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Just as quietly, William answered, “I see no reason not to continue calling yourself that ... at least for your daughter’s sake. Most people will never know or care whether it is true or not.”
“I thank you for sustaining my lie. I know how much you value the truth.”
“I have lately come to believe it best not to acknowledge what may be true if it merely causes pain.”
Fearing she had reminded him of his own agony, Lydia changed the subject. “Lizzy and I have been on pins and needles all day since hearing you had gone to Lambton to capture that blackguard, Lord Addison. We prayed you would be unharmed.”
“Your prayers were answered then, for we were not harmed.” As Lydia beamed, he asked, “How is Elizabeth?” The minute the words left his mouth, William regretted asking. It was probably for the best that Elizabeth thought him as unconcerned about her wellbeing as she was about his.
“Oh, Lizzy is very well. In fact, I would not be surprised if Mr. Drummond allows her to get back on her feet after his next examination.”
“That is good to hear, for I am convinced General Lassiter will want you and your sister to come to London to testify against Lord Addison. To that end, I intend to instruct my stablemaster, Mr. Ward, to have a coach ready to transport you both to London as soon as you are well enough to travel. Have Mrs. Reynolds notify him the day before you wish to leave.”
“Oh, but Lizzy insists we must rent a coach to return to London. I have to fetch my Emma, you see.”
“I insist you take my coach, as it is large enough to include you, Elizabeth and Mrs. Annesley.”
“Mrs. Annesley? Why would she go with us?”
“Ladies need companions when travelling. In addition, Mr. Ward will travel with you for protection, along with enough footmen and grooms to keep you safe. He keeps a list of inns where I have accounts. You may stay there and enjoy services such as rooms, meals and baths by merely signing the register. On my journey to London, I shall tell them to expect your party and to have horses for exchange along the way.”
“How will you travel if we take your coach?”
“I have more than one coach, but I plan on travelling with Mr. Wilburn, in any case. He wants to commandeer Lord Addison’s coach to transport Addison and Drago to London.”
“Can you trust Lord Addison’s servants not to be loyal to him?”
“That will not be necessary. Wilburn and I decided his servants will return to London by post coach with tickets purchased from the funds Lord Addison brought with him. Four of my servants will act as footmen and drivers for Addison’s coach. They will be useful as guards, too, in case either he or Drago tries to escape.”
“You are entirely too kind to concern yourself with our safety once more, sir; however, it will take all my efforts to convince Elizabeth to take advantage of your coach. You, of all people, know how stubborn she can be.”
Not wishing to dwell on Elizabeth’s stubbornness, William ignored that remark to say, “I almost forgot. Mrs. Potter said she will keep the bakery running until you can return and take over management. She informed my steward she would be happy to do so, and Sturgis left a note on my desk informing me of that.”
“May I say you think of everything? What a joy it would be to be married to a man who anticipates your every need and acts accordingly! I told Lizzy she would be foolish to toss your devotion away merely in support of Jane. Jane is pretty enough to attract other men without insisting you marry her. I tried to tell her this.”
Instantly William’s expression fell. “I-I had rather not discuss my conflict with Miss Elizabeth.”
“I am sorry. I should not have mentioned it.” Lydia tilted her head, asking, “When will you leave for London?”
“As soon as Mr. Drummond releases Drago to travel. I hope that will be the day after tomorrow, or the next day at the latest.”
“I shall pray that he heals quickly.”
The clock on the mantel began to announce the hour, making Lydia aware of where she was supposed to be. “Excuse me, for it is my turn to watch Lizzy. I am not sure why we are still watching her. Her fever is gone and her cough is so much better; still, Mrs. Reynolds insists we continue.”
William sighed. The truth was that he longed to see for himself that Elizabeth was back to her former self ... but he could not. “I may not see you before I leave for London; however, if you need anything, you may ask Mrs. Reynolds. She will see that you have whatever it is.”
“Thank you!”
With that Lydia turned, picked up her skirts and ran up the grand staircase. She looked just as silly as the girl he had first seen chasing soldiers at the Meryton assembly. Shaking his head at the memory, William walked towards his study, intent on getting more work done before he had to leave for London.
Chapter 23
Four days later
As it worked out, Drago was not deemed fit enough to travel until Elizabeth and Lydia were about to depart for London. Unfortunately, Lord Addison’s coach was unable to accommodate William with Mr. Wilburn, both prisoners, and at least one guard riding inside on each leg of the journey; therefore, William had initially resigned himself to riding Zeus—something he was not looking forward to as it would prohibit any chance of resting along the way.
Though he had dreaded making the change and having to face Elizabeth each day, it made more sense for him to take Mr. Ward’s place in the coach carrying the women, which would rule out having to ride alongside. Thus, for the entire first day he shared the coach with Elizabeth whilst trying to avoid looking at her. At least she seemed as miserable as he; for even though Lydia tried to draw her into conversation, Elizabeth merely murmured one-word answers. After several attempts, Lydia had given up on her sister and began conversing with Mrs. Annesley, who proved a more willing conversationalist.
