Lady Sarah

Chapter three

After refusing to take tea the Duke of Wellington left decisively irritated at the no show of Lord Fredrick Lieven.

My cousin Victoria was positively glowing at his company and I drew my own conclusions that he was a suitor. Although he showed little evidence of it and turned to me for conversation on several occasions, but it was clear on my cousin’s face and body language.

The Duke was rather impulsive and at times very intimidating if one was to pay particular attention to his harsh manners of dismissing Victoria’s persisting questions and comments. But he was an army man and has recently just returned from the training fields so his manners needed a little polishing. Not that I was a good judge of polite society and gentleman manners, being brought-up in the slums of Whitechapel. Nevertheless my father was a fine example of a gentleman and I always used him as an example of how a man should act and how he should speak to one.

“Well cousin Sarah, I suppose we should arrange some rooms for you. Mother will be put off by this unexpected visitation” Victoria spoke with a clipped tone and stood up and rang for a servant. Her disposition towards me was cold and distant and I suddenly wanted the Duke to return so I could hide in his company.

I did not want to be intrusive in their private home, because rightfully I was a complete stranger and had no entitlement. Maybe I should have listened to Emma and approached Sarah’s father’s family first. But I did not want to waste time in exploring Sarah’s family tree or make unnecessary acquaintances.  Time was of the essences and I needed to get back to Whitechapel before my absences lead to dire consequences. Although I used some of Sarah’s money to hire a doctor for my small clinic in Whitechapel in the disguise of taking time off to mourn my father. (As the public will assume I hope) I did not trust that young rather inexperienced doctor to attend to all my patients. Nevertheless he was my only option on short notice.

“I do truly appreciate your kindness cousin, I will not be staying for very long and wish to only get to know my maternal family” I spoke softly and sincerely, praying the girl changed her opinion about me. I felt she saw me as a threat, to what I could not stay, but she was showing open hostility.

I needed to gain someone’s trust to solidify my idenitity and a female cousin was a safe one.

“Of course, I will inform mother and father. Now you must excuse me, I have prior engagements. The servant should attend to you” With those words Victoria held herself high and stiffly walked out of the drawing room.

I felt insulted at her clear lack of respect, I was a guest and she left me in her drawing room making a reference to her servants. At first I was shocked, this would never happen in the working class households. Guests were granted the highest respect and their needs quickly attended to, never mind a cousin.

I turned to Emma and saw her shock and disgust.

“That child was ill bred, her mother would be appalled at her manners I would assume” Emma said her face blank but clearly angry. I think she felt personally offended.

Just then a young female servant entered the room and appeared lost at encountering two strangers. I felt sorry for her and approached her.

“I am Lady Sarah Lieven McCartney, cousin to Lady Victoria. I am afraid my dear cousin was in a rush but you are informed to set us, me and my companion, rooms in the guest hall. And can you also call the Butler for me too- Your name?”

“Lizzy, my lady and I will go set up the rooms and call Mr Buxton” She nicely said and quickly left. After a short time she returned and took us to the guest Champers. Everything was ready and in place. I was impressed at the size and furniture but pretending I was use to luxury and big rooms I gave it a small satisfactory nod. This small gesture pleased Lizzie, she smiled widely before leaving to call the Butler. I liked her and told Emma so, who shook her head and said, you should never appear to like a servant, especially a maid.