Otter's Rock

But they had never expected to meet some of the names that they had read of in the newspapers – whose writings they had perused –

And all so very civil, nay, even amiable. Perchance novels that depicted Society as haughty and exclusive and snubbing rather exaggerated the matter? – to point a moral and adorn a tale to warn against social climbing?

Humphrey Thornton glanced out of the train window and observed that they were now past the depressing southwards extension of the city’s purlieu, and into the attractive Surrey countryside.

Quite dazzling to the second son of a medical practitioner in a provincial town! – and indeed to all their set, that were of similarly humble background, had careers to make, were not at Oxford simply because 'twas a done thing, had had the deepest suspicions of Shallock until they had become better acquainted and found him a somewhat shy chap that was quite dedicated to the pursuit of scholarship. Far from wasting his substance in riotous living was discovered on rather a meagre allowance eked out by his godfather’s generosity.

Yet one came to perceive that 'twas not just like pretty soap bubbles – there was a deal there that was solid – these were not idle triflers –

Had had the most agreeable discourse with Lord South Worpley, the heir of the Duke of Humpleforth, about lepidoptera, that took a serious interest in – was minded to construct a butterfly house at Maraston Towers. Mr Thornton had perhaps already heard that his step-grandmother, the Dowager Duchess – that is her, over there – had set up a menagerie of Indian birds and beasts, to remind her of her childhood, in the grounds of the Dower House?

There was a vague suggestion that he might come visit during the summer, but Humphrey did not make too much of that – it was surely a mere civil social gesture to a fellow butterfly-lover.

It had been daunting to be introduced to Miss Ferraby and her companion Miss Roberts, but really, they were not the terrifying harridans some accounts led one to anticipate – still quite young and very fine-looking women, even did one not wish one’s sisters to peruse the writings of Miss Ferraby, or at least, not until they were somewhat older.

So, here he was, on his way to Yeomans to consider whether he might have a fancy to a post as tutor in their establishment to the orphans they had collected. He must admit, he greatly liked the sound of the enterprize – a deal more agreeable than cramming the sons of the wealthy with Latin and Greek in the approved style. Had already had certain notions about different ways of teaching the classics – and mathematics – and giving a broader education: but had gloomily thought that one would be required to conform to whatever the parents desired.

This was the station – and there was Miss Roberts herself on the platform, very kind indeed. Had fancied he might have to take the station fly – but no, she had had to come into town with the gig, to take certain packages to the Post Office, and collect certain parcels that were waiting in the railway station Goods Office, it was no trouble at all.

They disposed themselves and their parcels in the gig – O, the beggings and pleadings of the children that they might come, or at least one or another might have the pleasure of the jaunt, but we should be somewhat crowded – had not quite anticipated the extent of these parcels –

By the bye, Mr Thornton, Lord Peregrine mentioned that you had some interest in writing for the press? – Humphrey nodded – I fancy a deal of these bundles are books for review, and I would happily pass over some of that task.

He gulped and stammered that would be delighted – did she think him fit –

We may talk of this further later – let us make ourselves known to one another a little better than one is able in the press of a social occasion.

By the time they came to the fine tree-lined drive to Yeomans he was chatting to her with entire ease about his family – his lack of interest in medicine – the excellent set he had fallen into at Oxford –

What a very charming house – and there, on the portico, three women waiting.

A manservant came to take the parcels, as Miss Roberts made the introductions – Humphrey’s mouth quite fell open as he was made known to Mrs Veriker, the noted botanist, an elderly lady with an ear trumpet and quite the kindest expression – and Mrs Marshall – Ellen – the governess, that was, he apprehended, a married lady whose husband was a reporter for the Lowndes press. Miss Ferraby he had already met.

Miss Ferraby conducted 'em indoors and said, had no doubt Mr Thornton would like some refreshment – should he care for coffee?

The most agreeable parlour with a fine view to the gardens, where he could see several children of assorted ages playing very amiably upon the lawn. While they were dressed in what he could see were sensible practical garments, there was no air of their being uniformed orphans.

Mrs Veriker came sit down beside him, turning her ear trumpet to its best angle for converse, and said, understood he was interested in lepidoptera? Had had a notion that one might plant a plot with flowers and shrubs said particular attractive to butterflies and moths –

What a capital idea!

Miss Ferraby chuckled. La, one might write that up in several ways, might one not, Hannah? Very serious and scientific for The Speculum – somewhat a little lighter for The Oracle – and as a pretty notion for the garden in The Lady’s What-Not!

Miss Roberts groaned and said, Indeed one did do exactly the like, 'twas quite a matter of oeconomy, but it was a splendid thought.

Excellent instructive for the children! put in Mrs Marshall.

Humphrey was urged to more coffee and not to be shy about helping himself to cake – that was indeed excellent cake.

He remarked upon the vista from the window and was urged to go take a better look out – Miss Roberts went over with him to point out various features, and to name the children for him –

That is Kate, that is our eldest, very responsible and big-sisterly, we fancy she has artistic talent but would not push her on too fast – Sallington conveys her the occasional lesson –

She grinned at his expression. O, he is quite an intimate of the household! Was very much part of our nursery-set at Raxdell House in childhood – my brother Julius –

Julius Roberts the botanist?

– Quite so! – remains his greatest friend, resides nearby to his estate at Nitherholme undertaking a survey of the flora of the moors – that is Johnny, that at present has a passion for insects and other creeping life, we hope that it may become a serious study but may be the usual passing fancy of a boy –

Jamie is not an entire orphan, but his father is in America, raising interest for the Irish struggle – also has a grandmother, but she is a nun.

There was, Humphrey observed, a certain Hibernian cast to the boy’s features, as well as red hair.

They will be your pupils – as you see, our others are somewhat younger – Theo, that is Ellen's son, Beatrice, and Miranda are but recently advanced to the schoolroom, while Hari is not quite at those years, and Ellen’s Caro is still a baby.

Hari? The still uncut hair swept straight and inky black down his back, and his complexion was golden-tawny.

Miss Roberts smiled. An infant in whom the Dowager Duchess of Humpleforth takes an interest – she was born and brought up in Bombay, still has relatives there –

Ah. One fancied perchance an offspring of one of those unions that were no longer so common, or maybe conducted a deal more clandestine, that the father wished to give the advantage of an English upbringing and education.

What a very handsome child.

Is he not? An Indian boy one might quite imagine the fairy monarchs at odds over.

One of the children – the girlchild Miranda – observing them being observed, stumped over to the window to stare back.

Oh, that is Miranda! Has a great curiosity.

Might I go meet 'em all? he asked, feeling somewhat nervous at the prospect.

Miss Ferraby chuckled. Do you concede do they require you to be a tiger.

A tiger?

'Tis a game of theirs –

'Tis a game we used to play in the Raxdell House nursery, said Miss Roberts. But I surmize Mr Thornton is not a tiger – Still, let us go out.

It was an agreeably warm day with just a faint refreshing breeze. An ornamental fountain plashed gently.

Come, children, called Miss Ferraby, come and meet Mr Thornton.

They were extreme eager to demonstrate to him all the charms of the gardens – and lead him further on to the park – there is a badger, but 'tis very shy and retiring, besides the rabbits –

Miss Ferraby gave a small sigh, and explained, sotto voce, that they were like to think that her brother Josh had rescued it from a baiting-ring, that still afflicted its spirits.

Had he seen the wombatt?

Wombatt?

La, said Miss Roberts, 'tis now a triumph of taxidermy indoors – when Josh was younger 'twas quite the darling of his heart.

That must be Mr Josiah Ferraby, the famed explorer and zoologist and ardent advocate of humane treatment of animals. Really, this was so unusual and so alluring an establishment – he supposed he should talk it over in more sober mood – at present was like being under an enchantment – sure was not Mrs Veriker the entire image of a Wise Good Witch in a fairytale, as she poked among the wild flowers making little exclamations?

Mrs Marshall smiled at him as if she knew somewhat of the sensation.