SIR JASPER SCRUPLE was looking for his wife. He eventually discovered her in the gazebo, embroidering a firescreen.
“What are you doing out here?” he demanded.
“Embwoiderwing,” Charlotte replied sweetly.
“Embwoiderwing? You're always wuddy embwoiderwing! When is it going to be finished?”
“What's it to you?” thought Charlotte. “Soon,” she said. “Was there something you wanted, Jasper?”
“I'm going out.”
“Will you be vewwy long?” She hoped she had concealed her eagerness.
“What's it to you?” thought Jasper. “What's it to you?” he said.
“I wowwy about you, Jasper, I like to know when you'll weturn.”
So, she worried about him, did she? Had he misjudged her, or was he being worked? Jasper narrowed his eyes. “Quite late," he said, “so don’t bother to wait up.”
Charlotte had no intention of waiting up. It was late in the afternoon, and she had almost given up hope that Jasper would go out at all that day, even though he had stated at breakfast that he planned to ride over to Dunmere to see how his new suit was progressing. Jasper had taken an unusually keen interest in his dress recently, and this was the third time in as many weeks he had insisted upon checking on the poor little tailor's progress. The wretched man evidently had to work long hours, for Jasper as often as not called on him in the evenings. Perhaps they shared a glass or two of ale together, for Jasper often returned in what, for him, was a jolly mood. Charlotte was not especially interested in what he and the tailor might get up to, just as long as it kept him out of the house. She was not at all looking forward to the suit being finished. Perhaps she could persuade him to order a spare pair of trousers?
Charlotte returned to the house and went up to her room. She hoped that Giles had been at his post to see Jasper take the road out of the village and that she would shortly hear his feet on the gravel drive. She took off the drab grey dress she usually wore around the house. Giles liked to see her in something young and frothy, although he usually removed it shortly after his arrival. The touch of rouge which she applied at her mirror was scarce needed, for her cheeks were already a little flushed in anticipation of the joys to come. She looked at the finished effect critically, and approved. She could see why Giles found her so irresistible and why Jasper had risked all to make her his unwilling wife. There was a girlish perfection about her features that men found appealing, and the long flaxen ringlets which framed her little face danced most alluringly when she shook her head. She did so now, liked what she saw, and did it again. Betsy, who had entered a few moments earlier with some freshly-ironed linen, thought her own thoughts.
“What shall I wear tonight, Betsy?” Charlotte asked, regarding herself full-length now in the cheval. Betsy sucked at the corner of her mouth and considered. She felt that Giles would like his paramour best as she was now, in her under-garments, but did not think it very nice to say so. In any case, Lady Charlotte was unlikely to be interested in Betsy's opinion, and would merely be making polite conversation.Betsy made polite conversation too:
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Softcover
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Book Details
Language :
English
Publication Date :
4/30/2010
Format :
Softcover
Dimensions :
6x9
Page Count :
260
ISBN :
9781449077150
About the Book
Will Turnpike, his day’s work done, lay on his back amongst the stubble of the cornstalks. He was very happy. Three large orbs hung over his upturned face: one was the sun, the other two belonged to Betsy, whose body was suspended over his whilst she tickled his ears with a strand of old man’s beard. The ear of grass began to explore the hairs on his chest where buttons had burst off his shirt. Gradually, mysteriously, uncomfortably, the trousers which had fitted perfectly this morning now appeared several sizes too small. But by the time they both went home, the problem had sorted itself out.
As the 19th Century draws to a close, life in the Dorset villages of FossickValley and Clutter Bottom continues as it has done for centuries past, determined chiefly by the changing seasons and the simple needs of its inhabitants. Events “up at the Hall” affect the lives of country folk such as Rufus and Annie Turnpike and their son, Will, far more than the grand designs of politicians in far-away London. Thus, when local squire Sir Jasper Scruple attempts to regain some measure of authority over his unfaithful wife, Charlotte, the ripples threaten to engulf the entire community. Not least affected is newly-arrived village school mistress, Jenny Button, who makes the mistake of offering succour to Charlotte’s lover, Giles Longstaff, in his time of greatest need. Jenny’s kindness results in her life being turned upside down, though few seem to notice as they concentrate on their own desires and ambitions. Passions run high, and dramatic and usually hilarious consequences ensue, but even at its most frenetic, the narrative remains deep-rooted in the English countryside, and the slow, alluring pulse of a lost way of life never stops beating.
About the Author
Bob Bishop was Head of English and Drama at a Norfolk high school for over 30 years. He lives in Norfolk, with his wife, Sally. Together they founded and ran the fringe theatre company The Fossick Valley Fumblers from 1980-2001. (www.fossickvalley.co.uk) The Fumblers, under Bob's direction, became mainstays of the Edinburgh Fringe, where their annual comedy presentations at the Festival Club played regularly to packed houses and critical acclaim. Bob was also director of the Fossick Theatre of Laughter which ran summer repertory seasons at St George's Theatre in Great Yarmouth from 1983-85.
Bob is the author of more than twenty stage plays, including the Sir Jasper Trilogy which inspired this novel.
