“As always, I am here to serve, Your Grace,” Wickham bowed deferentially.
“Do not fail me or you know what will befall you,” Hertfordshire threatened.
“I never do, Your Grace,” Wickham averred.
“Since our arrival from Town, you spent every morning when there is no rain or snow with my impertinent wife and you tell me she never said anything which would be of interest to me?” the Duke demanded sceptically.
“Her Grace neither likes nor trusts me, hence when I am in her company on walks or rides, other than a curt greeting, she holds her peace,” Wickham hedged. “If there had been something to report, it would have been done.” Knowing how loyal Biggs and Johns were to the Duchess he added, “You may speak to the two guards, they will verify what I have told you.”
Hertfordshire waved his man away. If he had not needed Wickham in London, he would have sent him north with the Duchess, but, in his opinion, his servants and guards were all supremely loyal to him so he was not concerned about his wishes not being adhered to at Castlemere.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
The lead conveyance was the large, comfortable travelling coach she and her maid rode in, John was on the bench next to the coachman and Brian stood on the rear bench next to a footmen. There were two more carriages behind them, allescorted by a dozen outriders. A cart with her trunks followed when Elizabeth and her retinue departed before the sun broke above the eastern horizon.
Much to her joy, the stablemaster and head groom had made sureJamilwas being led by one of the outriders. Her husband had not been consulted. Being he never entered the stables no one was concerned about his discovering the horse was travelling north. The doctor had recommended she cease riding, but having her mare close by would be a comfort to Elizabeth.
With each mile the convoy placed between her andhisprimary estate, Elizabeth relaxed more. It was with a mixture of joy and trepidation she watched as they traversed Meryton on the way to the Great North Road. There were few people about as it was just barely after the sun had risen.
Elizabeth patted her reticule which contained her letters. She planned to post them at the first coaching inn they would stop at in about an hour. She did not want to take a chance her letters would have been pulled out of the post byhimat Falconwood after her departure. After keeping her letters out of his hands since they married, Elizabeth did not want to rely onhimnot being vindictive.
Another reason she wanted to post her letters after leaving Falconwood was she had written letters to more than just her sisters. She was aware any letter not addressed to one of her sisters would not be posted fromhisestate.
She knew she had the loyalty of the staff and servants at Falconwood, but there was no reason to take such a chance with her letters. How she hoped the Gardiners, her sisters, the Philipses, and the Lucases would be able to do what she had suggested.
Time and replies to her letters would tell.
An hour later, they made the first scheduled stop. Elizabeth posted her letters, asking for them to be sent express and then with her maid accompanying her to wait at the door, and John watching in the hallway outside to make sure no one approached her, she made for the necessary.
When the landlady brought some refreshment to the private room the Duchess had secured, she was pleasantly surprised when Her Grace ordered food and drinks for all of the servants, guards, coachmen, and footmen travelling with her.
A little more than an hour later, they were on their way again.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
“Charlotte, is that not a letter from Eliza?” Lady Lucas asked her daughter when she handed over the missive which had been delivered by an express rider. “I thought she was forbidden to send missives to you directly and this was delivered by express.”
“Let me make sure all is well. I will tell you soon enough, Mama,” Charlotte stated worriedly as she broke the ornate seal. She began to read.
5 March 1807
Soon to be: Castlemere in Derbyshire
My best friend, Charlotte,
Do not be alarmed this arrived express or was posted to you directly. I am well, I promise you. I made sure to pay the express fees when I posted the letters so your family would not have to do so.
It has been confirmed, I am indeed with child. I have been free of that man’s attentions since I missed my first courses in January. Today, what a present he unwittinglygifted me on my birthday. I am being sent to increase in Derbyshire at the above estate.
What a wonder. I will not seehimfor a minimum of six months, and hopefully much longer than that.Heis for London. I care not where he is or what he does as long as he is not near me! If only it could be I would never see him again. Rather than think about what could be, I will revel in what is: my travelling further and further away from the repulsive ancient man with each mile which passes.
Do you think, perhaps there is a possibility you and some of your family could come visit Lambton in Derbyshire?
You can ask my Aunt Maddie for information about the inn or inns there as it is the market town where she grew up and where her brother, Mr. Adam Lambert is the rector of the local church.
If you are able to come, write to me first. I need to make sure it is safe to be in my company and word will not get back tohim.
As much as I would love to see you and others, I cannot be selfish and will only confirm things if I am sure it will be completely safe to come. Given my husband is hated by his staff and servants, where I am not because I treat them with warmth and respect, I am hopeful it will be possible to spend time in your company.
