After the meal, Hannah thanked Mrs. Turrill and Ben. Then she went out into the hall and sat in an armchair to await Dr. Parrish, ready to state her case.
When the physician entered through the side door some time later, he drew up short, rearing his head back. “Good morning, my lady. What a surprise to see you downstairs. You are looking well, I must say.”
“Thank you. I am feeling perfectly well.”
“And now that you have seen more of your new home, I hope it meets with your approval?”
“It’s lovely, but I am anxious to return to Bath for my son. You can imagine how I miss him. If someone might drive me to the nearest coaching inn, I shall travel by stage from there.”
“Of course you are eager to collect your little boy. I don’t blame you. Yet I cannot allow you to travel alone. A lady like you ... why, it simply isn’t done.”
“I appreciate your concern, Dr. Parrish, but I shall be fine. I have done the like before.”
His brows rose high. “Have you indeed? I am surprised—surprised Sir John would allow it.”
“It was ... before I knew him.”
“Ah. Yes. But you are Lady Mayfield now, and I cannot in good conscience allow you to venture forth alone, especially after your concussion, not to mention a broken arm. I cannot go myself, for Mr. Higgerson is on his deathbed, poor fellow. So we’ll hire a chaise from the inn and Edgar shall accompany you. He has some medical knowledge, should you suffer a setback or any problems arise.”
“Dr. Parrish, you are most kind. But I couldn’t—”
“It’s all right. The missus and I have been discussing the matter ever since we learned of the little boy. She thought you might not be comfortable traveling alone with a young man you barely know, so I’ve asked Edgar’s intended to go along with you. Nancy is a sweet girl, you’ll see.”
“Really, it is not necessary.”
He looked at her, clearly bewildered and hurt that she should protest so vehemently. “It is no bother. We insist upon it.”
She felt trapped by kindness and good manners. By his expectation of how Lady Mayfield would graciously behave. If only they had known her!
“Then, I thank you, Dr. Parrish, although I am terribly sorry to put you all to so much trouble.”
“Never mind that, my lady. That’s what neighbors are for. Besides, I believe Nancy will greatly enjoy the excursion.”
Hannah forced a smile. Now what was she to do? How was she to evade Edgar and Nancy once they arrived in Bath? For she could not take them with her into foul Trim Street. Her falsehood would be revealed instantly.
“May I also suggest, my lady,” Dr. Parrish added, “that you might wish to contact Sir John’s solicitor or man of business while you are in Bath? Or at least write to him and apprise him of the situation here?”
“Ah,” she murmured noncommittally, lifting her chin to acknowledge the suggestions, though having no intention of doing either.
The trip was arranged for the following day. The journey there and back would be a lengthy one, so they planned to spend one night in an inn before returning. Mrs. Turrill prepared a hamper of food and gathered extra blankets, though the weather was mild. Hannah retrieved her own reticule and packed one small valise, ostensibly to see her through a night in an inn as well as a few things for the baby. In actuality, she took only the essentials for life on her own: a spare shift and gown, bonnet, toothpowder and brush, and the pair of stretched slippers. She wore her own half boots, stained and stiff as they were. And the ring beneath her glove.
Early in the morning, the hired chaise and two horses, with a postilion mounted on the lead horse, clattered up the drive and halted in front of the house. From inside the chaise, Edgar pushed open the door and alighted, then turned to hand down a pleasant-looking young woman in plain but neat traveling clothes.
Stepping outside to greet them, Hannah realized it was her first time out-of-doors at Clifton. She paused to survey the lovely old stone house set amid blooming whitebeam trees and privet hedges. To feel the springtime sun on her skin and breathe in the sweet smell of hyacinth and bluebells.
Dr. and Mrs. Parrish walked over from their house next door—the Grange—to bid them all safe journey.
Dr. Parrish drew her aside and asked quietly, “My lady. Have you sufficient funds for the journey?”
She hesitated, glancing at the ring bulging beneath her glove, and then made a show of perusing her reticule. She surveyed the few coins there, left over from those given to her by the begrudging Mr. Ward. She had paid Mrs. Beech a portion of what she owed before leaving Bath with the Mayfields, and now only a small sum remained.
She murmured, “How much do you think I shall need?”
“You should carry enough for the inns, tolls, horses, and postilions, but not so much to invite trouble.”
“I had not thought of all that.” Hannah frowned. “I am afraid I haven’t enough to cover those expenses.”
The lines of his face deepened in concern. He said kindly, “With your permission, I shall retrieve ten pounds or so from your husband’s purse, assuming he has that much ready cash.”
