The household was up before the rooster’s crow, and sunrise saw Laura and her Aunt dressed and seated at the breakfast table. Soon after they finished eating, Laura went to find Alice. She took her cat into her room and placed her into a large crate, to keep her from escaping through the window. Everyone, including Alice, would travel to London.
Uncle Simon was settled on the sofa, reading the morning paper, whilst Higgins sat on a chair nearby, in case his master needed anything. He had been with the elderly gentleman for almost fifteen years. Higgins was quiet, efficient, and loyal, plus he held a sincere affection for his master. His duties completed, their trunks packed, he only needed to help the older man climb into the carriage at departure time.
Lady Winter spoke with the entire staff in the dining room. Mrs. Willoughby and Chef Armand assured her ladyship that all personal belongings had been organized and packed into trunks and boxes. Even as they spoke, Alfred already had some of the stable lads loading the baggage carriages. All would be ready to travel within two hours. Everything was going according to plan. Feeling relieved, Lady Winter thanked them and then retired to her room. Once there she double-checked her own personal belongings, especially the ones she would keep close by her, in her carriage. The night before, she had sewn the leather pouch inside her deep pocket, so the gems were quite secure.
By ten o’clock Lord Stanton’s luxurious traveling carriage had arrived. Following close behind were Sir Harry and Lord Stanton. They both helped Higgins in getting Uncle Simon settled into the chaise, and then Higgins took the seat beside him. Next Lady Laura and Lady Winter were assisted into the carriage and took their seats opposite their Uncle and his man.
Alice was sitting on Laura’s lap wearing her traveling harness. It surrounded her small frame comfortably. There was a thin leash attached to it. Alice was used to wearing this apparatus for traveling with her mistress. Her ears were perked up and she was very interested in everything about her. Laura gave the little cat a treat to encourage good behavior and Alice licked her lips appreciatively.
The servants were loaded into the household’s carriage, directly in front of the two baggage carriages, which were very full. Everyone watched as Bentley closed the front door, turned the key and then handed it to Lady Winter. The butler climbed aboard the second carriage and Lord Stanton signaled to the drivers. Their journey was about to begin.
They were finally on their way and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Some were feeling they could finally relax, while others were quite excited at the prospect of leaving the seaside town and traveling to the great city of London.
Laura was thrilled to be a young woman on the threshold of her entry into society. There were plans to be made. Next week she was to be outfitted with an entirely new wardrobe, by the finest French dressmaker in the city. She dreamed about the people she would meet and the prospect of her very first ball. How exciting it all was, she thought. So intense were these feelings, that she almost hugged herself. The long years of boarding school were almost forgotten.
“Do you agree Laura?” her Uncle asked pointedly. His stare was fixed upon her dreamy features.
“Oh! I am sorry, I was woolgathering.” She admitted. “Please forgive me, what were you speaking of?” she asked.
“Are you excited about your come out Laura?” he asked gruffly. Meeting his inquisitive expression, she admitted that she was. They discussed places to sightsee and he even promised to accompany her for a drive through Hyde Park. “Would next Thursday be a good day?” he asked.
“That would be wonderful, Uncle Simon,” she accepted happily. Her rosy cheeks were a perfect compliment to the light yellow traveling dress she wore. She always looked entrancing, so much so, that the old man thought the young girl looked just like her mother did at the same age. Pity, he thought, that she had died so tragically. He was going to make sure he did his part in showing his grand niece a wonderful time in London.
The entourage made good time, with only a few stops, in order to refresh and change their horses before reaching the mid-way point. Lord Stanton and Sir Harry rode their own horses alongside the conveyance holding the ladies and Uncle Simon.
Sir Harry lived in London with his parents. His father was the Earl of Chester. He had an elder sister who had married last year, while his youngest sister was still at school. His parents believed he would settle down soon enough, so they were glad to have him about. There was no rush for a new heir. His parents were only in their mid-thirties and enjoyed perfect health. It was nice not to feel the kind of pressure to marry which so many of his friends did.
He glanced at Lady Laura’s profile, and although he could not help being attracted to her, he was getting the impression lately that she did not return his affection. Oh, she liked him well enough, as she might a brother, and for this reason he was determined to try just being her friend. He was ready to offer her friendship and an escort while she was in London. He resolved not to wear his heart on his sleeve, and having made this decision, he smiled to himself as he rode in companionable silence, alongside her chaise.
Meanwhile, Lord Stanton was taking in the beautiful scenery of his beloved England. My, but it was good to be home again. The waning summer day was pleasant and mild for late August. The trees were lush and green. It was still too early for the leaves to change color, he especially loved seeing their flaming glory.
Keeping his horse slightly behind the chaise afforded him an unrestricted view of Lady Winter. For all of her twenty-seven years, she didn’t look a day over twenty. He took his time admiring her flawless and elegant beauty. When he had found out that she had never married, he felt a deep satisfaction in that news. Since his return, he caught himself thinking about her all of the time, a pastime he had given up years before. No one could compare to her and he was beginning to wonder what he was going to do about this constant barrage of emotions he was experiencing. Continuing this train of thought, he rode deep in thought, alongside her chaise.
Uncle Simon was thinking about the young man’s visit the other day. That silver box and the story he shared, and then his own fall. The trouble was he was not sure if he fell of his own accord. Right now, he was confused about that afternoon. When they reached London, he would have another word with Lord Stanton. The old man snuggled down in his comfortable seat, and the sway of the carriage soon lulled him to sleep, comforted by the presence of those about him.
Lady Winter was not unaware of the long stares she was receiving through the carriage window. How could she not feel the intensity of Lord Stanton’s presence? Every inch of her being was aware of him. She needed to collect herself, to keep her reserve and pretend that she was unconcerned. Closing her eyes she soon relaxed enough to take a little nap. Smiling to herself, she dozed off, only to dream of the very man she was trying to ignore.
