At least her pelisse was still mostly intact and would protect her from the worst of the elements. Taking down the rest of the pins, she let her blond hair fall around her shoulders. While it wasn’t proper for ladies to go about in such a state, it was better than the mess it was when she’d first risen.
Combing her fingers through the mass, she decided that she was presentable enough to greet her hostess without looking as though she’d fled Bedlam.
Opening the bedchamber door, five pairs of eyes looked up when she appeared. The small dining room held four children and a woman who looked vaguely familiar. They were seated around a crude, wooden table and eating something out of a bowl, likely porridge. It smelled heavenly. But then, with hunger gnawing at her stomach, Lexie would have been happy with gruel.
“It’s good to see you up and about, miss.” The lady rose to her feet and walked over with a warm smile. “Won’t you join us for some breakfast?” She waved a hand toward the empty chair, and Lexie tentatively walked over.
“Do you not want to save this spot for your husband?” she asked.
The lady gave a kindly smile, and Lexie decided she was correct in thinking that she was as nice as she’d hoped. “No needfor that. I’ve been a widow these five years past.” She retrieved another bowl from the cupboard, as well as a spoon and set it before Lexie.
As she waited for the woman to ladle her out some of the porridge, she realized that all the children, none of whom looked to be over ten years of age, were looking at her curiously, as if she were a deer out in the forest and they were afraid to move for fear of spooking it.
“Good morning,” she offered, making sure that she caught the eye of each of the two boys and girls who sat there. She also thought of how inconsequential her current situation was compared to what this lady had to endure, raising four small children on her own. All Lexie had to worry about was marrying a wealthy duke and spending the rest of her life in luxury.
As the porridge was set before her, her hostess added, “My name is Margaret Michaels. These are Frank, Jeremy, Anne, and Mary.” Each of the children nodded when their name was mentioned.
As Mrs. Michaels resumed her seat, Lexie said, “My name is Alexandra Givenwald.”
The lady seemed hesitant to speak, but then she asked, “Forgive me for speaking out of turn, but was there a reason you appeared in such distress last evening?”
Lexie wasn’t sure how much to reveal, so she told a partial truth. “My carriage was set upon my bandits.”
The woman shook her head sadly. “How dreadful for you.”
“It was… regrettable,” Lexie hedged. “Is there anyone who might be able to give me a ride to London?” She had already decided that she couldn’t arrive at the duke’s estate looking like she did. She would only give her future mother-in-law the wrong impression, that she was trouble, and that was the last thing she wanted. Not only that, but she had no idea what might have happened to her trunks.
“I could inquire at the local pub?—”
“No!” Lexie softened her tone when the lady fell abruptly silent. “I mean to say, I don’t wish to alert anyone to my presence here if it can be helped, in case the bandits are after me.”
Margaret nodded. “I understand your unease. I will ensure that any inquiries I make are discreet.”
Lexie relaxed slightly. “Thank you. I do appreciate your assistance. You will be compensated for your trouble.”
“There is no need for that. It shall be a blessing to assist you. I consider it my Christian duty.”
Lexie inclined her head respectfully and then turned her focus to her breakfast while Mrs. Michaels ushered her children to gather their things and head out to school. All except for the youngest girl, Mary, who was not yet of an age. However, she joined her mother as they departed for the village nearby.
While they were gone, Lexie paced the small parlor and finally perched on a chair to await Margaret’s return.
When the door opened a short time later, a gentleman in simple clothing was behind her. “This is Angus Johns, a… personal friend.”
Lexie was a bit surprised when the widow glanced at the comely middle-aged man and smiled. But it was the favor in her eyes that told Lexie more than words might regarding how close their friendship actually was. It seemed that he held the same regard, for the way he worried his cap in his hands told of his uncertainty.
“He has to go to Merton to visit a sick relative and said he could give you a ride in his wagon that far if it suits you.”
Relief flooded Lexie’s chest. “That would be wonderful. Thank you so much for your consideration.”
Mr. Johns looked particularly uncomfortable with the compliment. He ducked his head and then glanced at Margaret. “I’ll just be outside when you’re ready.”
As he left, Lexie moved to Margaret and removed the reticule that had been tucked into her skirts. She removed a few coinsand set them into her palm. The lady gasped and tried to refuse the offering, but Lexie clasped her hand around them. “Please. I would not have known what to do without your hospitality.”
Torn between her pride and the gift, the lady finally relented with a heavy sigh. “Thank you, Miss Givenwald. Safe journey. Rest assured that Angus is an honorable man.”
“I had no doubt of it.” Before she left, she turned back to her hostess. “If it isn’t too bold of me to say, I can tell he thinks a lot of you. Perhaps it might be time to consider taking on another husband?”
The woman’s face bloomed with red as she clenched her apron. “I appreciate the council, Miss Givenwald. Perhaps I will give it some thought.”
