he remarked that did the Fairleighs stay much longer in Town, and did they concede Livvy a little time for recreation, perchance a party for Vauxhall might be made up?

Livvy said she was not certain of their plans, but sure that would be very agreeable might it be contrived.

How very civil was Jerome: did not lord it as he might have done, sure valets were oft very proud and haughty and determined to demonstrate their consequence, one saw that a little with Plender at Offgrange House.

Or perchance they might visit a menagerie? Though, had she been at Raxdell House, mayhap she had the opportunity to visit Master Josh’s creatures?

Indeed, said Livvy, was a thing came up while we were picking herbs, Sophy said 'twas a mongoose –

That mongoose will ever be looking into whatever is a new thing!

 - and then Master Josh Ferraby came up after it, and Sophy offered that he might show us his animals.

The wombatt, said Jerome, is most particular out of the common – comes from the antipodes.

At length they came to the belowstairs door of Offgrange House, and Jerome smiled down at her, and said, had been a most agreeable evening, and he hoped that he might have further opportunity of seeing her again while she was in Town, touched his hat, and departed. Livvy smiled a little to herself, and went in, and up to the dressing-room.

Lorimer came in to say, Lady Fairleigh had gone to bed, but Sir Charles was with her and said he fancied he could undertake her requirements in making sure of her comfort &C.

Livvy smiled at her and said, he has the finest hand in the matter, she will say.

Lorimer looked doating. 'Tis give out, in the family, that had loved her for many years, since boyhood, even before her parents made up the marriage to the Earl. And at last they could wed. But, my dear, 'tis late and you should get to bed yourself.

Next morning while Livvy was undertaking Lady Fairleigh’s toilette, the latter asked her about how she had enjoyed the play, and that came to an account of the play, and how very entertaining it had been, and the evening in general.

Oh, said Lady Fairleigh, how delightful it sounds. One hears Miss Addington is quite the finest of actresses –

Sir Charles came in. What, we are talking of Livvy’s theatrical excursion?

O, indeed I am put in a deal of envy, Sir Charles. For even when I was still able to get about I cannot recall that we ever went to the play.

Sir Charles looked thoughtful and said, he did not see why it could not be managed. He fancied there were those among their acquaintance with boxes at the theatre, and he might carry her in, and they could ensure she was sat in comfort. And sure it was desirable that she had some standard by which to judge her offsprings’ efforts in amateur theatricals.

O, Sir Charles! are they so bad?

Sir Charles laughed. As it perchances, Em and Geoff are by no means bad, at least as amateurs go. I do not say that they could earn their living upon the boards but they are not an entire embarrassment to watch.

I am ever in doubt that I manifest maternal prejudice in the matter!

They looked at one another very fond.

I fancy that the person to apply to would be Lady Bexbury: she will know who has boxes, and when they are like to be empty, &C.

I daresay she will be calling within a day or two: but I will write her a little note upon the matter.

Livvy recommenced the brushing of Lady Fairleigh’s hair that she had temporarily ceased. Sir Charles said that he had just looked in to say that he purposed to go to Raxdell House the morn: had had a very civil note from Mr Roberts that he was entire welcome to go visit his hothouses. Dared say they would make him quite discontent with his own efforts.

He kissed Lady Fairleigh’s hand and took his leave.

Barely had the door closed behind him than it opened once more and little Lady Di toddled in.

After an apologetic nursemaid had come to retrieve her and take her back to the nursery, Lady Fairleigh sighed and said, sure it was delightful to be among her family, and Di and Gussie were the sweetest of infants, but she found that she had grown used to a rather quieter life. A little taste of Town pleasures was agreeable, but she found herself looking forward to returning to the manor.

And Livvy found herself in inward agreement with her mistress.