I don’t,’ Sophie said. ‘I never met a nabob either. What does a nabob do?’ She addressed her last remark to Drew, who was bowing in front of her.
‘He trades in India, Miss Sophie,’ he said. ‘He sends Indian artefacts, spices and jewels back to these islands in fast ships and they return with items of English manufacture, furniture, ornaments, gowns, those sorts of things, and thereby he makes a profit.’
‘And have you made a good profit, Mr Ashton?’ This came from Isabel, who had been standing beside her sister, staring at Drew in fascination.
He bowed to her. ‘Tolerable, Miss Isabel. You see, I do remember you, though you were still at your lessons at the time.’
‘Let us sit down until supper is served,’ Lady Wyndham said, ushering them towards chairs and sofas.
They arranged themselves about the room and Isabel contrived to be sitting next to Drew. ‘Do tell me about India,’ she said. ‘Mark has promised to take me there after we are married and I would like to learn all I can before we go. Tell me, is it necessary to speak the language and wear... What do they call those gowns the natives wear?’
‘Saris, Miss Isabel. They are more intricate than they look, but they are very cool in the heat and the fabrics are superb. I have known European women take to them when the heat has become too much.’
‘Oh, I should dearly like to try one.’
‘I am sure you would look charming,’ he said.
‘And what about the language? Is it difficult to learn?’
‘There are several languages in India, but you would not need to learn any of them. The native servants speak a kind of pidgin English and, apart from visits to the bazaar, you would not need to communicate with other natives. And you would never go to the bazaar unless accompanied by someone familiar with the language and customs.’
Jane watched this exchange with some misgiving. It was not polite of her sister to monopolise the gentleman, certainly not at the expense of Mark, who was standing by the window watching them. On the pretence of looking out at the terrace and formal gardens beyond it, she went over to stand beside him.
‘She means no harm, Mark,’ she whispered. ‘She is simply interested because you said you would take her to India.’
‘I know.’
A footman came to tell them supper was served and they made their way into the dining room. They were silent while the servants waited on them, but the conversation began again when they stood aside, this time led by Lord Wyndham and Sir Edward, who began a discussion about the dire state of the nation’s economy. The year before had been miserable, with no summer to speak of, the crops failing and labourers and returning soldiers out of work. There was unrest among them everywhere. At the end of the year there had been a mass meeting at Spa Fields, addressed by Henry Hunt, who had a gift for rabble-rousing, and the whole thing had got out of hand and had to be quelled by the militia. Revolutionary plots were being uncovered everywhere, which had led the Government to suspend habeas corpus and outlaw seditious meetings.
‘It is a mercy we have escaped here in Hadlea,’ his lordship said. ‘I have managed to keep all my men employed and even take on one or two more. No doubt it is the same with you, Cavenhurst?’
‘Indeed,’ Sir Edward said, though he did not elaborate. Jane knew he had not taken on any men for some time, not even when old Crabtree retired at the age of eighty and one of the younger men went off to pastures new.
‘At least there is some good news,’ Lady Wyndham put in. ‘Princess Charlotte is with child again and there are high hopes that she will carry this one to full term.’
‘Let us hope so,’ Lord Wyndham said. ‘A new heir to the throne will divert people from their dislike of the Regent.’ An attempt on the Prince Regent’s life had been made in January when an unknown assailant fired at his carriage on the way back from opening Parliament, but fortunately he had been unhurt.
‘I am concerned for the soldiers’ orphans,’ Jane said. ‘They are living on the streets, learning nothing but to be beggars and thieves. They need homes and a little education to fit them for work when they are old enough.’
‘Yes, it is sad,’ her mother said. ‘But, Jane, I am sure Lord and Lady Wyndham do not want to hear of your project.’
‘On the contrary,’ Lord Wyndham said. ‘I, for one, am interested and should like to hear about it.’ He was a very big man, both in height and breadth, with a round red face, but he smiled a lot and was easy to talk to.
Given a ready listener, Jane launched into an explanation of what she hoped to do, while his lordship and the rest of the company listened intently. She was glad of the audience, it gave her the opportunity to test her persuasive skills. ‘I intend to start with something small, taking local children,’ she said. ‘But even a small home will be costly to run properly. We have to find sponsors.’
‘Jane!’ Her mother was shocked by this talk of money over the supper table.
Lord Wyndham laughed. ‘You daughter is undoubtedly passionate about the subject. I like that and you may count on me for a donation, Miss Cavenhurst.’
‘Thank you, my lord, I am indeed grateful.’
‘I, too, will add to your funds,’ Drew said. ‘What about you, Mark?’
‘Miss Cavendish explained her plans to me some time ago,’ Mark said. ‘I have already promised my contribution.’
‘Everyone is being very free with their blunt,’ Teddy murmured to Jane.
‘Yes, isn’t it wonderful?’ she whispered back. ‘It’s better than gambling it away.’
Annoyed by this barb, he turned away and concentrated on eating.
‘Now let us talk of more pleasant matters,’ Lady Wyndham said. She was an excellent hostess and had seen, if not heard, the exchange between Jane and her brother. ‘How are the wedding plans coming along, Grace?’
Lady Cavenhurst was glad to answer and the meal ended pleasantly and was followed in the drawing room with the girls taking it in turns to play the pianoforte and sing, while a card table was set up for those who wished to play. It was late when the party broke up and Sir Edward’s carriage was brought to the door to take them home.
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