The Quinceys

Chapter II

Mr. Grant was a gentleman, despite his narrow income to support his wife and three daughters, and well-respected in Redding. His wife had pressed him to call upon the Quinceys on Thursday morning, which he would have done, eventually, but much too late to her great despair. However, he quickly gave in, finding no reason to avoid such an acquaintance, for such a connexion could only be beneficial for his three darling girls.

Miss Matilda Grant, at two and twenty, was the eldest of the three; she was well-liked in Redding for she had a very kind temperament, was generous despite her own situation and was known to be a very accomplished singer. Miss Grant, however skilled in music, lacked the wit and intelligence of her sister, Miss Julia.

At eighteen, Julia Grant had a good-humour and carefree nature that pleased most of her surroundings; although this sometimes passed as awkwardness when she found herself in society, the young girl payed very little import to such a small detail, but was other than that quite well-bred.

Miss Jane, the youngest, was only five and ten, but already presented into society. Miss Jane was quite extroverted, and though she hated reading, disposed of a natural intellect (or rather an easiness to learn and remember) that she did not often use; when she did use her natural abilities, it was for the sole purpose of gossipping.

The Grants lived in Edenley, a small estate just a few miles from Rushmore, and had been settled there for the past four generations. However, their fortune had dwindled when the girls' grandfather had lost most of it while gambling: his honour was such that he could not remain indebted, and would rather have his descendants live in poorer conditions than see his integrity soiled while he was alive. Misfortune, for some reason, followed the family as this was the very first time in centuries that the Grants did not bear a male heir, and they were to do all that was possible to ensure a secure living for the three young ladies. Thus, the appearance of Mr. Quincey in the neighbourhood had been quite convenient in the eyes of Mrs. Grant, and to some extent her husband.

"Mama! Mama!" Jane exclaimed, making her way as fast as she could to the drawing room, "I do believe Mr. Quincey has arrived for dinner, is he not very punctual, mama? I daresay of all the guests we've ever had for dinner he is the most punctual of all. Is that not very genteel of him? How a man can be so well-mannered! Can you believe it, mama? He is so very punctual!"

"Keep quiet, child!" Hushed Mrs. Grant to her daughter. She called a maid to inform Mr. Grant of his guest, and another one to summon her daughters. Jane sat as calmly as she possibly could next to her mother, and imitated her upright position. Mr. Quincey and his sister entered the drawing room as soon as Mr. Grant and his two eldest daughters arrived from upstairs. Curtseys and bows ensued, with polite compliments and inquiries.

Mr. Quincey sat at Mrs. Grant's right, and Miss Quincey had the pleasure of sitting between Matilda and Julia. Mrs. Grant had a talent at hiding her true emotions; from the outside, she seemed calm and composed, politely inquired on Mr. Quincey's enjoying the country and the company of the people,

"I am, indeed, quite fond of the society here. In town there is nothing I hate more than the pride and resentfulness of many a person I've encountered. And how restless the city is! And I daresay, there is nothing like enjoying new company, for though I do love Devonshire, there is nothing like the tranquility of Surrey. And its distance from London! How practical for any last minute business to be tended to, for I may come and go as I please!"

Mrs. Grant grinned very widely, feeling her heart beat a little too fast whenever she thought he caught one of her daughters' eyes. The three Grant sisters gazed at him in awe, for they had not the means to come and go from London whenever they pleased.

When the party finished dinner and retreated to the drawing room, Miss Jane was the one to speak most to Magali, inquiring about her life in Devonshire and "whether she went quite often to London? And if so, had there been any balls recently?" Magali politely replied that she had been to London just a fortnight past, and had indeed been to a ball. Upon request, she listed her dance partners and Jane Grant was very surprised to hear many names accompanied by great titles.

"You seem quite interested in balls, Miss Jane, are you fond of them?" Miss Quincey questioned,

"Oh yes, indeed!" the young girl replied excitedly, "I do enjoy many gatherings, however there aren't as many as I would like in the neighourhood. We do enjoy a few assemblies, though, it is very nice. I do enjoy dancing, I find it very amusing and it is such a great way to meet new and interesting people! I only wish we could do so more often,"

Magali smiled sweetly and, turning to Edward, who stood by the fireplace conversing with Mr. Grant, called, "Edward, do you not believe it would be a handsome idea to host a ball at Rushmore?"

Edward nodded fervently, "Of course, yes! Capital! We must have a ball at Rushmore, and I believe it would be lovely if the Miss Grants decided upon the date themselves,"

"Certainly!" cried Magali, smiling, "It would be a great pleasure if the Miss Grants would do us the honour of helping with such an event. What do you say, Miss Grant?"

Matilda sighed, nodded eagerly and in great joy replied, "That would indeed be lovely. A ball at Rushmore! And with us to help its hosting!"

"What a very good idea!" cried Jane, "We must choose a date at once, for I can wait no longer now that it has been mentioned!"

Miss Julia, who was not quite keen on dancing, seemed nevertheless excited by the prospect of such an event, and joined her sisters and Miss Quincey in their joy,
"Yes, we must! I take great pleasure in meeting my friends at balls, for there are many anecdotes to be told and it is such a good occasion to meet people and form new friendships."

Soon after the Quinceys had summoned their carriage, a date was set. The ball was to be in a bit more than a fortnight, and everyone was excited as they parted.