Queen Of Science. Somerville Mary. Читать онлайн. Newlib. NEWLIB.NET

Автор: Somerville Mary
Издательство: Ingram
Серия: Canongate Classics
Жанр произведения: Биографии и Мемуары
Год издания: 0
isbn: 9781847674654
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      At that time Edinburgh was really the capital of Scotland: most of the Scotch families of distinction spent the winter there, and we had numerous acquaintances who invited me to whatever gaiety was going on. As my mother refused to go into society when my father was at sea, I had to find a chaperone; but I never was at a loss, for we were somehow related to the Erskine° family, and the Countess of Buchan, an amiable old lady, was always ready to take charge of me.

      It was under Lady Buchan’s care that I made my first appearance at a ball, and my first dancing-partner was the late Earl of Minto, then Mr Gilbert Elliot°, with whom I was always on very friendly terms, as well as with his family. Many other ladies were willing to take charge of me, but a chaperone was only required for the theatre, and concerts, and for balls in the public assembly rooms; at private balls the lady of the house was thought sufficient. Still, although I was sure to know everybody in the room, or nearly so, I liked to have some one with whom to enter and to sit beside. Few ladies kept carriages, but went in sedan chairs, of which there were stands in the principal streets. Ladies were generally attended by aman-servant, but I went alone, as our household consisted of two maid-servants only. My mother knew, however, that the Highlanders who carried me could be trusted. I was fond of dancing, and never without partners, and often came home in bright daylight. The dances were reels, country dances, and sometimes Sir Roger de Coverley.

      [At this period, although busily engaged in studying painting at Nasmyth’s academy, practising the piano five hours a day, and pursuing her more serious studies zealously, my mother went a good deal into society, for Edinburgh was a gay, sociable place, and many people who recollect her at that time, and some who were her dancing-partners, have told me she was much admired, and a great favourite. They said she had a graceful figure, below the middle size, a small head, well set on her shoulders, a beautiful complexion, bright, intelligent eyes, and a profusion of soft brown hair. Besides the various occupations I have mentioned, she made all her own dresses, even for balls. These, however, unlike the elaborate productions of our day, were simply of fine India muslin, with a little Flanders lace. She says of her life in Edinburgh:—]

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      We returned as usual to Burntisland, in spring, and my father, who was at home, took my mother and me a tour in the Highlands. I was a great admirer of Ossian’s poems, and viewed the grand and beautiful scenery with awe; and my father, who was of a romantic disposition, smiled at my enthusiastic admiration of the eagles as they soared above the mountains. These noble birds are nearly extirpated; and, indeed, the feathered tribes, which were more varied and numerous in Britain than in any part of Europe, will soon disappear. They will certainly be avenged by the insects.

      On coming home from the journey I was quite broken-hearted to find my beautiful goldfinch, which used to draw its water so prettily with an ivory cup and little chain, dead in its cage. The odious wretches of servants, to whose care I trusted it, let it die of hunger. My heart is deeply pained as I write this, seventy years afterwards.

      [1D, 47 verso: The Fife county races were held at Dunfermline and Mrs Wemyss of Cuttle Hill, married to a coarse hard drinking man of good family and fortune, was kind enough to take me to them. She was a witty agreeable woman and a pleasant person for a shy girl to go with, for I still became shy when placed in a new position. I had been at Leith races which were very gay and pretty. At spring tide the sea along the coast of Leith retires to a great distance, leaving the sand hard and dry for the race. On this occasion the course was turf and although the scene was less brilliant and the horses probably not so good, I was delighted and enjoyed the balls which took place on the alternate nights exceedingly because I was well dressed and had plenty of partners. The town was so crowded that we girls had to sleep two in a room. We generally made little parties on the quiet evenings to talk matters over. One night they assembled in the room where I was; we sat up late and were criticising our partners, when we were startled by a loud knock on the wainscot, when a female voice called out, ‘Take care what you say of your beaux, young ladies, for I hear every word.’ It was Mary Lady Clerk, a person well known in Edinburgh. We thought it so ladylike that we thanked her next day.]