Page 40 of The Gentlewoman Companion

Chapter Nine

Alittle brown bird sprang from a tree branch and lit on a neighboring bough, its screeching song adding to the impatience itching Louisa’s fingers. She wanted the leads in her hands, driving Ranunculus, but Miss Cron insisted on reviewing the entire process of hitching the donkey to the carriage as they rode along the lane.

“Please, pay attention,” Miss Cron said with a long-suffering sigh. She was a confident teacher but persnickety.

“I will never remember precisely where to place the chest strap⁠—”

“Over the point of the shoulder, not the windpipe.”

“—or what a cropper is or where the trace carrier lies.”

Miss Cron pointed out the mysterious parts of the tack with the whip. “You may not always have a groom to do it for you, Miss Thorpe.”

If Louisa could not afford a groom, she would never keep a donkey—or a horse. “I am sure with repetition, I will learn. Shall we take the carriage to Manydown? Perhaps Miss Trelawney would like to join us.” Though Miss Trelawney did not seem to wholly approve of Louisa, she believed the two of them would get on well if given the chance. “May I take the reins, please, Miss Cron?”

“Certainly. Let me show you how to drive with one hand.” She wove the leather straps between Louisa’s fingers. “Place your right hand over, like this. Now, simply twist your wrist to guide the donkey right or left. I find that holding the⁠—”

“Trot!” Louisa was thrown against the back of the carriage. Little Ranunculus’ trot was more like a canter. “Well done!” They hit a bump, and Louisa flew a few inches off her seat. Laughing, she glanced at Miss Cron to share the thrill but found her companion scowling and clutching the bench. An excessive response.

Perhaps she should not be so bothered by Miss Cron’s lack of adventure, but Louisa could not help it. She was frustrated, but not with Miss Cron—rather, with Lord Halverton. Over the last few days, he’d been scowling at everything and everyone. It unsettled her. Before, he had sometimes declined to visit with her and his mother, excusing himself over his incredibly important responsibilities. Recently, he’d accepted every request for his company and even invited himself on their little expeditions. Why he wished to spoil her fun, she could not imagine.

“Careful!” Louisa said to Ranunculus, slowing her before Miss Cron could seize the reins. Louisa took care around the bends, though she felt quite equal to a good canter.

They arrived at Manydown, waited until Miss Trelawney’s horse was ready, then the three ladies ambled along a well-tended gravel lane enclosed by high hedges. Louisa battled within herself, wondering what topic to introduce that might capture Miss Trelawney’s interest or inspire her admiration.

“Miss Trelawney, how is your father?” Louisa asked. “I had hoped to meet him at the card party.”

“He is not well. Thank you for your concern.” Her tone was cool.

According to Lady Halverton, there was little hope Mr. Trelawney would recover. Louisa knew the helpless anxiety of watching a parent fade. “I am very sorry to hear it.”

Miss Trelawney glanced at Louisa, interested. The sincerity in Louisa’s voice must have drawn her attention.

“Thank you.” She kept herself erect, staring into the distance. “He’s been ill so long, I hardly remember him well.”

“I am familiar with that difficulty, as mother suffered an extended sickness. Should you ever wish to discuss it…” Louisa hoped Miss Trelawney understood this as an offer to lend a listening ear to one who understood better than most.

“Lady Halverton is generous to allow time for you to amuse yourself,” Miss Trelawney said.

Louisa nodded, happy to talk about her mistress. “We spend mornings in rigorous study. She has me reading all sorts of philosophy and literature. When we finish, she demands I go outside, saying that exercise is the only way to solidify learning.”

Miss Cron asked, “Tell us, how came you to be Lady Halverton’s companion?”

A sharp pang flashed inside Louisa. How could she answer that? Thus far, Lady Halverton had quelled any unkindness Louisa had received for her accent or for retaining the lowly position of a companion. Lady Halverton also seemed to mistake Louisa for a heroine who had acted bravely against her father. Perhaps, then, the same half-truth Louisa had shared with Lady Halverton was the correct response. Although, at the literary breakfast, Miss Trelawney’s mother had not approved of Lady Halverton’s theoretical story of a young lady defying her parents. How to begin the tale and what to leave out?

The donkey cart sat far below the level of a lady on horseback, requiring Louisa to strain to look up at Miss Trelawney, who wore a brilliant ruby riding habit with gold buttons down the front, reminiscent of a military jacket. It seemed incredibly fashionable. “She rescued me when my father wished to choose my husband.”

“Lady Halverton really is the best sort of person,” Miss Cron said.

“You went against the wishes of your father?” Miss Trelawney asked.

Louisa lifted her chin. “I did.”

Miss Cron turned toward Louisa. “May I ask what happened?”

Louisa could not think clearly and drive Ranunculus all at once. “Take these.” She handed the lines to Miss Cron. “There is very little to tell.”

“How did you meet Lady Halverton? Are you related?” Miss Trelawney asked.