“It appears he is planning to travel,” Bentford observed.
“He is not due to return to Eton for three weeks, which begs the question of where he is off to.”
Neither Edward nor Ianthe had noticed their approach and in truth, Cordelia had slowed her steps, putting off the confrontation.
She really shouldn’t assume that there would be one, but this was Edward, he had a valise, so what conclusion could she draw other than he was leaving, and without permission.
“I’m running away,” Edward announced to Ianthe.
Miss Ianthe frowned. “Why?”
“I want to see the world and one day captain my own ship,” he declared proudly, as if he wished to impress the girl. In fact, Edward stood taller with hands fisted on his hips, and chin out.
“What about school?” Miss Ianthe’s frown had deepened.
“It’s no fun,” Edward declared. “We are in classes from six in the morning until eight at night, with only a few breaks for meals and an hour a day to play at sports. When we return to our Dame’s house, we are to go straight to our rooms and remain quiet until it is time to begin the day all over again. I hate it. I want more freedom to do as I please, so I am not going back.”
Cordelia hadn’t realized the schedule was so daunting and could well understand why Edward didn’t wish to return. His tutor had allowed him far more freedom. He may hate being at Eton, but he will be better for the experience.
“I felt much the same about Eton when I attended,” Bentford admitted quietly.
At least he and Edward were both given the opportunity to attend school.
“Should we continue to spy on them or alert them to our presence?” he asked.
“We are hardly spying,” she chuckled. “All they need to do is look around.”
“I just think running away is stupid,” Miss Ianthe declared, to which Edward pulled back in surprise.
“It is not.” Edward glared.
Cordelia quickly stifled her laugh with a hand over her mouth. She shouldn’t enjoy her brother being called stupid, but she did.
“Ah, you are one ofthosesisters,” Bentford observed quietly. “One that takes enjoyment when a brother is being insulted.”
“Only when it is well deserved.” She grinned. “It’s rather gratifying to witness someone else taking him to task,” Cordelia admitted.
“So, you intend to stand here and wait for the mail coach to take you off to London, where you hope to join the Navy? What are you going to do when they don’t take you? Live around the docks, sleep in alleys?” Miss Ianthe demanded.
“For your information, I was going to visit theCrown and Anchorand see if one of the captains would take me on.”
TheCrown and Anchor? “He most certainly will not!” Cordelia ground out. Even though it was the local inn and public house, that was where many of the smugglers spent their time when in port and not all of them were friendly. Some were downright dangerous, and it would be just like Edward to gravitate to the worst of them. She also suspected that the women served more than ale inside but wasn’t certain.
“What is wrong with theCrown and Anchor?” Bentford asked in a whisper.
“Nothing,” she answered. “Unless you are a lad or a miss, then you shouldn’t cross that threshold.” She really didn’t wish to explain further and hoped Bentford understood her meaning.
“It’s where sailors gather when in port, just down by the quay,” Edward stated with authority, though Cordelia was fairly certain he’d never been inside.
“Boys are stupid,” Miss Ianthe announced.
“We are not!” Edward defended.
This may be one of the most enjoyable conversations she’d ever witnessed.
“Stupid is being the lowly person on a ship, doing menial tasks in the hot sun for a pittance when you could be in a classroom and learning about the world, reading books and having fun.”
“I really like your niece, Lord Bentford. She’s wise and maybe my brother will finally listen to someone.”
