Note: As an introduction to the world of Silverstream, this narrative account of the characters and the Society they represent has been created by production dramaturg, Annaliese McSweeney, inspired by the characters created by D. E. Stevenson in Miss Buncle’s Book and Christina Calvit’s adaptation of those characters for the stage production.
Tea Time with Mrs. Featherstone Hogg
Oh dear! Barbara Buncle realized she hadn’t heard a word Sarah Walker was saying. She had let her mind wander once more. But it is just so interesting to watch the people around her! She really should pay better attention to Sarah since she is always there when you need her. She hardly ever overlooks Barbara, and never judges her for her shabby clothes. Sarah’s lack of concern for things like that is probably what has kept Sarah on the outside of the social circles of the likes of Mrs. Featherstone Hogg and Mrs. Carter, but none of that really matters to Sarah, which is what Barbara loves about her. While Sarah was the kindest woman you could ever meet, her stories about her sweet little twins and her good-hearted husband couldn’t keep Miss Buncle’s attention like watching the hustle and bustle of Silverstream society in Mrs. Featherstone Hogg’s drawing room.
Speaking of, Barbara’s eyes catch the flashy host of this afternoon’s tea. As the richest lady in town, Mrs. Featherstone Hogg regularly hosts an afternoon tea party with a poetry reading in her home to help improve the lives of those around her, if only she could serve better coffee! Considered “new money” and filled with ideas of her own self-importance, she is constantly trying to impress the other wealthy neighbors and to assert her position of influence in the town. She does not speak much to Barbara, of course, because she is such an unimportant person, but when she does, Barbara could not help feeling it was good of Mrs. Featherstone Hogg to bother to speak to her at all. Mr. Featherstone Hogg is more tolerable, but has no problem letting his wife run the show; after all, it is easier than fighting with her. The town only ever takes notice of him as Mrs. Featherstone Hogg’s husband, not a person in his own right.
Miss Buncle’s thoughts wander to Colonel Weatherhead who is talking to his neighbor, Mrs. Dorthea Bold. Since he retired from the army, he can spend his days as he wishes, often at teatime with other members of the landed gentry. He is gallant and jocular and the ladies appreciate his social mannerisms. A kind man at heart, he is accustomed to helping and serving others when needed, but he also enjoys a good fight with the plants in his garden. Colonel Weatherhead often helps Mrs. Dorthea Bold deal with pesky workmen who don’t take a woman seriously. Widowed and living in her grand home alone, she is always bright and cheery and despite the workmen, tremendously independent. Barbara really must make plans to have Dorthea over for tea soon.
Mrs. Bulmer gets up to make her excuses to leave, a typical occurrence. Every time, Margaret heads home early to put the children down for their nap before Stephen tries to work on his book. Living a privileged life, Stephen has dedicated his days to writing the Life of Henry the Fourth, but everyone knows he does so very seriously. In fact, Margaret has to be careful not to cross him. That is very difficult, however, when he is ever so touchy and sometimes the neighbors do notice (although they always pretend not to). Needless to say, the atmosphere at the Bulmer’s home is a little tense, but Barbara has never heard Margaret complain because she loves her darling children so much, which is more important than her own peace of mind.
Mrs. Goldsmith interrupts Barbara’s thoughts by offering her a fresh scone. The town baker, Mrs. Goldsmith knows each member’s routine and what type of bread they prefer, and Barbara wonders what other secrets she knows. Not invited as a guest, Mrs. Goldsmith is working this afternoon and has only stopped here to drop off the fresh baked goods.
Before she leaves, Mrs. Goldsmith stops to say hello to Mr. Dick, Mr. Fortunum, and Mr. Durnet. Barbara thinks to herself that they look a bit out of place in this setting, staying off to their own, and talking among themselves on their brief break before heading back to their normal lives and jobs. Mr. Dick runs the local guesthouse at which Mr. Fortunum has staying and Mr. Durnet is working class, but old and hard of hearing and everyone just puts up with him.
Barbara notices a few new faces in the room. That young woman next to Mrs. Carter must be her granddaughter; although Barbara thought she was much younger by the way Mrs. Carter had talked about her. Mrs. Carter is from an old Society family in Silverstream with quite a bit of influence in London, even if she is an old stick in the mud. Of an older generation with charm and manners, she is regular entertainer and friendly with most of the ladies of the town. Having been neighbors for a long time, Barbara and Mrs. Carter get along just fine, although her options of the “youth” these days are a bit old fashioned for Barbara’s tastes. Perhaps living her young granddaughter will change that.
Her granddaughter, Barbara seems to remember was her name was Sally, seems interesting. On the surface she looks spunky and free-spirited. According to her grandmother, Sally has been living in town (London) with her father who is an influential diplomat and traveling the world entertaining her father’s acquaintances. Sally has no problem speaking her mind, as Barbara has already seen her speak up excitedly in response to prim grandmother. Barbara wonders if she could be the breath of fresh air Silverstream needs.
Vivian Greensleeves is talking to another new face, the new vicar, Ernest Hathaway. Barbara has heard some interesting rumors about Ernest. The only son of a wealthy investor, he has come to town to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, who is also a religious man. An intellectual, generous, and good-hearted man, Ernest seems to be settling into caring for this town and tending to its flock well. With a privileged background and high quality tastes, no wonder he has attracted the attention of Mrs. Greensleeves. She is pretty woman who enjoys pretty things. Originally from town, Barbara suspects she only moved to the country because she is cutting back since her husband’s death. In any case, this new scheme of hers will be interesting to watch unfold.
In another corner, Isabella Snowdon is sitting with Miss King and Miss Pretty. Miss Snowdon is the righteous and proud daughter of another higher-class family still living at home. Quick to talk of her own accomplishments, she is not always the best listener. Miss King and Miss Pretty are two unmarried orphans, who have intertwined their lives to look after one another. They are regulars about town together and Barbara quite enjoys their company. They compliment each other well – Miss King is bold, forward, and confident, whereas Miss pretty is docile and tends to “lean” on others. They have a nice quiet life, with just enough to be comfortable without worry, although Barbara wonders if Silverstream is a little too dull for them.
Barbara’s attention snaps back to Sarah talking about her husband, who is the town doctor. John is a kind, well-respected Scotsman, with no patience for fake illnesses. Like her husband, Sarah is intelligent enough to help anyone, even her husband, work through the most difficult problems, although she would never talk about it to anyone else. Sarah is a genuine and transparent person, which is a rare thing in Silverstream, indeed! Just as Sarah asks Barbara her opinion on the subject, and Barbara is about to be caught out for not paying attention, Mrs. Featherstone Hogg calls the ladies and gentlemen in her drawing room to attention. It was time to begin the poetry reading. This class of people is expected to be refined and cultured, and if Mrs. Featherstone Hogg needs to be the one to make sure that happens, she is willing to take on that task, if only to prove that she can do it.