“An’ yer got good taste, sir, that’s the truth.”
“What do I owe you?”
Money was discussed and handed over. “And a little extra for the lady of the house. Get her something nice. She deserves it.” Paul grinned. “Pays to keep the ladies happy.”
“That’s right nice of yer, sir. And yer speaks true. There’s a bonnet she’s been wantin’…I’ll be a real ‘ero if I pick it up fer ‘er…” Fisher’s answering grin revealed a distinct shortage of teeth.
“Good luck to you then,” said Paul. “Is the wagon all set?”
“That it is, sir, but would yer mind Hodgkins drivin’? He’s got a couple things for them new folks comin’ in t’ the old Worsely place. Save ‘im an’ the ‘orses if’n ‘e can do both at the same time, like…”
Paul thought about it. “I see no difficulties. In fact, it wouldn’t be a bad thing to have an extra hand with the barrels. So yes, Hodgkins will be fine. I’m meeting Miss Harry from Ridlington shortly, with the idea of saving her the walk home to the Chase. We’ll both sit in the back, I suppose…”
Fisher grinned. “That’s settled then.” He scratched his head. “Yer want cushions or summat? Gonna be hard on yer arse…beggin’ yer pardon…”
“My arse has felt harder, I’ll guarantee,” chuckled Paul. “But maybe a bit of a blanket for the lady?”
Fisher shook his head. “Spoil the maids an’ yer’ll get no work out o’ ‘em.”
“She’s notmymaid.”
“Well in that case, ‘ere.” He walked into the inn, and returned almost immediately with a good sized piece of sheepskin. “That’ll do fer the lass.”
“Perfect.” Paul nodded. “Right. I’ll go and see if I can find her. You’ll get the barrels loaded?”
“Two shakes of a lamb’s tail.”
“In that case, I’d better get a move on.” Paul hurried away, rounding the corner of the inn and walking into the courtyard.
She wasn’t there yet, and he hoped she wasn’t one of those women who thought being on time diminished their importance. After all, there really wasn’t much to do in Ridlington Vale once errands were completed.
He’d been there no more than five minutes when she appeared, a package beneath her arm, her reticule swinging from her other hand and her face tilted upward, catching the sun. She laughed as a flock of birds swooped low over the inn.
And Paul stared at her as realization hit him like a bolt of lightning.
He recognized her.
He could recall seeing her at a small musicale he’d attended in a quieter part of town. He’d only been there because he’d met the pianist in Vienna. The company was a mix of the extraordinarily fashionable, and those who enjoyed good music. He wasn’t sure which side she belonged, but he recalled the unpleasant looking couple who were apparently with her. She’d cowered silently behind them—and he’d all but ignored her. Until the music began and he caught sight of her face. She seemed entranced. A look now mirrored by her current expression. He wished he knew her name, but he didn’t.
At least he’d been able to place the memory.
Of course, the last thing he intended to do was to alert her of that fact. He respected privacy—everyone’s privacy—so if she chose to include him in the circle of people who knew her story, so be it. If not, he wouldn’t press her. But he couldn’t help wondering…
“Hallo. I do hope I didn’t keep you waiting,” she said, walking toward him. “But it is such a lovely day. Crisp and clear. I’m afraid I took rather longer than I had expected.”
He stood and smiled at her. Who could help it? She was radiating joy as strongly as the autumn sun. “Not at all. I’ve been here barely five minutes.” He joined her as she turned toward the inn. “The transportation is ready, but I hope you don’t mind traveling in the back of the wagon.”
“Not at all. It’s a one seat then?”
He explained Fisher’s need to send Hodgkins out and how they were combing both trips.
She immediately nodded. “Of course. That makes sense. Most efficient.”
They arrived at the wagon, which suddenly seemed awfully crowded. Paul peered around, and spied the sheepskin in a neat roll against two of his barrels.
“Ah, here we are. Not quite the most elegant of transportation, I’m afraid, but it should be fairly comfortable.” He pointed at the makeshift pillow.
Harriet chuckled. “No bruises from this trip, I see. Most thoughtful of you sir.”
