Maria and the Bellasis Family 25

Chapter 25

As expected I was asked to leave the convent when the group moved into the new building in Cavndish Square  early this year, 1889. As I had been aware that it was going to happen, it wasn’t such a wrench. The new building is smaller, so they won’t be able to accommodate me there. But the plan is to buy the one next to it, as soon as it is possible (which might not be for years). I was told that when they were finally settled, if there was room for annunitants, I would be welcomed back. 

My step mother, Deborah was very pleased to welcome me back to Exeter.  It is closer for me to visit with Lewin and his family now, but the rest of the family (Edith, Frederick, John Charles and Edgar and their families) are all living in the London area. 

I really only took interest in the work Deborah did with the Exeter Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.  She was the Vice President and Honorary Secretary for that, and for many other groups. 

The group  were in the process of making out a national listing for crimes against animals. The list includes the usual sorts of things you would imagine but also some rather odd ones, that I have made a note of.

4. Penalty for practising phooka (Cow blowing, a disputed process to induce a cow to produce more milk.)

5A. Penalty for being in possession of the skin of a goat killed with unnecessary cruelty 

6C. Penalty for baiting or inciting animals to fight 

7. Penalty for permitting diseased animals to go at large or to die in public place 

I showed an interest in working with the Ladies Assisting  in the Care for Friendless Girls, but was told I wasn’t eligible, not being a Lady myself.  I expect the rich and powerful ladies wanted a contrast between themselves and the poor girls - some of whom were put into a “Preventive House”.  I could have done a lot of good working with those girls, teaching them things that might help them get jobs, but that wasn’t what the "ladies" wanted. 

I think that the group did a great deal of good, even without my help.  They managed to get the age of consent for coupling for girls from 13 to 16.  They provided homes where girls could be trained to be household  servants. They provided money for poor girls to help them buy the required uniform for domestic service.  And they provided a place where babies could be left while the mothers were at work. 

Deborah was involved with Local ladies Bazaar for the Literary Society Building Fund. The Barnfield House garden was left to the Exeter Literary Society and plans were made for a theatre/lecture hall.  It  was opened on 23rd July 1891 as the Barnfield Hall. Built of brick it   has a glass-covered way along the entire front to protect those waiting to go in from the weather. It is licensed for music and dancing and can seat more than 600. It uses limelight for projecting lantern shows. To accommodate both theatre and dancing in the same space, the floor of the auditorium can be tilted, using screw jacks, and the seating has longer front legs to match the tilt.  I went to see most of the offerings. 

The Devonshire Association for the Advancement  of Science Literature and Art was another of Deborah’s pet projects.. Lewin was also involved in this group. I went with Deborah to the Annual Dinner at the Palmerston Hotel, mostly so I could spend some time with my brother. 

She insisted that I buy some new dresses, as the only fairly up to date one I had was the blue I had bought for the theatre several years ago.  I far preferred wearing my black dresses, but she said she was embarrassed that I looked so drab when mixing with her friends.  I compromised and bought a few dark skirts and a selection of white and pale blue blouses. 

So for the most part, Deborah went on her own to her meetings, and there was one nearly every day.  I read books and went to church and prayed for the time to come when I could return to the Society of the Child Jesus in London.