Chapter Thirteen
Thus it was that within a few days, a large traveling carriage stood outside Ridlington Hall, bearing all the indications of a major trip to the Outer Hebrides. Or the impending journey of two ladies to London. Edmund commented that it would have been impossible to distinguish between the two destinations, given the amount of luggage involved.
“Silly man,” scolded Letitia. “You know well that three of these trunks are for Kitty. Both Hecate and I have been most modest in our packing.”
Hecate nodded. “If you think modest means two trunks and an assortment of bags.”
“All lies,” laughed Letitia. “We shared one of those trunks. We shall contrive nicely, Edmund. The change of horses is arranged?”
He nodded. “Yes indeed. Thanks to Mr. Hodgkins here. Your driver.”
Letitia glanced at the box. “We are in your hands, then, Mr. Hodgkins,” she called up.
He touched his cap. “I’ll take good care ‘o ye, m’Lady.” He looked at the luggage. “Goin’ t’ be a tight squeeze, less’n yer maid sits up ‘here,” he said doubtfully.
“No maid, Mr. Hodgkins. Just the two of us. I believe we’ll be quite comfortable.” Letitia opened the door and put a couple of blankets inside.
Hecate looked at Edmund. “Who is he?”
“He’s working at the inn stables, and according to Watson, he’s very reliable. Turns out he’s been excellent thus far.”
Hecate eyed the driver with a narrowed gaze. “I see.”
“Is something wrong?” Edmund touched her shoulder. “Please tell me if you think this is not a good idea…”
She shook her head. “No, I see no troubles. We shall arrive in town in one piece.” She turned to Edmund and hugged him. “Thank you dear brother.”
“For what?” Surprised, he still hugged her back.
“For not questioning me. For understanding my oddities. And for believing in them.”
“That’s what families do, love. I’m learning, and I hope you are as well, that there are many things families do that we never did. Until now.”
Letitia walked up. “May I have a hug as well? Since we’re being so provincial as to show emotion in front of the staff,” she smiled at the two of them.
Edmund immediately responded. “Please take care of yourself, Letitia. Look after Hecate. I shall wait to hear from you about Richard and Kitty.” He released her to help Hecate into the carriage, then turned again to Letitia, making sure his back was turned to the carriage door. Speaking low, he leaned toward her. “I shall rely on you to keep an eye on her, if you would.”
“Hecate? Of course.” Letitia whispered back, then reached up to drop a kiss on Edmund’s cheek. “You are a wonderful big brother, you know. I’ll do my best to keep everyone safe.”
“Hurry home. You will be much missed. And I look forward to reading that book of yours, so get it published.” Edmund assisted her up to join her sister. “Now you have blankets, and there’s a basket of food on the seat next to you, Hecate.”
“Edmund?” said Hecate.
“Yes?”
“Don’t fuss.”
He sighed. “Sorry.” He closed the carriage door and stepped back.
“Oh look. Rosaline and Hugh are waving…” Hecate laughed up at one of the front windows where she could see her sister-in-law holding a swaddled bundle.
Two arms emerged from the carriage window as it pulled off down the Ridlington Chase drive, waving at Edmund on the top step and at the other couple above him.
Then, as the pace picked up, Hecate closed the window and leaned back. “Well then. Now we’re on our way.”
“Indeed,” sighed Letitia. “And I am torn between eager anticipation and a bad case of nervous dread.”
Hecate thought about that. “Did you mind leaving Harry?”
