“No, I don’t. Let me find a place to leave the gig and we can start.”
Lucien drove down to the livery stables. The man agreed to let them keep the gig and horse while they began their journey around the village. The first shop they came upon had yards and yards of fabric. They peered through the window at the variety the shopkeeper kept.
They walked from shop to shop on one particular road through the village. Each time, they stood outside and looked at what was offered in the window.
“You know we can go inside to get a better look,” Lucien said.
“I know. I just don’t see a need when there’s nothing I need. I just wanted to familiarize myself with what was here.”
“Very well,” Lucien replied.
“The village appears to have been well planned with how it’s been built,” Harriet said, looking down the street.
“Yes, and from what I understand there is a special building committee that has to be consulted before anything is added.”
They continued on their walk, finally coming upon a restaurant adjacent to a pub. “Is this the only restaurant?” Harriet asked.
“No, I believe there’s one at the inn which is a block or two away.”
“Have you eaten at either?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Should we try one for lunch?” Harriet asked.
“Let’s go to the inn.”
He took her hand and tucked it into his arm. “I take it you’re hungry, my love?”
“Yes.”
They began a leisurely walk to the inn. Shops and businesses still lined the street. Most of what was carried in the village was comparable to things one might find in London. Sitting on a corner was the village church. It obviously had gone through changes throughout the years. There was nothing built near it.
Harriet noted stained glass windows and wondered how long they’d been there. She made a note to herself that she should speak with her husband about attending when they were in the country. This would be an excellent way to become acquainted with local residents. She would make a trip on her own with her lady’s maid in the near future. Then she hoped today would pique someone’s interest in who she and Lucien were.
The inn came into view, a two-story structure. It appeared to be busy with guests leaving or people coming for a meal. Once inside, an older gentleman greeted them. Mr. Smith was the proprietor. She wondered what his story was.
He showed them to a table next to a window. A young woman came up behind him, whom Mr. Smith introduced as his daughter Jo. She would take care of them and if they needed anything special just have her find him.
“You’re new to the area or passing through?” Jo asked.
“We are new to the area,” Lucien replied.
“I know you’ll like it here,” she sighed. “We have a mutton stew and a beef roast with all the trimmings.”
Harriet looked at Lucien in a silent plea not to order the stew. She didn’t like mutton to begin with.
“Two of your beef roasts, and two ales,” Lucien instructed Jo.
“Very well, my lord. I’ll be back with your ale in a moment.”
When the girl was out of hearing, Harriet asked Lucien about his choices. “Ale?”
“I don’t know how good anything else might be and ale’s good with beef. You have had ale before, haven’t you?”
She shook her head. “No, not really. I had a taste of my father’s once, but I was quite a bit younger and I disliked it immediately.”
Lucien chuckled. “It does take some getting used to, but I wasn’t sure besides cider what they might have. Shall I ask her?”
