“Centuries old, I see.”
Ever imperturbable, Paul smiled serenely. “All good legends are.”
Harriet rolled her eyes.
*~~*~~*
The two stable boys worked hard preparing the wagon for its elegant occupants, and when it finally arrived at the front door, Paul was pleased to approve their work.
“Well done, lads. Well done indeed.”
They blushed and one touched his forelock as he stepped forward. “We found them horse blankets, sir. Brand new looked like, so ’t’weren’t a ‘ardship to cover them bales.”
“An’ the floor is the old carpet from what used ter be the head groom’s office, I’m thinkin’,” said the other lad earnestly. “It just fit nice, like.”
“Here. Add these.” Harriet stepped out onto the top step, her breath steaming in the cold air. “Just in case.” She held out an armful of the furs she’d collected on her way to the front door.
“Perfect,” said Paul. He shook one out, dislodging a mouse.
Harriet neither jumped or squealed. He was very proud of her.
“Well,Ididn’t say they were perfect,” she grinned. “Better give them all a good shaking.”
“We’ll do it, ma’am,” said a stable boy. “Mice don’t bother us none.”
And thus the farm wagon was transformed into a luxurious method of transportation befitting the elegant occupants yet to arrive. The two horses drawing the large vehicle sported gleaming tack and coats that shone in the sunshine.
Paul’s wish for fine weather had been granted; the sky was blue and only a few clouds remained scudding along on the breeze. There was some melting, but not enough to make the going tough, he judged. The wagon wheels were wide, since its purpose was to transport heavy loads over rough and muddy lanes. If they kept to those lanes, they’d do quite well.
So all that remained now was to await the arrival of those who had decided to venture out.
Harriet and Paul had made sure that the maids and servants told their masters and mistresses of the plan, encouraging them to dress appropriately. They had breakfasted in their rooms, so that had saved the household the bother of setting up tables in the parlor.
Harriet leaned toward Paul as he drummed his fingers on the concrete baluster running along the side of the top step. “I did make a suggestion, Paul.”
“To whom?”
“To the ladies’ maids.” She leaned even closer. “I suggested that since it would be cold and damp, they might prefer to wear breeches instead of gowns for this excursion.”
Paul blinked. “Harriet. You shock me.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“No really,” he protested. “That is a brilliant notion. Especially with this gaggle of annoying geese.”
Before she could comment, a hubbub at the top of the stairs heralded the arrival of ‘this gaggle’, and it appeared that her suggestion had found great favor.
There were shrieks of laughter from the Tisdale twins, and much overt admiring of shapely calves from the gentlemen. Lady Aphrodite had taken it a step further by adding what was probably one of her husband’s waistcoats over a loose shirt and cravat, and pulling her hair back into a snug bun. All she needed was a riding crop, mused Paul, and she’d fit right in to some of the more eccentric houses of pleasure he’d had occasion to visit in his colorful past. Either that or throw on a mask and haunt the local lanes as a notorious highwayman.
The gentlemen were most vocal in their approval and they dashed around for appropriate coats and hats.
“My Lord, my Lady, gentlemen, ladies…your conveyance awaits.” Paul put on his best, and loudest, butler voice, directing their attention to the open front door.
“Ohmy,” said Sir Geoffrey. “Girls, you’re going to love this…” He hurried outside, followed by the titters and little squeals. Although to do him justice, Lord Farren neither tittered nor squealed. He simply slapped his wife soundly on her bottom.
Paul looked the other way, noticing Harriet failing to conceal a giggle.
He addressed her in mournful tones. “And I have to go with them. Remember that, if you will, the next time you have the urge to rebuke me about something.” He rolled his eyes as he accepted his cape from one of the footmen, and tugged a flat cap over his hair.
