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DOC :1830 - Campbell Bury - The Exclusives Vol I.txt

THE
  EXCLUSIVES.

VOL. I.

THE
  EXCLUSIVES.

IN THREE VOLUMES.

VOL. I.

SECOND EDITION.

LONDON:
  HENRY COLBURN AND RICHARD BENTLEY,
  NEW BURLINGTON STREET.

1830.

LONDON:

Printed by J. L. Cox, Great Queen Street,
  Lincoln's-Inn Fields.

THE EXCLUSIVES.

CHAPTER I.

THE BOUDOIR.

The boudoir of a woman of fashion exhibits in its history, if
faithfully recorded, a picture of the manners, modes, and morals of the
times; and, however little such things in themselves might deserve to
be handed down, or registered as objects of imitation, yet to chronicle
them for the day would not be without its use. The sensible part of
mankind would laugh at the follies, and wonder at the extravagance,
which the page of such ephemeral history unfolded; while the actors in
the scene might possibly view in the mirror held up to them their own
lives, and their own actions, in a new and truer light.

Lady Tilney's boudoir,--the boudoir _par excellence_,--was not in fact
a boudoir, according to the old legitimate meaning of the word. Indeed,
Lady Tilney herself, the presiding deity of the sanctuary, professed
her contempt of legitimacy in boudoirs, as well as in sovereigns; at
least she did so in words, though, like many other professors, her
words and actions frequently contradicted each other; and it may be
questioned if there are any greater despots, than those who inveigh
most against despotism.

But to return from this digression to the boudoir. Lady Tilney's
boudoir was destined to the reception of far other votaries than
those of the old _rabattu_ god of love. No: her boudoir was visited
by persons of a very different character from those who were formerly
the frequenters of such a scene. Authors, poets, political intriguers,
artists, and committees for the management of the state of society,
formed the chief personages among those who figured there, and their
business was of a very different complexion from that of the supposed
use, or original meaning ascribed to a boudoir.

In the former, of old, the painted harpsichord, the huge cabinet, the
gigantic chimney-piece, the tapestried wall, were suited to the silken
garb, and bag and sword, that formed the attire of the male part of
its visitants; as well as to the hoop and fly-cap of the ladies who
presided there. In this modern temple of idolatry, only a few of
the ancient decorations were allowed a place, such as the marquetry
cabinet, the _or-moulu_ clock, or vase of China; but for the rest, what
a change!

Volumes of worth, and works of merit and deep learning, were now
covered by the novels of the day, or hidden by trivial elegancies newly
imported from Paris; while on the walls, the rare productions of Titian
or Vandyck were intermingled with some chalky portrait of the modern
school, tricked out in the millinery geer of the fashion of the day.
Scattered on the tables, however, there was a redeeming feature in the
character of the decorative objects which met the eye, for there lay
some richly chased gold ornaments, the works of Benvenuto Cellini, or
some one not less skilful, though it may be of forgotten name; and
while these ornamented the apartment, they served the double purpose of
affording Lady Tilney an opportunity, not only to discourse on their
beauty, but to enter into all the particulars of Cellini's strange life.

Add to this description of the boudoir and its visitants, the
occasional presence of Lady Tilney's beautiful children, and its
portraiture is closed; but not so the genius and history of all the
transactions, councils, and cabals which took place there. These will
be best understood, by passing from the boudoir to Lady Tilney's own
character and pursuits; if to describe these by any means were indeed
possible: but it would be an endless, hopeless task, to enumerate all
that Lady Tilney did, or fancied _she did_--still more what she said;
for to do her justice, her's was no vapid existence of the mere routine
of a London lady's life.

No--indolence was not the besetting sin, insipidity was not the vice
of her _morale_ or her _physique_. But as to enumerating severally the
subjects which employed her care, and the various branches of these
subjects into which she diverged, that indeed would be difficult. Her
life and occupations may, perhaps, be best delineated by representing
them as one vast bazar of interests, all equally claiming her
attention--"the court, the camp, the senate, and the field:" certainly
the field of Newmarket, where it is said she regulated her husband's
calculations and interests with great success.

These objects, and many more than these, which, as the charlatans say
at the end of their lists, are too tedious to mention, filled up the
life of this laborious and distinguished lady. Nor were her labours
less onerous in managing the government of the society of _ton_. Her
rule was there despotic--her word was law;--and if some few persons
pretended to step aside, not following the fashionable multitude in
bowing the knee to Baal, or ventured to think for themselves in the
circle in which she moved, immediately, as though by an enchanter's
wand, they were banished thence, and some more amalgamating spirit
was chosen to fill up the vacancy. There was a kind of air-gun fired,
which was sure to hit the mark, without betraying the hand that drew
the trigger: a sort of _lettre-de-cachet_, as effectual as those
promulgated in the times of Louis le Grand, which consigned to oblivion
the offending persons, while the victims themselves could not fathom
any cause or assign any particular reason for the sentence.

Nevertheless, in the very midst of this ruling and reigning, this
despotic sway in the court of _ton_, a secret dissatisfaction existed
in the breast of Lady Tilney. She, indeed, was one of those haughty
liberals who affect to despise kings and courts; not because they
dislike those necessary evils, as they call them, but because they are
themselves, or would be if they could, the greatest of all sovereigns.

Notwithstanding, therefore, the high ground of rank and situation
on which she stood, it rankled at her heart to have offended her
sovereign, and to feel herself an object of just dislike to him; for,
however great the magnanimity shewn to her on the occasion of her
offence, still to be aware that, under circumstances, she could no
longer be considered a favourite at court, was in itself a source of
the deepest mortification. Impressed with this consciousness, what was
to be done? Why, render all courts the subject of flippant raillery;
vote them and their sovereigns old-fashioned bores; erect herself into
a queen, and have a court of her own. In truth, this plan agreed better
with her self-love than any other; because sovereigns and courts, in as
far as regards the outward decorum of forms, regulate and keep society
in its proper course; whereas, under the sham dynasty of _ton_, caprice
bears rule, and tyranny in its worst sense marks the conduct of those
who sit on its ephemeral throne.

Connected with this system, the pride of ancestry too was necessarily
another subject of ridicule with Lady Tilney, who thought that those
who, on such grounds, pretended to take any lead in the world of
fashion, had much better retire to their castles, and there indulge in
dreams of their greatness.

Nor did Lady Tilney's thirst for power end with her effort for
universal dominion in matters of _ton_--she had another ambition,
that of leading and controlling the political party to which she had
attached herself. Here, however, her sway was more imaginary than real;
and often the long-headed politician, or crafty diplomate, as they
listened with apparent complacency to her advice, allowed her words
to fall unheeded on their ear, or laughed at her in secret. With the
young and uninformed aspirants in the career of political life, Lady
Tilney had, perhaps, more success; and many a rising scion of a noble
house has been known to adopt, under the influence of her smiles, and
from a foolish vanity of being noticed by her, a line of conduct quite
at variance with the wishes of their parents, and to the sacrifice of
their own best interests.

In this grasp at power, however successfully achieved, Lady Tilney felt
herself ill at ease--her mind was continually harassed by reflections
on the tottering and uncertain tenure of _ton_, and the possibility,
nay, probability, of some younger, newer person, climbing to the
envied seat which she then possessed. The fear of a certain Duchess
of Hermanton was constantly before her imagination, as the embodied
object of her alarm; and she considered it as a measure little short
of self-preservation, to secure her influence, if possible, on a still
firmer basis, by some decided act, or the invention of some fresh
folly. As to Almack's, that circle of exclusiveness had been polluted;
its brief course was run, and its brightness on the decline.

The more Lady Tilney reflected on the subject, the more she became
convinced of the expediency of her intentions; and determined,
therefore, to mature her plan immediately. Having despatched her notes
to the Comtesse Leinsengen, Lady Tenderden, and Lady Ellersby, she
commanded that no one should be admitted to her presence but themselves.

"Yet stay, Destouches," she added to the page, as she issued her
orders; "Prince Luttermanne by all means, should he call." And then,
having given audience to three cooks, four painters, two authors, an
authoress, and several milliners, she finished with advice to a poet
and a critique upon his work.

Lady Tilney, before the arrival of the personages she had written to
(for Lady Tilney knew the value of intervals), arranged her list of
engagements; tossing some into the fire--with the velocity of one well
practised in the weight, measure, and value of names; and examining
others of more importance. She determined to mar all that might
interfere with her own views in society.--"Mrs. Annesly, truly what
a griffin! and the Countess of Delamere, and Lady Melcombe!--but the
Marchioness of Borrowdale! that indeed requires attention." Lady Tilney
rang the bell--Destouches appeared in a minute--the peculiar hasty
touch of call was known to the well-appointed page. "Send Arquimbeaud
here!" and the distinguished Arquimbeaud soon obeyed the summons. "I
have determined to have a party, Arquimbeaud, next Thursday; see that
cards are issued for that day, according to this list."

As he withdrew, Comtesse Leinsengen was announced. The immense bonnet
and deep veil--the splendid cashmere and still long petticoats
(although they were generally worn very much shortened), afforded a
favourable costume to the lady who now advanced; certain defects were
thus concealed, and imagination might lend that delicacy of slimness
and form to the feet and ancles which pervaded the rest of the person,
but which did not characterize those of the Comtesse.

The rapid volubility of the one lady, and the sharp short sentences
of the other, began the conference. Lady Tilney placed the most
luxurious of all the luxurious chairs close to the fire, pushed
forward the screen, and with the eagerness of apparent friendship,
seemed to wish to make her visitor quite at home: or, as she expressed
it, "deliciously comfortable." "You have learned that word now,
dear Comtesse,--indeed you have adopted it; and there is no one who
understands the thing so perfectly as yourself."

Midst all these courtesies and courtings the Comtesse observed a
sort of abstracted air, though they were (and so far Lady Tilney was
sincere) things of course.

"My dear Comtesse, I am so glad we have a minute alone, to discuss
our plans. I have many things of consequence to say to you; but before
I begin I must speak to you of that horrible affair of poor Lady
Mailing's; it is quite impossible to support her any longer, for you
are aware her secret is publicly known. So long as she was prudent,
and observed appearances, it was all very well; but _now_ it will
be impossible for me to receive her. You know I never did receive
any body who placed themselves in a similar situation--not even my
own relations; my character has always been _intacte_, and I cannot
_compromète_ myself, though I am very sorry for poor Lady Mailing;
and had she only avoided this _esclandre_, and managed her affair
prudently, I would have stood by her to the end; but as it is--"

"Oh, certainly not," interrupted the Comtesse; "you must be conscious
that every one knows Lady Tilney's high reputation, and it would never
be supposed dat you would countenance a belle passion; vraiment, quand
on est tellement dupe as to sacrifice sa position dans le monde, to a
man's vanity, or to be playing de sentimentale at forty, it is quite
enough to make one sick, and she well deserves to be vat you call
blown. _Mais, de grâce_, do not let us prose more about her--_vat
sinifies?_"

"Oh, very true, and then there are other matters of so much greater
consequence to consider. Do you really think that this administration
will hold--you who are in all the secrets?--positively you must tell
me. I am sure if that man (lowering her voice to a whisper) is at the
head of affairs, all must go wrong--poor England! what will become of
you? But we will never allow that--shall we?"

"Oh! trève de politiques, ma chere, si vous m'aimez; it is a subject
quite marital, and therefore, you know, not at all in my way. What I
want to revolutionize, or rather to reform, is your state of society."

"Precisely, my dear Comtesse, it is the very subject on which I wished
to talk to you, when I wrote requesting to see you--you received my
note, did you not?"

"Oh, yes; but it is an affair on which we hold such very different
opinions. My maxim is, se bien amuser d'après sa propre volonté--that
is what I want to do; and to tell you the truth, I am ennuyé à la mort
in your London world--every thing is so stupid here! Vat signify dat
tiresome Almack, after all? It was good enough at first, when it put
people in a passion, et pendant que se faisoit fureur; but now that,
somehow or oder, you liberales admitted every petite demoiselle vid her
red elbows, and vulgar mama to take care of her, it has lost all its
character, and I positively intend to withdraw my name. Besides, de
lady patronesses cannot even maintain a seat at de top of de room--de
oder night I find Lady Melcombe and her daughter perch up in my seat;
and though I walked over them and stared them down, dey positively took
no hint, but sat still so comfortably vulgar it was quite provoking.
No, no, my dear, Almack's day is finish and de thing must fall--so
never stay by a falling friend; when a person or a ting begins to
totter, leave it."

"Very true," rejoined Lady Tilney; "there is much truth in what you
advise (and she looked very grave). But then, you know, my dear
Comtesse, you must consider the independence of our constitution--which
makes it very difficult--"

"Not to have a stupid society.--Agreed."

"But the great number of our nobility," rejoined Lady Tilney, "and the
weight and consequence of a still greater number of influential members
in the other house"----

"Renders all your pretences of a société choisie mere pretence."

"Pardon me, Comtesse, you have yourself owned that my parties are
select; and you yourself, although in a public situation, contrive
to leave out those who do not suit your purpose. After all, what can
tend more to the preservation of society?--than such impertinence" was
on Lady Tilney's tongue; but she checked herself, and added with a
little cough that gave time for reflexion: "What can tend more to the
maintenance of a société distinguée than the exercise of this choice,
made without reference to the rank or situation of the parties, but
merely dependent on the voice of the few who are formed to lead?"

"Very true," rejoined the Comtesse Leinsengen, "and if that system
was properly upheld, it is the only chance of not being _obsédé_ by
vulgars;--but you do not act upon it sufficiently. As to myself, I can
no long bear de whole ting; my health does not permit of your late
hours, and I generally go away when your company are beginning to
arrive. And then these great routs of your Duchess D'Hermantons and
your Ladi Borrowdales and Aveling, sont à dormir de bout."

"Agreed, my dear Comtesse, I do so agree with you; it is the very
matter I am longing to discuss with you. Do let us settle something
amongst ourselves, that shall rid us of all these evils, and establish
a _société à part_. I must tell you what I have already done to effect
this purpose. You know that odious Lady Borrowdale has one of her
everlasting At Homes next Thursday, to meet their Royal Highnesses the
---- as usual, that vulgar decoy; so I have therefore countermanded my
former invitations, and issued my cards for that very day--Nobody will
go there, will they?"

"Perhaps not many; and if some do, there are plenty left."

"Yes," said Lady Tilney, with ill-concealed anxiety, "but you know the
royalties always do accept her invitations."

"What matters dat--you do not care for royalties." For an instant
Lady Tilney's command of language was checked--she almost betrayed her
vexation, when fortunately the name of Lady Ellersby was announced,
whose dawdling drawl, as she entered the apartment, smoothed over the
asperities which began to mark the conversation, and which might have
rendered it in the end a little too _piquante_.

"My dear Lady Ellersby," said Lady Tilney, "how charmed I am to
see you. I was dying to meet you, to consult you, to enjoy your
entertaining society." The Comtesse Leinsengen smiled significantly, as
she said, "And so was I."

"Consult me! La--well, that is something quite new--nobody ever
consulted me; but pray explain what you mean."

"Oh! we want to establish some regulations by which our society shall
be distinguished, and which shall save us from the inroads of all these
people whom we are constantly meeting, and obliged to be civil to,
whether we will or no--in short, something that shall make us, as we
ought to be--a _race à part_."

"I thought," Lady Ellersby replied, "we always were that."--"To
be sure we were; but then, my dear, you know abuses will creep in,
and all constitutions require from time to time to be strengthened
or reformed, according to circumstances; and you know, my dear Lady
Ellersby, that we have all of us long since lamented that Almack's,
which was excellent in its way, has now, from the infringement on
its privileges, become quite corrupted from its original design, and
something positively must be done, or we shall be overwhelmed _en
masse_--something to stem this torrent, this inroad of Goths and
Vandals."

"Dear me, that sounds very alarming--you quite frighten me; I don' t
understand you--pray tell me what it is you propose."

"Why," answered Lady Tilney, "we wish to form a society entirely
to ourselves, which shall be quite exclusive--a society for which
we shall settle _d'avance_ every particular and qualification of
the persons who may be admitted to it. Thus you see (turning to the
Comtesse Leinsengen), my dear Comtesse, we shall never do any thing
but in concert with each other, and never invite any one but those who
entirely suit us. You understand me now, don't you?" addressing Lady
Ellersby.

"Oh dear, yes! I think I do."

"No, no, you do not understand her. Permettez--in one word I will
explain vat Lady Tilney mean to say: voici le mot de l'énigme--you are
all English, and though you do your _possible_ you cannot help being
English. You are all afraid in dis country to do vat you like best; and
though Lady Tilney propose to ask only de chosen few, you will none of
you do so in reality, take my word for dat. You talk freedom, but act
in chains. Now we, au contraire, _chez nous_--we women I mean--do de
freedom, and never tink of de chain at all; but whenever you ladies
make your lists for your parties for instance; den comes--dis is not
politic, _toder_ is not right,--dis is not my husband's pleasure; some
scarecrow or anoder is always driving you off de land of amusement. Now
you say you will open your doors only to those you like, and you are
right--dere is no oder secret for to make pleasant society; but you
will _not_ do it nevertheless, ladies, for you are all de cowards."

"Indeed, my dear Comtesse," rejoined Lady Tilney, "you will find
that we _shall_, though--and I think effectually; although there are
certain principles in our constitution which extend to the ruling even
of private life--and these the wives of certain nobles cannot wholly
overlook." Comtesse Leinsengen shrugged her shoulders.

"Ah, dear, it is as I thought, you are de woman I like best in dis
country; but you are all over shackle, up to de ear in de _qu'en dira
t'on_! De plebe ought to be made of de noble's opinion, not de noble
constrained to dat of de vulgar."

"That may do very well with you," rejoined Lady Tilney, "but with us
as an unqualified maxim it will never do. I grant, Comtesse, all that
you say can be done in one's own house, where one makes one's own laws
and rules in one's own way: so far it is only asserting one's own right
to liberty, and as far as we can persuade people to be of the same way
of thinking it is all right. But I have too much liberty in my heart to
desire to tyrannize as you suggest; and, in fine, confess myself too
much of an Englishwoman to wish to see your system prevailing amongst
us."

Lady Tilney said this in a tone of English pride, which proved that she
had not forgotten all that was best worth remembering, although it was
in contradiction to the spirit of what had fallen from her a moment
before.

Lady Tilney, however, dealt largely in contradiction at all times. The
Countess Ellersby smiled; the Comtesse Leinsengen again shrugged her
shoulders, drew her shawl around her, and was preparing to depart,
saying, "Well! mes chères dames, I leave you to the enjoyment of your
liberty, and have done."

"But I have not done," said Lady Tilney; "I am determined we shall
have a society that shall be quite our own, and yet not subversive of
principles we must uphold. (Another shrug of the shoulders.) Allow me
to say, that if you, Comtesse, and you, my dear Lady Ellersby, will
but second me, I am sure we shall not fail, and I know I may reckon o...

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