My Grandma's Diaries - June-Dec 1891

My Grandmother's Diaries, June to December- 1891

I had sold my father's house, well, big house anyway, and was able to purchase a much smaller house on Bowen Road by the tramway in Hong Kong. The road was noisy with the constant traffic but the high front fence and a small fern garden in the narrow court yard provided a lot of noise relief.

I remained here, with my maid, friend, lover, Li and my father's cook, Mr Wong. He chose to remain with me, even though I had offered to recommend him to a larger, better paying establishment. He told me that my Chinese was awful and I needed to learn to cook. Apparently my father had already provided for Mr Wong, according to his, now my, solicitor, Mr Caper.

(Excerpt from an 1895 diary: When I decided to leave Hong Kong, Mr Wong told me that he would never have a child of his own, that I was closer to a daughter than an employer for him. The day I left, he told me he knew what I was doing, working for Mrs Caldwell, but he stayed because of loyalty to my late father and his love of me. I have never had any Chinese express himself in that way and it was a truly sad day to leave him. He and Lin would be staying together in our house which made me glad.) [Ed: additional note.]

I loved the Chinese market, the aromas, the energy in the air of people haggling, of the hustle and bustle of coolies moving goods in and out, of so many Chinese women looking to make deals to feed their families. I had haggled some good deals with traders, buying some silk taffeta and other cloth, some foods and a few small household items. Li was with me, in the background, giving me a nod when she thought I had gone as far as I could or a shake of her head if the deal was not good. I was there to practice my Cantonese, the main dialect used in Hong Kong, the purchases were the excuse.

Li was quite fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese, proficient in teaching me both, but I still needed to get out into the real world to learn to speak the languages properly. They are both tonal languages and not mutually understandable. An Englishman from the North can speak to an Englishman from the South, each with appalling accents, but they can understand each other, mostly. Mandarin and Cantonese are essentially similar but the inflections, the tones, make them entirely different languages. Mandarin is the preferred language of mainland Chinese, whereas Cantonese is the majority spoken language in Hong Kong. For some reason, all Chinese dialects use the same written language, so communication between the dialectically different cultural groups is still clear and precise.

When we arrived home, by rickshaw, purchases in hand, Mr Wong handed me a letter that had been delivered while I was out. It was from Mrs Caldwell.

Mrs Caldwell is a vivacious somewhere around fifty year old woman who runs a bawdy house. I don't work in it, I am strictly for upper class, wealthy, Chinese clients, the heads of trading concerns, political appointees, whatever. As long as they had the funds to pay for my services, I was there to receive them. I had auctioned my innocence last Christmas and Mrs Caldwell would send me a note whenever there was a client who would like me to service them. It was often repeat business, but there were any number of wealthy Chinese TaiPans whom I had not met yet. Believe me, I was the only European woman who was safely available to them so they paid well.

All my clients were on the Mainland, Kowloon and Guangzhou, except one, here on the island. We were not likely to ever meet but it didn't matter, he was a man of the utmost discretion. This note from Mrs Caldwell was different, it asked if I was interested in going to Macau for a week, not just an overnight stay, but a whole week. A week for my services was going to be very costly, so how could I resist? Never having been to Macau before, it would be interesting, even if I don't get to see too much of it outside a few ceilings. I penned a note and called a messenger boy to deliver it to an address here on Hong Kong. The person receiving it would pass it to Mrs Caldwell immediately and I would expect a response tomorrow. I don't know how they do this, it just works.

The response came before 10:00 am, asking me to visit Kowloon this afternoon, so it must be either urgent or Mrs Caldwell has a special reason for want to see me. Li and I took the noon ferry across the harbour and a rickshaw to a house where I knew Mrs Caldwell would be waiting.

"Victoria, please come in," our hostess welcomed us, "Mrs Caldwell is in the drawing room."

"Thank you Mai-Ling," I replied, "Do you know what's happening? It's all very rushed."

I didn't expect she would even if she is high in Mrs Caldwell's confidence, "Mrs Caldwell will tell you herself," she replied, "But if I understand it correctly, you may be a lot more wealthy on your return than you are now."

She opened the door to the drawing room and let me in. Mrs Caldwell was sitting as a desk, with a small glass of sherry in her hand.

"Come in my dear," she said as Mai-Ling closed the door. "Sit-sit." Pointing at a chair. We went through the small talk, the hellos and how are you and is everything alright, so clearly whatever is on Mrs Caldwell's mind is no small matter. She is usually decisive, straight-forward and this was making me somewhat nervous.

"Please, Mrs Caldwell, may we get to whatever it is you asked me here for?"

She sat up a little, somewhat surprised, I thought then said, "Yes, I am sorry, I have been avoiding raising this. It is a matter of extreme delicacy." She paused, took a breath and said, "I have a task for you in Macau."

"Yes, I saw the note and a week long trip would be an experience. Never having been there, I think I would like it."

"You may not wish to go when you hear who the client is to be." That was a surprise. "I understand if you choose not to go, it is your decision." This must be something very different then.

"Oh? Who is this mysterious client then?"

"The Governor of Macau has been invited to Peking for a Chinese ceremony of some description. Indeed, our new Governor will also be in attendance."

"So the client is the Governor?" As soon as I said it I berated myself for being foolish, "No, sorry, someone in the Governor's entourage then?"

"Yes, someone I have had dealings with before. His wife." That was a real surprise. The Governor's wife? "Her name is Jacinta, a woman of incredible beauty. She was essentially sold to the Governor some years back by her father for a substantial bride price. She has been married to the Governor for long enough to produce three children. I understand her tastes though-" she hesitated, "do not run to male companionship."

I thought about this for a moment or two, "And you want me to go to Macau? Spend a week with her as a companion?"

"Essentially, yes."

"And share her bed of a night I suppose?"

"Yes."

"And that is why you have been a little shy in offering the details."

"Yes, I wasn't sure if you would be interested."

"Why me? Why not one of your other ladies?"

"She much prefers European women and there are few here now who would meet her standard of social grace, I'm afraid."

I hesitated, not because I wasn't interested in the task, but because I really didn't want Mrs Caldwell to think I was too eager. "My anonymity would be compromised then?"

"No, not at all. There is no connection between Madam and I and an introduction is being arranged, just needs your name on it if you want to go, of course."

"When do you need an answer then?"

"Soon as possible I'm afraid. The Governor is leaving on Friday."

"That's four days away! Takes longer than that to arrange such vice-regal travels, I'm sure."

"Yes, but it seems Jacinta has become unwell. Her doctor has advised her not to travel. And they have requested a nurse from here to attend her while her husband is away."

Now it made sense, an introduction to a woman whom has never met me. "But I'm not a nurse."

"They don't know that, and I know you have some skill in this area. You did care for several of your father's staff and their injuries after that Tai-fun. Doctor Hollingsworth was quite effusive in his comments apparently."

"Hollingsworth is an idiot, his idea of caring for patients is to fill them full of opium and leave them abed," I said somewhat scornfully, knowing the not-so good doctor would never hear this. "I read Nurse Nightingale's biography and several of her publications, but that was before I left London. That's the only nursing studies I have undertaken."

"Be that as it may, my dear Victoria, you are still the only one I can send."

"How much?" I was being blunt.

"Seven hundred and fifty pounds. Plus you have your meals and accommodation at the Governor's mansion in Macau. You will need to remain close to Madam day and night."

This would mean that Mrs Caldwell would be getting another two hundred and fifty pounds, "Eight hundred." I demanded. At twenty percent, she makes a hefty profit.

"You have me in an awkward place, Victoria. I really do not want to lose her business, and you are being a harsh negotiator. I have no choice but to accept, done!" Damn, that was far too easy, she must be making a lot more than two hundred quid. I should have asked for a thousand. "You are your father's daughter Victoria."

I laughed, "No, that was too easy. He would have demanded a thousand," I said, "And settled for nine hundred. I'm not that good yet, but I am learning."

"Yes you are," Mrs Caldwell replied, smiling, "And one day, I'm sure you will skin me alive. Now, can I send a message to say you will make the trip?"

"Yes, of course."

"I know this is a little different for you, Victoria, but perhaps you may want to gain some experience before you go."

"What are you suggesting?"

"That you may want to ask Li Ling for some guidance in this area."

"What area? Li Ling?"

"Being with a man is one thing, but women are completely different, Victoria. Li Ling was unsuited to this life, as her taste is not in men, but women. I wouldn't normally be this blunt, but we don't have time for subtleties."

"Li Ling?"

"Yes, your father purchased her contract with me, when I realized she was unsuitable. Poor girl was afraid I would do her harm, or that your father would. When he knew you were coming to Hong Kong, he thought she would make a companion for you."

"She has been, but-"

"-Not in that way?" She interrupted.

"No," I lied, I really didn't want anyone else to know the extent of our relationship. "She helped prepare me for my auction, and for other nights and clients as well, but-" I paused, "Not this."

"Ahh, perhaps you can ask her to share your bed tonight, to help you learn."

"No, no I don't think so. She is my maid-servant and that is all." I was adamant to Mrs Caldwell, "She has helped me right from the start, so she can talk me through this."

"No, she can't. Nurses do not travel with maid-servants."

"Then I have at least two days and nights to prepare." Again, I was being stubborn.

"Yes, very well, your choice, but you cannot disappoint Madam."

"No, I won't, but I can be honest with her. She can help me, just as I was helped after the auction."

"Ahh, yes. Of course." We had discussed my highest bidder, what he did, what he said, everything. She thought for a moment, "That may be quite appealing to her. You may even get a bonus for your honesty, Victoria." She paused and then said, "There are many similar openings for more such clients, Victoria. If you wish, we can discuss it when you return."

I nodded, "Perhaps."

"Can be quite lucrative," she was tempting me, "Women, wives, even couples, men and women at the same time."

"We shall see."

It was done. My first woman client, the wife of the Governor of Macau.

Part 2.

Macau is a Portuguese colony. The Governor, Portuguese, it has a similar hustle and bustle, a vibrancy as has Hong Kong. They are alike in many ways, very different in others. The majority language is Cantonese, but everything is named in Portuguese, with Chinese subscripts. It is full of ugly architecture, heavy handed European styles, again, similar to Hong Kong but different. I never really knew where I was except I can say I spent most of my time in the Governor's mansion. I'm told it is on the Avenida Praia Grande, at least I think it was.

I arrived early on the Thursday afternoon where I was met by two men, one with poor English but not much better French. I tried him in Latin, him being a Catholic, but he stared at me blankly. French was the language we settled on. They put me into an ornate carriage and after getting my bags, they made their way around some winding streets, some straight streets, all paved, until they entered the gate of this garish red building with white trim. Ugly.

The carriage went around to the rear of the building, to what I can only think of as the servants entrance. I nearly balked at that, but remembered, I am supposed to be a nurse. When the carriage drew up, I exited, perused my surroundings with a disdainful look and asked the coach driver if he knew where the front entrance was. He stared blankly, obviously not speaking French but the footman who met me told me we are on Portuguese territory, not England. To which I replied that was no excuse for poor manners and I will be leaving by the front door.

The servant's entrance door opened and I was greeted, if that was the word, by the major-domo, a prissy little man who looked like he had no interest in me at all. He said something in Portuguese, to which I put on my most bland and innocent look. The footman obviously told him I don't speak Portuguese so in French, ordered me inside. I stood still and looked at him with that same innocent look. Again, he ordered me inside, to which I replied that first I was not one of his servants and that even servants deserve a modicum of manners. I could see him puffing himself up so I continued with, "I was informed I would be responsible to Madame and Madame only. If that is no longer the case, then I would thank you to stop wasting my time and return me to the ferry for Hong Kong."

"You have been paid to be here, Nurse, you will follow orders."

"No, I have not yet been paid, and I assure you, I am not taking any orders from anyone other than Madame." I could clearly see he was not used to being challenged in his own domain. "You may invite me in." I wanted to establish that I would not be bullied by the likes of him.

He stopped, gave me a look of distaste, muttered something about arrogant Englishwomen, "Oh. please, Nurse, you are invited to attend Madame during her illness."

"You recognize my title and I assure you, that when it comes to my patient, I will be in absolute control," I replied, "And I mean absolutely everything. Thank you, sir, I would be delighted to enter." I turned to the footman, "Mes cas, monsieur, s'il vous plait."

The major-domo nodded and the footman acted immediately. "If you would take me to Madame, straight away?" I asked.

"Surely you wish to freshen up, Nurse."

"Yes, after I have seen Madame, thank you," I replied, "My first duty is to my patient, monsieur." The man's eyebrow lifted a little, which I suspect was an expression of surprise.

Taking me through the downstairs areas before proceeding to the main chambers, Miguel, the major domo, informed me of some of the household routines. He introduced me to the cook, an Italian, Guido, which I must say was a surprise. I found him to be a charming man of middle years and his Chinese wife, Ban Ma. I addressed her in Cantonese and she was quite pleased that I was able to speak her language. She told me that Miguel was a tyrant, who lorded it over everyone and could not be trusted. I thanked her for her warning, but we shall see, I thought. I did see the frown that Miguel gave me at that display of language skills.

We made it up a grand staircase and along a corridor, through large, ornate double doors to the private quarters of the mansion. It is a working Government building on the ground floor, with the servants quarters to the south and rear of the building, work rooms, kitchen, storage rooms are all hidden from public view. Offices occupied most of the ground floor, with the private rooms on the top floor with, unexpectedly, a modern water closet at each end of the building. That would make some things a little easier.

The major domo led me to a pair of ornate doors, where he knocked discretely. A moment later a voice called, "Digitar!" He opened the door and entered, leaving me behind.

"Madame, the nurse is here. Mademoiselle Victoria Barclay."

I pushed past him and strode directly to the bed this woman was lying on. The room was large, very large, darkened and lit only by gas lanterns. "Good afternoon Madame," I said, "I will be caring for you for the next week. I hope that you will instruct all your staff that in my care for you, my word will be considered as coming directly from you."

She raised an eyebrow and looked at the major domo, "See to it that all the staff are informed of this."

"Yes, Madame."

I nodded, then turned to the major domo and said, "First, make up a bed in here, I will be spending all my time in care for Madame. Second, have someone draw a fresh bath for Madame during which time, the bedding will be completely removed and remade with freshly washed linen and a blanket. this will happen every day while Madame is in her bath. Third, Madame's meals are to be made up from a list of ingredients I will give to the chef, from fresh produce, no more than day old vegetables and a small amount of white meat and fish."

The major domo looked like he had been lashed, glancing at Madame. "Do as she asks, Miguel," Madame said.

"Yes, Madame," came the ubiquitous reply. The dark look was reserved solely for me. He backed out of the room, closing the doors behind him. I opened the curtains, "You cannot regain your health, Madame, if you are locked away in darkness." I turned the lamps off. Madame was about to say something when I held a finger to my lips, she stayed silent. I moved to the door and listened intently.

"I assure you, Madame, that you will be well in a few days, under my care."

Her eyebrows wrinkled in a quizzical manner, so I went on, "Having learned from the books on being healthy by Nurse Nightingale, I know that the best way to treat such illness is to not be locked away in a room, feeding on little more than chicken soups, poorer quality foods and remaining in bed until your health deteriorates permanently. So come, Madame, let's prepare for your bath." I heard footsteps moving away from the door so moved to the bed.

"I'm Victoria, and you are Jacinta," I said quietly, "Miguel is not to be trusted, he is a bully and a liar, He was listening at the door."

The look of surprise on her face was puzzling. "You have already realized that? You must be very good, Victoria." I smiled, and she went on, "We must be very discrete, servants will talk."

"I know which is why I wanted a cot made up in here. No-one will question my spending the night in your room if I am sleeping in a cot in this room."

She smiled and said, "Madame Caldwell has sent me a very smart person then?"

"I don't know about that, but I am looking forward to making you feel much better."

Jacinta was dark haired, even somewhat disheveled after spending so much time in bed before I came here, it did not detract from her essential beauty. I sat on the side of the bed and got her to put her back to me and began rubbing her shoulders, gently with a little powder, in the same way that Li rubbed mine. It wasn't difficult to hear her arousal, the gasps the low moans, made even more sensuous as my hand slipped down the front of her gown and began to caress her breast.