Consequences: Chapter Twenty-One
...Mary enjoying her visits with Mary Ann Boyce. She needs to feel at home, and nothing does that better than to have good friends. She has confided about her pregnancy to Mary Ann, (who had already guessed) and now that she has told someone, she feels more content with the situation and is prepared to loosen her stays somewhat. Can’t help but worry about the effect of her tight corsetry might be having on the unborn baby....
Though concerned for the welfare of his wife Mary, as they settle into married life, Charles Simpson Walker, a young man with a vigorous mind and inquistive mind, continues to follow the course of world events.
To read earlier chapters of Jean Day's hugely entertaining historical novel click on Consequences in the menu on this page.
August 1 MONDAY
Mary enjoying her visits with Mary Ann Boyce. She needs to feel at home, and nothing does that better than to have good friends. She has confided about her pregnancy to Mary Ann, (who had already guessed) and now that she has told someone, she feels more content with the situation and is prepared to loosen her stays somewhat. Can’t help but worry about the effect of her tight corsetry might be having on the unborn baby.
5 FRIDAY
Reading in the paper of various items which appear to me to be newsworthy. New machine developed to record sound called a telautograph. Telegraph now reaches across the entire continent in United States. More developments in the camera.
7 SUNDAY
More in papers about Palmerston. Much I knew before, but some not. Did not become PM until he was 71 in 1855, making him the oldest prime minister in history to take up the office for the first time. Elected when Lord Aberdeen was blamed for the disasters of the Crimean War. Palmerston successfully ended the war. His abrasive style earns him the nickname "Lord Pumicestone". In February 1858 he introduced the Government of India Bill to transfer the administration of India from the East India Company to the Crown. Palmerston was out of office for a year and a half. During that time he helped to form the Liberal Party in 1859. He returned to government as PM a few days after party formed.
8 MONDAY
Feeling somewhat ill today. Probably due to exceptionally hot weather. Jones called in; Mary wishing him away. I had to speak sharply to her on the impropriety of her objecting to my company: Harry called.
9 TUESDAY
Mary is taking good care of the invalid – providing all sorts of cures she has had from Mary Ann’s mother’s book of useful receipts. Mary’s peaceful, truthful & pure mind is a pearl beyond price.
10 WEDNESDAY
Another day off work, but well enough to read the papers which Mary brought back from town. Much is being made of the perfect space storm which rained down electrons. It is supposed to be the most powerful onslaught of solar energy in recorded history. Space storms are created when the Sun erupts, sending charged particles racing outward, an expanding bubble of gas called plasma. I wonder if our hot weather is a result of this.
11 THURSDAY
Mr. Needham glad to see me back & to be relieved in his work; Considerate & kind letter from Father.
13 SATURDAY
Letter to Father. Working in garden. Still very hot.
14 SUNDAY
Mary feeling a bit conspicuous and has suggested that we curtail our social events now, so as not to arouse curiosity as to her much increased size. We did not go to church today.
15 MONDAY
Mr. Needham went to Bristol, being subpoenaed on a trial action which Mr. Bass (his father-in-law) has brought against Mr. Sanders (his friend) - pleasant!
16 TUESDAY
On receiving the Yorkshireman on Tuesday wrote to Father respecting it. Up at Boughton on my own (having been at Wilson's the evening previous) found Aunt dangerously ill with inflammation of the bowels, likely to turn to jaundice at one time but luckily arrested.
18 THURSDAY
Wrote on Thursday to Father; a very long one with all my feelings in it; Wish I could be honest and tell him of our plans regarding Mary’s confinement, but she feels it is important that only her family and my aunt and we know of it.
20 SATURDAY
Saturday, Mr. N. did not return for market so I had to attend; he arrived in the afternoon; the action, not having come to a trial; Mr. Sanders at the last moment making the requisite apology. Busy until 10 at the office. A dreary unrelieved week.
21 SUNDAY
Letter to Father, went up to Boughton, found Aunt better & added PS to that effect. At Aunt Wilson’s to tea; walked with Richard & Uncle on Henwick Rd. Mary feeling somewhat left out of things.
22 MONDAY
Monday, Mr. Needham left again, on his Leominster journey for a week.
23 TUESDAY
Jones & I went (Mary declined to go) to the Musical Festival Concert in the College Hall. (Gallery 5) well attended; Formes who was announced to sing several songs, was declared "indisposed" which all endeavored to credit, but could scarcely do so. Mamselle Sophie Cruvell however made ample amends by singing an additional aria; she is a most magnificent songstress, throwing such glorious tones out as completely swept off in amazement & storming the audience who were half wild with delight. She is very young & her voice is sweetly fresh & powerful; Sims Reeves also was excellent, but beyond this was nothing of moment except Miss Birch's selection from Destrischult & the orchestra performance of the overture to Beethoven's Fidelio.
24 WEDNESDAY
Read Carlyle's Latter Day Pamphlet on Jesuitism; Emerson on Nature; glorious day & glorious landscape; had tea at Boughton, Harry pleased about re-commencing a New Series of the P.I.P. Magazine.
25 THURSDAY
Letter from Lindsay this morning, detailing his pleasant trip in Wales with his wife and family. Also Charlie & Eliza, Mr. Holt & family.
26 FRIDAY
Wrote to Uncle Clephan, about my illness and return to work, what I have seen & felt.
27 SATURDAY
Received letter from Mrs. Russell; accompanied by a pot of preserved ginger, wrote & thanked her for that & her letter & receipt.
28 SUNDAY
I walked 4 or 5 miles on the Martley Road but coming to rain so returned; Mary feeling sluggish and fat. Read about Carlyle’s Lecture on the Hero as Priest; words to the heart. At Garden.
29 MONDAY
Mr. Barnesley visiting again called & had tea, looks remarkably well. Accompanied him part way to St. Johns.
30 TUESDAY
Letter from Charley Cox. Jones down in evening. Tuesday evening wrote to Lindsay a long letter on his Welsh trip, on the blessings of a home & marriage. Mary will be leaving soon. I will travel with her to York, and then come promptly back again. Arriving in York by 3.12, I will just have time to take her to Aunt’s house before I take the 5.35 back. How will I cope while she is gone?
31 WEDNESDAY
Rec'd Yorkshireman from home & Gateshead Observer from Uncle Clephan. Aunt Walker & Maria called, asking us to go to Concert tomorrow with them. Declined and said Mary was not well, and also might be needed at home in York as some emergency is indicated in letters from her Mother.
