Page 30 of Her Summer Duke

Chapter Twelve

Adam sealed the last letter for the day, and added it to the pile that he would take down to the post and send. Nearly everything was in order. The weather had begun to settle, new arrangements for cargoes had been made, his business partner had employed a new Captain for the ship and, once the man arrived in Brighton, there would be nothing left to hold Adam in the town.

Nothing except his fading hope that Lady Margaret would come, that she might truly love him, as he loved her. What would he do, if the time came that the new Captain had arrived, and had been introduced to his new ship and the crew, that all of Adam’s organising had been completed, and Lady Margaret had still not appeared?

For at that point, he would have no reason to stay in Brighton – in fact, he would be honour bound to go to Milbrook Park as fast as possible, once all of his duties and responsibilities here had been discharged.

But what if Lady Margaret arrived, just after he had left? The very thought made his heart ache. That love and duty were so at odds left him despairing. He resolved that, if it came to it, he would have no other recourse than to write a further letter to her, telling her of his plight, and hoping that she might allow him to call on her at a later date, in Bath, or in London.

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There was much commotion at Bradbury Crescent. Lady Mantrell was standing on the steps giving orders to the coachman. The day was grey and a little wet, yet off they were going to Brighton in the hope that the bad weather did not follow them. The stout woman pointed her finger towards the top of the carriage.

“Put that valise on the top. Yes, there. And of course, yes, this trunk and that one also. Careful. That’s it.” As an after-thought she added, “But of course, we must be sure to leave room for Lady Peabody and Lady Huntington’s luggage, as well.”

Lord Percy’s coachman rolled his eyes, but he turned his head, to ensure that Lady Mantrell was unable to see. Lord Percy stood by, looking rather overwhelmed by the whole situation, and Margaret wondered if he was regretting his suggestion of the trip to Brighton, and especially his offer to provide transport. Margaret, used to Lady Mantrell, simply did as she was asked, and watched with amusement.

The coach could seat six people comfortably, but Lady Mantrell was determined to squeeze one more body inside with the five Ladies and the maid, that one more body being Lord Percy Harrington, even though he insisted that he would ride atop with the coachman.

“Nonsense! We will all fit inside. No use staying up there with the coachman in the wind and damp. Push in Lady Peabody. Move in closer.”

Lady Peabody spoke in her high voice.

“I say, I am trying, but it really is quite congested in here.”

Margaret helpfully attempted to push Lady Peabody across further on the seat, but the woman nearly landed on her knees on the floor of the carriage.

“Oh! Oh! That is not working, my dear Lady Margaret.”

Lady Mantrell shook her finger.

“No, no. Everyone out. We must try again. First you go in Lucy, as your figure is quite pared.” Lucy climbed aboard, followed by Lady Peabody and then Lady Huntington. Lady Mantrell clapped her gloved hands in glee. “There we go, now me and then Lady Margaret and Lady Phoebe and you, Lord Percy.”

She smiled at him.

“I assure you Lady Mantrell, all this shoving and squeezing in is quite unnecessary. I do not mind riding on top with the coachman, truly I do not. Ladies please, do not try to wedge yourselves into this tight compartment any further. This upheaval is quite unnecessary, I assure you! I appreciate your care, Lady Mantrell, truly I do, but I shall ride on top.”

“But Lord Percy, I did want to discuss, uh, the matters with you. I thought whilst embroiled in the long journey we could discuss the, uh, er, things. I can hardly climb on top with you and the coachman, even if there is room, to discuss these important issues.”

Margaret used the opportunity to ask, “Is there room on top?”

Lady Mantrell gave her a stern look.

“No lady of any stature would sit atop with the coachman. Sometimes, Lady Margaret, I do not know where you leave your manners.”

Lord Percy smiled.

“We will have plenty of time to discuss anything you wish, Lady Mantrell, at the Inns when we stop, and when we reach Brighton. I promise that I will make myself available to discuss any matters that are appropriate at that time. Now, I would just like all of you ladies to enjoy the excursion.”

He closed the door and climbed up beside the coachman. The ladies moved to the left and to the right, securing their space and getting comfortable in the carriage.

Lady Huntington was directly across from Lady Margaret.

“Lady Margaret, pray tell us when are you to wed Lord Percy? For dear Lady Mantrell has intimated to us that your longstanding promise to Saltonbury will no longer stand.”

Margaret’s head snapped to the right to glare at Lady Mantrell. “Wherever did you get the impression, Lady Huntington, that I am to marry Lord Percy? I barely know the man.”

Lady Huntington snorted. “When has familiarity been made a requirement for marriage? I barely knew Huntington before we were wed.” She chuckled, “Dear, you become familiar soon enough.”