‘The old ways are not always the best,’ said Speckle. ‘Things move and change. Cures become possible that never were. There could be any number of remedies in this room as yet untested, and I plan to find out.’
A thought occurred to Thea – something she could do. ‘Then I insist you use my garden as an experiment ground,’ she said. ‘At least when some of these have grown a little.’
‘That would be most generous of you, Your Grace,’ said Speckle. ‘I have hoped to try out some of the plants Frankie has in her pile for some time and has not had the space to cultivate.’
For the first time in a while, a feeling of promise started to germinate in Thea’s chest. She had the land and the money, now she had the skill and the time to put those things into action. Defiance at George who limited her and the men who dismissed her unfurled and filled her veins.
‘Mr Gordon,’ she said, striding forward and making both the seedsman and Frankie jump. ‘I don’t suppose you have any seeds of the King Protea?’
Chapter 13
January 1765
The inky curls of the water slipped around the boat as Thea stood at the bow, watching the pier approach. Ranelagh gardens stretched up from the river, formal walks and hedges leading the way to the rotunda at its heart. In the same way that George had insisted that Thea attend tonight’s masquerade, he had also insisted that they arrive by boat. More impressive, he thought.
For George, tonight was about networks, impressing the King and maintaining the fragile relationship with Knatchbull. It seemed to have become an obsession for him, and tonight was the perfect place to play politics.
For Thea, tonight was about getting home as soon as was politely possible. As social events went, Thea didn’t mind a masquerade. She enjoyed the anonymity of the mask and the costume. Unlike others who liked everyone to know who was behind their outrageous outfit, Thea enjoyed the opportunity to blend in and be someone else. It gave her confidence, just like the lectures. She would be seen with George for the look of the thing and then would lose herself in the crowd in her costume.No doubt she would watch George cavorting with any number of ladies in the room.
This was now the only event which stood between her and travel back to Hawkdean, and she itched to get out of the city. Frankie was already there and according to Annie was settling in well. She had already caused a ruckus in the gardening team by the sound of it – and Thea was delighted.
George stepped off the boat first, spreading his arms to show those waiting on the pier the grandeur of his craft. Thea recognised a group of his fellow MPs. When George noticed them, he stopped and theatrically offered Thea a hand down, gesturing at his wife’s outfit almost lecherously. Thea was dressed as Diana, the goddess of hunting. She had hoped it would mean she could bring Musket for sensible company but then she had considered the havoc he might wreak in a room full of people he did not yet like. Her dress was an anthracite grey. It was slimmer than any that would be usually acceptable in today’s fashions – she maintained a hoop petticoat but had foregone the large bustle at the back. She wore a wool cloak as it was cold, and over it a satin scarf of rich, emerald green, stars and moons in her hair, a thick leather belt and a quiver of arrows, and a bow slung diagonally over her back. Her mask was simple but full, covering her whole face with a jewelled and structured velvet. The whole ensemble made her feel unusually confident. It meant she could smile and pose a little for George’s benefit. Once down he dropped her hand and made for the party of gentlemen. She supposed that was her duty complete.
Looking around, she noticed a fawn with furry legs, a bright pink shirt and a patterned waistcoat hanging back a little from the crowd.
‘Dr Speckle?’
He trotted over and bowed. ‘Your Grace. I do wish you would call me Kit. It seems more appropriate when you have seen my furry legs.’ He held one out towards her, making her chuckle.
‘A fair request, Kit,’ she said. ‘Are you pleased to be here?’
‘Tolerably,’ he said. ‘I am pleased to see you and others. Herbert is still not greatly in the way of speaking to me, but I am sure he will come around. It is nice, however, to see all classes welcome at an event of the King – it is quite the novelty.’
‘Goodness, look at everyone,’ said a loud and whiny female voice from their left. An overly large nymph and an Egyptian queen strode from the pier and past them on the way to the rotunda.
‘Isn’t it wonderful?’ said the queen, clearly in awe.
‘It is not,’ said the nymph, arms pumping as she walked. ‘Anyone could be here. I shan’t know if I am talking to a lord or a lady or one of the… others. Even as lowly as a physician or a lawyer. It is quite disconcerting. One never has any idea what they might do.’
‘I think you may have to get used to it,’ said the queen. ‘It is quite the fashion now to have everybody in one place.’
Thea looked at Speckle kindly. ‘Quite the novelty for everyone,’ she said, but he didn’t look concerned.
‘Shall we make our way up?’
They followed the nymph, the queen, and George and his party up the slight incline to the reveries happening by the rotunda. The ovoid building glowed like a lantern, light from thousands of candles flickering in its hundreds of arched windows. The sound of the orchestra emanated from the open windows and was distorted by the gentle breeze, flowing over the well-kept trees, hedges and dining booths of the garden. Thea and Speckle took a glass of punch each and surveyed the crowds by the Chinese pavilion. There were warriors and jesters, nuns and wenches, dominoes and mythical creatures galore. The intricacy of thecostumes was staggering. Some preferred full-face anonymity, some preferred to be known and revered.
‘Well, aren’t you a vision,’ said a breathy voice into Thea’s ear. ‘If you’d been dressed like that at your party I might have reconsidered my opinion on that kiss.’
Thea whirled around and gave Harriet a stern look, which she then realised was lost in the mask. ‘What are you?’ she asked.
Harriet twirled around, arms out, a light-yellow dress with hearts and flowers trying its best to encapsulate her voluptuous figure. There was a large scallop shell stuck to her side. And a little cupid on her head. ‘Guess,’ she said.
‘Venus, goddess of love,’ said Speckle, smiling.
‘Exactly!’ said Harriet. She nudged Thea in the ribs. ‘Thought I’d bring a little irony to the party, don’t you know. Thought about coming naked on the top half like the paintings but January’s a bit chilly for that.’
‘Quite,’ said Thea, ‘and there’s enough lewd activity goes on at masquerades without you being half dressed.’
