“How are Mr. Fergus and that dog of his?”
Christian turned back. “Fergus Two is now the happy owner of two woolen coats and a new toy made for him by Lady Sarah.”
“Is he?” Mrs. Goatsocks raised both eyebrows.
If Christian didn’t know any better, he might suspect the matron wassmiling. “Yes.”
“AndMr.Fergus?”
“He made his way back safely. He was quite worried about Lady Sarah’s well-being.”
“As he should have been. I’m pleased to hear he’s safe.”
Christian turned again to leave.
“How was the stew?”
He turned back, confusion marring his brow. “The stew?”
“Did you return in time to partake of the stew Lady Sarah made?”
Christian put his hat back atop his head and tipped the brim. “Yes. As a matter of fact I did, and it was delicious.”
A tiny smile made an appearance on Mrs. Goatsocks’s lips. “Please tell Lady Sarah I said… good luck.”
Christian bowed to her again and took his leave. He paid the doctor handsomely for his trouble, asked the man to send any future bills incurred on Mrs. Goatsocks’s behalf to him, and told him to let him know when she was ready to return to London.
“Will you stay to luncheon, my lord?” Dr. MacTavish asked, his upper lip already sheened with a fine sweat since returning to Christian’s company.
“No. Thank you. I cannot stay. I must get back. I’m leaving for Northumbria immediately.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Sarah tried not to, but she couldn’t help watching out the window expectantly for any sign of Christian’s return. Had he made it to town safely? Had he managed to get his letter into the post? Had he found Mrs. Goatsocks? Was she well? Was she angry with Sarah? Had she given her blessing for their trip back to England?
Sarah paced to and fro in front of the door, Fergus II on her heels. Christian had told her a bit about the letter he’d written. In it, apparently he’d asked his friends to meet him at an undisclosed location in Northumbria. Sarah had little idea of what or who was in Northumbria, but she’d already thrown herself on the mercy of this kind man and his lady friends and she had few other options. Christian was so confident that his friends would heed his request that he informed Sarah they should begin their journey south as soon as possible. Lucy and Cass would meet them at their destination.
Sarah had spent the better part of her morning—when she wasn’t pacing or looking out the window for him—writing a letter of her own to Mrs. Goatsocks. She’d needed more time to write it, so she hadn’t attempted to send it with Christian that morning. In the letter, she’d informed her chaperone that she was fine and was with Mr. Christian Forester and going to Northumbria to meet his friends, who just might have a solution to her troubles, and she’d write again as soon as she was able. She regretted that she must leave the poor woman in Scotland, and she sent along enough money to ensure Mrs. Goatsocks had enough with which to travel back to London.
Christian returned in the midafternoon, and Sarah breathed a sigh of relief. She rushed to the door and pulled it open. Christian was standing there with a bundle under his arm, looking rugged and handsome in his wool coat and boots and hat.
“How was she?” Sarah blurted.
“First things first.” Christian stepped into the house, shut the door behind him, and handed her the bundle. He removed his coat while she took the bundle to the table and opened it.
“Why, it’s… it’s cream… and sugar!” she exclaimed happily, holding up the small bottle of cream in one hand and the little bag of sugar lumps in the other.
“I thought you would enjoy some proper tea,” he said with a laugh.
“Oh, I certainly would.” She spun in a happy circle, Fergus II barking and nipping at her heels. “Thank you so much!”
Christian shucked his books and went over to the fire to warm his hands while Sarah made tea. He proceeded to tell her about his visit with Mrs. Goatsocks while she drank the most delicious cup of tea she’d had in days.
“She approves?” Sarah finally asked when he’d come to the end of the story.
“I don’t know if I’d say that, but she did give her blessing. She wants the best for you.”
Sarah fought the tears that stung the backs of her eyes. “I know she does. I only wish I was worthy of her friendship.”
