The Land Makes The Lord by Andrew Wareham

Author:Andrew Wareham [Wareham, Andrew]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-09-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

“Highly successful, I believe, Agatha!”

“A rare entertainment and one that will remain in the memories of all present, Nat. Five and twenty guests – we sat twenty-seven to table, a banquet as far as the bulk of our guests were concerned. The food was, though I say it as hostess, outstanding. Michel excelled himself.”

“He did indeed, my love. I must speak to him, give him my thanks and ask him exactly what those little appetisers were with which he started the meal. They were outstanding!”

“Remarkable indeed. A soup that was of the best, then lobster cooked to perfection. Beef, as is mandatory in England, tender and full of flavour, and a selection of a dozen vegetables. Sweets that can only be described as remarkable, in the old English tastes yet new to me. I must beg of him to produce them for our own dinner on occasion. I think, Nat, that our dinner will be the topic of many a conversation in local houses over the coming month or two.”

“Hopefully so, Agatha. We are to be the leading figures of this part of the world, and if folk will boast of having eaten one of our dinners, then that is all to the good.”

They agreed, turning indoors from the front steps where they had waved the final carriage farewell.

“A good moon and the road recently remade. All should reach their homes safely.”

Nat turned to the butler, still ready to serve, as was correct.

“An excellent selection of wines, Wrayford. You did well this evening.”

Wrayford bowed, pleased with the performance his people had achieved. His own place as the leading manservant of the eastern part of the county had been reinforced by the evening. He did not doubt that his advice would be sought by lesser figures wishing to show well during the coming months.

“Did you observe Captain Viner, Nat?”

“In close company with the Goulds, was he not? I know Gould himself wishes to tie him up with one of his girls, thinks he will make a valuable satellite.”

“I thought that must be so. Poor Viner! He enjoys the company of the eldest daughter, but the second girl has attributes that draw his eye unfailingly! I am sure he is at a loss to decide which to pursue!”

“Understandable. The girl is remarkably gifted.”

“Poor lass! She will suffer backache by the time she is forty!”

It was a practical observation, one that might not have occurred to Nat.

“What of the Admiral’s daughter, Agatha? Was she not thought to be attached to Viner?”

“Did you not see, sir? Close indeed to Pearce’s son when they could get together after the meal.”

“Excellent. No broken hearts to offer complications in the town! Did you speak much to Viner’s parents?”

“I did, intentionally, Nat. They are rather ordinary folk, but well conscious of the virtues of the one son and the lack of such in the other. Difficult indeed for them. I have a degree of pity there.”

“A difficulty for them. Even more so for Captain Viner, of course. I cannot imagine that Gould will let a daughter go to Viner in the current state of his affairs.

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