- ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
- ABOUT EDITH
- AN EVENT OF IMPORTANCE
- THE HAND OF FATE
- RISE OF THE COMMON MAN
- SOUTH OR NORTH
- A GREAT UNHAPPINESS
- A NEW BEGINNING
- A POLITICAL PROPOSITION
- THE ADVANCE OF AGE
- RECTIFYING A MISDEMEANOUR
- CHANGING TIMES
- GREAT UNCLE ROBERT
- A LIFE OF SAMENESS
- KEEPING THE FAMILY HONOUR
- THE PRICE OF INDEPENDENCE
- FINDING A SOLUTION
- LIFE AND DEATH
- A FAMILY DISGRACE
- LIVING A NEW LIFE
- FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL
- THE LAST POST
CHAPTER ONE - ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
Towards the end of October Thomas Watts mused upon his condition in life. Perhaps it was middle age which defines the limitations of youth, the melancholy season of the year, or his inadequate pecuniary reserves that caused him to evaluate his situation. In any event he judged his present predicament as unsatisfactory. He was finding providing for his family a far more difficult feat to achieve than in previous years. The need to make substantial reductions in expenditure had recently become more pressing. Several tradesmen had become openly vocal in their demand for payment and outstanding bills of varying amounts, littered his desk in no particular order.
In retrospect he could appreciate that during the 1830s when employed by the Sheffield and Manchester Railway Company, his income had been adequate, and he had managed to design several rural stations of note that provided him with great satisfaction. But during the following decade there had been a change in management at the company and his services dispensed with, as economic expediency demanded the amalgamation of emerging railway companies throughout the country.
Since that time there had been a serious deterioration in the economic well-being of the country affecting all manner of trades and professions.
As an architect of small consequence, he was finding it impossible to procure a steady influx of work and had been obliged to release his draughtsman. Over the past two or three years work had become piecemeal with only the odd outline drawing taken up, adopted by a prospective client and overseen to completion. There had been no substantial contracts and all the while his large family was growing and requiring ever more resources from his depleting reserves.
He glanced briefly through his study window at the gloomy dank weather shrouding the Sheffield hills and the bottle shaped furnaces of the encroaching steel mills billowing out their constant black smoke. He returned to the task of scrutinizing his wife’s household account for the month of September at his mahogany desk, noting the methodical manner in which she had maintained the keeping of a household journal since he first showed her how to undertake accounts some twenty years previously. He could admire methodical application in others, but his manly posture could not accept that this was something he was not always able to achieve himself.
CHAPTER ONE - ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
Without examining in detail the individual items of the account he knew that substantial changes were required. A reduction in expenditure in the household budget was needed. For his part he wondered whether he should set an example by reducing his fondness for an aperitif before dinner, but then, perhaps this was too small an item to curtail and would make no significant difference to the overall expenditure of the household. More substantial items would need to be considered including the services of the second scullery maid. Her employment could no longer be afforded, though her departure would cause inconvenience and place a greater workload upon his wife and daughters.
He knew that he should have undertaken the task of reducing all expenditure some years ago, instead of ignoring the problem in the hope that the matter would resolve itself. The ample employment opportunities that he had felt were but a short distance away had always eluded him and now he was consciously aware that matters were coming to a head. He could not contemplate employment for his three young sons, though he knew that children as young as ten were bound in employment at the local steel mills, and his eldest son at fifteen was being tutored and assisting in his father’s business.
There remained his two daughters Edith and Lavinia. It was unfortunate that neither had yet procured a husband. They were, he thought on reflection, reasonably well tutored in those crafts and subjects that would make them desirable wives, and were not overly educated or of such an independent mind so as to be an irritation or represent a competitive spirit to any man. He turned over this point again in his mind and revised his view, deciding that docility was probably not a feature of Edith’s personality. But both young women were very attractive and he found it difficult to reason why they had not already been taken off his hands. Some form of socially acceptable remunerative employment would need to be found for them. As he dwelt upon this last thought there was a knock at the study door, a young lady opened it and said. “Tea is prepared papa.”
CHAPTER ONE - ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
He stroked his beard and rose from his desk. This was the time of the day when the older members of the family sat together whilst the three younger boys were attended to elsewhere in the house. Mrs Watts, Lavinia, Edith and James were seated in the drawing room round a table on which were placed a spread of cold ham, cheese, bread, pickle, a little butter and jam, scones, cake and biscuits. Mrs Watts with diligent care tended the teapot ensuring that no part of that valuable commodity was wasted, the dregs being carefully preserved for another occasion. She was a person who made the best of her situation, and had long ago adopted the role allotted to her as housekeeper and mother with the zealousness of a convert.
Mr Watts sat down at the tea table frowning slightly, and the three children perceiving their father to appear stern and deep in thought considered it imprudent to interrupt this process and declined to indulge in conversation. High tea was eaten in relative silence and the young people retired from the room as soon as they were able.
Mr Watts still pre-occupied, stood up and moved to the window. He pulled back the heavy velvet drapes, examined the scurrying greyness of the clouds, turned to his wife and said. “Mary, I believe that we will have to let Jane go. I have been considering the matter and it is excessively extravagant and quite unnecessary to employ an extra servant when Edith and Lavinia can undertake some of the household duties. With Mrs Frith and Emily as well you will have sufficient help to manage the house.”
He turned back to face the window before she could reply so as not to see the alarm on his wife’s face. Mrs Watts was shocked and quite startled. From past hints in conversation she had discerned that there was a need to reduce expenditure and since moving to this smaller rented house a few years ago she had diligently undertaken a careful monitoring and control of her household budget. But the need to curtail expenditure to the extent of reducing domestic assistance that was only a few pence in cost was quite unthinkable and most concerning.
CHAPTER ONE - ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
The subject of general financial matters was never a conversational piece between them, that rested firmly in her husband’s domain and she had no knowledge or even contemplated the extent of her husband’s income. Matters of financial control were her concern solely, in so far as they related to the running of the household, that wider field appertaining to finance in the world outside the home belonged to her husband.
“I have been considering the position of Edith and Lavinia and believe that suitable employment would benefit them,” said Mr Watts and then he paused for breath. “Teaching would be the most acceptable, I believe.” There was a further weighty pause. “This drawing room is an appropriate size and with little expense could easily be converted into a school room for teaching purposes. We would not be inconvenienced as we have the small sitting room and that will easily accommodate us all.” Having examined all sides of several droplets of rain as they moved down the outer window he turned back into the room, sat down and picked up his reading book.
There was a significant silence, a cough, and then Mary who was still in shock said in a very small voice. “If you think so, my dear,” and then she added, “but Jane has been with us for many years. It will greatly upset the boys if she leaves.” There was a further short silence but Mr Watts did not respond to this comment.
Mrs Watts well knew that her husband was glossing over the situation. With limited use of the front drawing room there would be a sharp reduction in space available, especially for the younger members of the family. There would also be difficulty in clearing and cleaning the rooms at the end of each day with less domestic assistance.
Mr Watts looked up from his book and said magnanimously. “I am sure we will manage admirably well without the extra servant. A small amount of extra effort will be required that is all.” Though he did not intimate or specify whether any extra effort would be required on his part.
CHAPTER ONE - ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
And so the matter was settled without any further comment or dissent. By the morning Jane the scullery maid had been paid off and vacated the house amidst a flurry of tears. There was regret to see her go especially amongst the younger children and some consternation expressed by Edith and Lavinia at the hasty turn of events. Their papa duly informed them of their future roles and an item appeared shortly afterwards in the Sheffield newspaper advertising the teaching services of a new school for young persons.
Even before the main drawing room and a small adjoining area of the house had been refurbished and set aside as the proposed teaching area, several enquiries had been received from parents of prospective pupils. A new term, some three months later would see eight pupils varying in ages to about ten, installed at the new school with lessons undertaken consisting of reading and writing with an emphasis upon a Methodist interpretation of scripture, elementary arithmetic and instruction in sewing for girls.
But prior to the inauguration of the school commensurate with a new term, there would be a period of anguish and distress. Some ten days following the decision to initiate the commencement of the school, there was a knock at the front door and upon opening it Emily, the maid, was faced by three coarse looking men.
“Would this be the ‘ome of a Mr Thomas Watts?” asked one, in a strong accent.
“Who is it Emily?” asked Mrs Watts, who had followed the maid from the hallway to the door. Emily held the door back for Mrs Watts to view the callers.
“What is it ?” Mrs Watts asked the man.
“Is ’imself in?” the hefty fellow enquired.
“Yes, I believe so,” she replied, taking the derogatory remark to refer to her husband. “I presume you are referring to my husband,” and here there was a slight haughty note to her voice, and she repeated. “What is it you want?” She was indeed quite taken back. Usually such people did not come to the front door of the house, tradesmen and people of their like always came to the back door.
CHAPTER ONE - ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
“I’ve something for ‘im,” was the reply and he said this with a toothy grin revealing a large gaping aperture. Perhaps this was his idea of friendliness?
Mrs Watts was perturbed. The man showed no sign of removing his bulky frame from the front step. “Mr Watts is in his study, Emily,” she said to the maid. “Tell him there is somebody to see him at the door.” She eyed with suspicion the manner in which one of the men now leaned against the door with his left foot blocking its closure.
When Mr Watts came to the door his face immediately paled. He grasped the significance of the situation, and became both flustered with embarrassment and then perturbed as the bailiff served him with writs in respect of outstanding debts and his required attendance at the Sheriff Court.
“We got to take your goods to cover debts on the paper,” said one of the men whose foot became more prominent in the door space.
“Of course,” replied Mr Watts nervously, who was visibly shaken and somewhat disorientated by the turn of events. Making a valiant effort to recover his composure he added. “You better let me know what you need.”
Poor unfortunate Mrs Watts. Her complexion changed several shades of pink and then descended to an ashen hue as she came to realise the full extent of her husband’s predicament.
In some detail and at length the bailiff examined the contents of the house itself, including all personal possessions, and made a careful list of a number of items. Mr Watts could only agree. The burly men took these items immediately from the house, much to Mrs Watts’ consternation who viewed with dismay the removal of many pieces of furniture to meet the outstanding indebtedness.
A great many items of furniture, china and several pieces of jewellery of sentimental value that had been handed to her on her marriage from her parents, were taken away to be sold and the only consolation Mr Watts could offer was by saying. “It is God’s will and it will prove to be for the best.”
Even the younger boys complained bitterly to suffer the indignity of seeing a few of their own nursery items removed. Neighbours watching through curtain slits tittered at the morning’s proceedings and remarked upon an event that was not an uncommon occurrence in the economic climate of the time.
CHAPTER ONE - ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
Some few days after these unfortunate happenings Mr Watts appeared in Court, where he was adjudged a co-operative bankrupt. As such he was entitled to keep certain property items based on the total value of his assets. Protracted negotiations over several days then ensued with his creditors, culminating in an agreed satisfactory arrangement, and Mr Watts found that he was able to retain some essential furniture items and had sufficient funds to maintain a roof over his head.
But the whole experience had a profoundly depressing effect upon them all. Mrs Watts silently mourned the loss of personal items from her past along with the items that had been handed down to her from relatives, and endured the humiliation for years to come. For his part Mr Watts, whilst regretting the upset and deprivation caused to his wife and family, was only relieved not to find himself imprisoned or indeed constrained, together with his family, to live on the streets of Sheffield.
At the start of the first teaching term the home of the Watts family was severely depleted in furniture items of all kinds and only Mrs Frith was employed, with her role widened from cook to that of all household duties.
This substantial woman of middle years who had been in the employ of Mr and Mrs Watts for some eighteen years and regarded herself as an integral part of the family remained stoically opposed to leaving.
“Where else would I go?” she asked Mrs Watts when the lady of the house sadly mentioned that perhaps for her own benefit she should look for another situation. She had only known life with them and knew of no other family, and so she stayed at a reduced wage, convinced in her own mind that things would improve.
Despite the mortification felt by Edith and Lavinia at their reduced status in life and the loss of some personal items sold to alleviate papa’s pecuniary problems, they were enthusiastic about their new role as teachers. The tuition fees payable, whilst not enormous, would help support the family and Mr Watts considered it only proper that his daughters retain a small sum of money for their sole use, as an acknowledgement of the financial responsibility they now enjoyed. For both young ladies it would be a new experience, and Edith in particular viewed it as an adventure and a challenge worth pursuing.
CHAPTER ONE - ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
The large drawing room once converted into a classroom was easily capable of seating twelve pupils so there was more than sufficient room for the initial eight students. Lavinia taught the younger members of the group, and a low oak table with four small chairs served as her teaching area. Edith adopted an area at the furtherest end of the room using a large table equipped with a bench. Writing materials, books and slates were provided at a small cost.
Both women had been thoroughly schooled by their father when he had been more successful in his profession and less pressed for time, and as teachers the Misses Watts proved to be most adequate. Concise in language and instructive in tuition as well as firm believers in discipline (which was a feature of their non-conformist background) the pupils made good progress in their studies and showed some enthusiasm for the task.
At the beginning of the second term of their first teaching year there was an increase in the quota of pupils with eight boys and two girls attending the newly formed school and all coming from the same non-conformist background as the Watts family.
Edith and Lavinia adapted quickly to their new “social” position, but their mother for her part, found the change in the household, and in particular the employment of her daughters, difficult to come to terms with. “No young person of a proper upbringing would contemplate taking up remunerative employment in my day,” she would say. But the household quickly settled down to an altered and more lively routine.
One or two of the new pupils came from neighbourhoods further afield with the remainder coming from the immediate area closest to the school. Most would stay for lunch, when at about midday lessons would cease, and all would file out to the huge kitchen from whence emitted the appetising smells of new baked bread and hot food.
On the right of the whitewashed kitchen was an enormous dresser crowded with blue and white crockery, various kitchenware items hung on the walls and on the left a shining black-leaded range nestled into a large recess, while a long table enclosed by benches lined the middle of the room. The pupils would pour onto the table aiming for the places which were closest to the range, and wait to be served small portions of cheese and potato pie with hunks of new bread, or fish pie, or sometimes as a special treat, cottage pie.
CHAPTER ONE - ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
For two years following the commencement of the school Edith and Lavinia laboured ceaselessly. Upon rising, they would for an hour or so complete tasks for their mother in cleaning the house, before starting teaching duties, and at the end of the day they would assist Mrs Frith in preparing the fare for the following day. Although they had little time to themselves or indeed attended few social events, they were uncomplaining and saw their labour as a necessity for the benefit and advancement of their brothers. “In any event papa would scarcely expect us to do less,” said Lavinia when reporting the present state of affairs to her Aunt Emily.
Mr Watts was pleased with the change of fortune that gradually began to materialise. Although the family was living far more frugally than prior to “our little difficulties” he was able to note some pecuniary improvement, and in the second year gave permission to hire domestic assistance to aid Mrs Frith. The inconsistency of his own employment remained linked to the economic difficulties experienced by the country in the 1840s and it would be another five years hence, in the early 1850s, before an overall improvement in industry and trade in the country would materially bolster his own employment opportunities.
Mrs Emily Grantham, the elder sister of Mrs Watts, lived but a short distance away and would call upon Mary Watts and her family on a regular basis. As a warm, sympathetic and kindly person she contrasted well with her husband, whose business ability in the town was highly respected, though he himself was not greatly liked. Mr Horace Grantham did not feature as an endearing personality in Edith’s eyes nor indeed in the eyes of many others. A large man of a rotund form with an overpowering manner, he possessed an arrogant ability to make any listener feel inferior, combined with an impatient irritable manner. Fortunately his three children were inclined towards the disposition of their mother, and were favoured friends of their cousins.
CHAPTER ONE - ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
“We are having a small event in early December my dears,” said Mrs Grantham to Edith and Lavinia, when she called to see them in late autumn. “I do hope that you will be able to attend.”
She then outlined the guest list, most of whom were already known to the Misses Watts as part of their narrow circle of friends.
“Mr Grantham is adopting a new partner in his business, a Mr Joshua Mascall. He comes from Barnsley,” continued Mrs Grantham. “I do not believe that you have met him. He has two children but poor man unfortunately lost his wife some two years ago. He seems a pleasant enough person and is living close by in Clover Street. Mr Grantham thought it would be appropriate to introduce him to our circle of friends since he knows few in this area.”
The Misses Watts expressed reserved interest at attending the proposed event and promised to look into the possibility if household demands permitted.
In any event Mr and Mrs Watts together with Edith, Lavinia and James were persuaded to attend the evening and early December saw them preparing for the expected festivities.
Edith had made a new dress for the occasion and as she came floating down the stairs her father said, “You look most becoming this evening Edith.” She was indeed a pretty girl, with thick dark hair and large brown eyes. It was a constant surprise to her father that Edith had not yet received a proposal, though he suspected her to be discriminative in choice and did not know she had already deterred several would-be suitors from a final proposition.
Edith, who would occasionally come out with an outrageous remark, and in some people’s eyes even a disrespectful remark, especially when referring to her Uncle Horace, smiled and said. “Thank you papa. It should be a pleasant occasion. It is some considerable time since we all went out together. I feel sure that Uncle Horace will be looking forward to the event to exceed his record for the number of guests he is able to upset in any one evening.”
“Hush”, replied her father with a wry smile. “I am sure it is purely unintentional, if he upsets anybody. He means well.”
CHAPTER ONE - ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
“You know that is not the case papa,” she replied mischievously as she put on her cape.“ Uncle Horace views an evening’s good entertainment as the ability to aggravate as many people as possible. He knows well enough that few will contradict him, and he relies upon that fact to irritate others.”
Her father laughed, clearly in agreement. Nothing further could be said on the matter since Mrs Watts, Lavinia and James arrived at that moment and they all departed for the Grantham household. It was a clear pleasant evening and it took little time for the coach to cover the short distance.
The Grantham family lived in a comfortable, though not ostentatious Georgian property of spacious proportions, and for the evening, the rooms were elegantly illuminated and decorated. The Misses Watts arrived to be cordially greeted by their aunt and uncle and enthusiastically met by their cousins who were of similar ages.
They all swept into the main drawing room whilst from an adjoining room a piano was heard playing and there were further sounds of laughter and talking. Edith and Lavinia circulated amongst various people they knew and Mr Watts noted Mr Charles Ibbotson making straightway towards Edith. Her father observed how, as on previous occasions, Edith skilfully parried any personal remarks from Mr Ibbotson and ensured that she spent limited time alone with him. “He has little chance there,” said Mr Watts to himself, “but one must admire his fortitude.”
“I am glad to see you, Miss Watts. You look very pleasing,” said Mr Ibbotson to Edith.
“How kind of you to say so,” she replied smiling blithely.
“I trust you are well?” he enquired, and then continued. “I have called on you on several occasions but you were either not at home or unable to see me.”
“I have been very busy, as you might already know,” she replied sharply ignoring the recrimination in his voice. “I am quite fully occupied with teaching during the school term and on Sunday, which leaves little time for social or other events, though I have no complaint since I enjoy the children immensely and find the occupation most fulfilling.”
CHAPTER ONE - ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
It was indeed true that both young women had very little unoccupied time available. They taught at their school for five days in the week and on Sundays, either Edith or Lavinia would give of her time freely to take classes for young scholars at the Methodist Chapel whilst the other helped Mrs Watts in the house. For many of the children of the working poor with whom the Methodist Chapel had contact, schooling on Sunday was all that they received in the way of education.
Sometimes the Misses Watts took part in boon days and sewed, embroidered or baked for bazaars to raise funds for the benefit of the poor, in combating the social ills of the time. Edith had been raised under the discipline of authority, but with enough laxity to develop an independent mind. Her way of seeking Christian perfection in life and finding her personal communion with God was through teaching. Mr Ibbotson was well aware of the amount of time she spent in teaching, both for the family and the Chapel, since he himself was a Chapel member and Edith thought his attitude both irritating and arrogant.
“And how are you finding teaching?” he enquired in a slightly patronising tone. “Do you still mean to continue with it as a long term occupation?” His tone of voice indicating that such an idea must surely be merely a female flight of fancy.
“Most certainly,” she replied emphatically. “It is benefiting both to myself and my pupils and whilst others might find it demeaning I do not find it so.”
“I presume though that you would not consider such an occupation if you were to marry?” he asked with some credulity, as though he could barely comes to terms with the idea.
“Marriage precludes women from a choice of occupations and I prefer to select what I may or may not do. In any event marriage is not an option so far as I am concerned,” she replied very firmly, “and it is not something I am prepared to consider at the present time.”
As on previous instances she found his sanctimonious attitude irritating. In fact his whole attitude produced in her angry palpitations. Mr Ibbotson recoiled slightly, realising perhaps for the first time from her forthright manner that his attentions were unlikely to come to fruition.
CHAPTER ONE - ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
She looked past him for her means of escape and said. “Do excuse me Mr Ibbotson but I see Mr and Mrs Mackie to whom I must speak,” and she moved over to another side of the room leaving Mr Ibbotson feeling marginally vexed and alone.
“I see your uncle is in good form tonight,” said Mr John Mackie, when Edith joined him and his wife. He nodded to one area of the main drawing room where Uncle Horace was bombastically holding forth to any person who made the mistake of coming within earshot. With him was a tall man of mature years who was surveying the throng with slight apprehension. “That is Mr Joshua Mascall. He obviously has a strong constitution if he is to be your uncle’s new junior partner.”
Between him and Edith was an affinity of banter towards their host whilst regarding their hostess Mrs Grantham with the warmest affection. “I believe the business of surgical instrument makers is soon to be known as Grantham, Hall and Mascall. They seem to be prospering well. Mascall is a cousin of Sir John Kennedy and his family is well connected and was very wealthy until about two decades ago when his father spent the family fortune on gambling. I believe that Mascall was forced to seek an occupation as a consequence.”
“Uncle Horace was obviously impressed with his credentials,” said Edith with a sly smile.
“Undoubtedly,” replied Mr Mackie, “but I believe that he has some talent too. I see your aunt is introducing him to Lavinia. No doubt you will be the next.”
Scarcely had he spoken when Mrs Grantham was seen with Mr Mascall and Lavinia bearing towards them. A period of introductions then ensued followed by Mr Mackie declaring to Mr Mascall in a slightly teasing manner. “You are most fortunate. You have now met two of the prettiest young women in Sheffield whose talents are only exceeded by those of the daughters of our hostess.”
The Misses Watts smiled at their godfather’s teasing. “Mr Mackie’s view of us is very prejudiced, and stems from long acquaintance, I should warn you,” said Edith to Joshua. “He is inclined to view us through rose tinted spectacles.”
CHAPTER ONE - ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
“And why should I be prejudiced?” queried Mr Mackie with feigned seriousness, “when I am only relating the truth of the matter to the world.”
Mr Mascall looked at Edith with sincere earnestness, and there was no flicker of amusement on his face. He could not see any merit in teasing. He remained intensely stern in manner. “Dear me,” thought Edith. “There is little lightness of humour about him.”
“How have you taken to Rotherham?” asked Mrs Mackie.
“I like it well enough,” replied Mr Mascall. “It will take time to settle here but I believe I will find it most beneficial.”
He answered the various questions put to him by his new acquaintances clearly enough and solemnly, without initiating any further conversation and devoid of any spontaneity. “Mr Mascall’s earnest manner could prove very wearisome,” thought Edith, and after a few minutes she politely disengaged herself from the group and moved away to converse with other friends. Her social events were few and she saw no point in squandering the little time she had available. It was not that Edith preferred company that was merely light hearted, but simply that she believed it essential for one to possess both a sense of humour as well as a serious side to one’s nature. In her eyes too much of one attribute without the other could prove extremely tedious.
At the appropriate hour Mr Mascall escorted Lavinia into an adjoining room where supper was laid out on two long tables. From a distance Edith took the time to study the new partner in her uncle’s business. He was of mature years, possibly some fifteen to twenty years older than Lavinia. Plain, but with a pleasing and courteous manner and appeared to be making himself agreeable to Lavinia who was not immune to his attentions.
With two children to rear he is obviously searching for a suitable wife, Edith thought cynically and said as much the following morning at breakfast when her father asked if she had enjoyed the evening’s festivities, and she indicated that it had been very pleasant.
CHAPTER ONE - ADVERSITY AND RECOVERY
“I see Mr Ibbotson is remorseless in his pursuit of you.” commented her father.
“Yes,” replied Edith, “though I am hopeful it will not be for much longer. I do not like him sufficiently to have to face him every morning at breakfast and I believe he now understands that.”
Mr Watts smiled to himself. Though he took care not to appear openly prejudiced, he admired Edith for her analytical approach and incisive humour. She had gained in confidence and independence of mind over the past two years. Her views had become more discerning, acquired in some part no doubt through self imposed study covering a wide subject area. Often he opposed the views she put forward in conversation but they were invariably refreshing and sometimes stimulating. Lavinia in comparison had remained unsullied by a little education and took no interest in advancing this further. She was almost as pretty as her sister but had little interest in questioning her eventual role in society as a homemaker.
“How did you find Mr Joshua Mascall, Lavinia?” asked her father, who had noted the gentleman who had spent a considerable amount of the evening with her.
“I thought he was very courteous and pleasant company, papa,” she replied. “Would you please pass me the marmalade, Edith?”
“You will need to be wary Lavinia,” said Edith. “He has all the markings of a man searching for a wife. He already has a family and needs an unpaid housekeeper. You could be the perfect prey all ready for consumption.”
“That is somewhat cynical,” replied her father.
“Perhaps,” said Edith and smiled.
Lavinia appeared slightly uncomfortable and her face coloured, but she said nothing as she applied the marmalade to her toast.
“You seem to believe that every widower is simply after domestic help in wishing to marry again. Or would you expound on your theory and say that every man generally is simply desirous of domestic help in wishing to take a wife?” enquired her father with a wry smile of amusement.
“Possibly a man wishing to marry expects some minimal companionship,” Edith said thoughtfully, “but it is tempered by the greater need for his comfort alone. Domestic harmony and procreation can be said to follow as a result of the need for him to gratify his comfort and that is his paramount consideration in marriage.”
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“With such an unfortunate attitude, you will be unlikely to find a husband,” interrupted her mother who was quite aghast at her daughter‘s response. “You have a monstrous opinion of marriage.”
“Perhaps I will not marry,” said Edith philosophically, “but if I do, at least I will not enter marriage under any illusion that I am other than an unpaid domestic serving the whims and convenience of the man who holds the economic purse and with only the rights that he permits me to have,” and she continued, “I cannot accept that I am anything other than a servant to a man when I have neither the economic, political or legal equality as he.”
She smiled wistfully and then seeing the consternation on her mother’s face she added. “Do not worry, mama, I am only jesting.”
Her father said nothing, but raised one eyebrow knowing only too well that was not the case.