“We have wanted to go to Brookdale ever since the ball. If he had been a true gentleman, Mr. Beaumont would have invited us to supper. It is what is done after one has been a guest at a great ball,” Charlotte explained.
“And we promised to take them on a picnic to Cranborne Chase,” Ann added.
“Then this might be the perfect opportunity,” the Duchess suggested. “Why not send them a note right away saying you want to deliver the paintings and then take them on the picnic. We shall all go, and it shall be such a jolly adventure.” She turned to Ann and Charlotte, “And be sure and wear your new dresses. You must be seen to your very best advantage.”
“Of course, Mother,” Ann replied.
“And you are doing this why?” George asked.
Charlotte rhapsodized, “Mr. Beaumont is simply the best and most suitable of the young men we met at the ball.”
“Perfect for one of your sisters,” Judith said.
“For me,” Ann insisted.
“No, my dear, I know it is me he has in mind,” Charlotte insisted.
“Please, George,” Judith pleaded, reaching up from where she was seated and taking his arm.
“But I am to be in town with Father this morning.”
“Then we shall write the letter and prepare the picnic. Be back here by one. Your father will understand.”
“Must I?”
“Yes, you must,” Judith insisted. “Your sisters’ futures are at stake.”
“Very well, then.”
* * *
The Goodwins had responded with an affirmative to the invitation.
Judith had insisted on the best carriage, and Ann and Charlotte had overseen the preparations for the picnic, even though Cook resented their hanging over her the entire time she was putting it together. Betsy had elected to stay behind—citing her aversion to sitting on damp grass, even if there was a ground cover.
George was only a little late coming back from town, and the Duchess insisted he hurry and change, as he should not be seen in polite company dressed like a tradesman.
Lucy knew which of the paintings were to go to Brookdale and had seen to it that they were loaded onto the carriage before the group was to leave.
“Did you want me to accompany you, Your Grace?” Lucy asked as they were climbing into the carriage.
“Mother…” Ann nudged, shaking her head.
Judith became flustered as she did not have her new puppy yet and felt vulnerable. “Yes, yes. Come along. But stay by my side and be certain you have my drops.”
“Very well, I shall fetch them and return shortly.”
Lucy headed back into the house to grab a shawl and pick up the laudanum.
George did not want to sit with the ladies and decided to sit up with the coachman.
Unfortunately, as they were headed to Brookdale, it began to rain.
Both Ann and Charlotte peered out of the carriage windows, straining to see if the rain would be a short-lived shower or become a more substantial storm. But neither could say with any certainty.
“What should we do?” Ann asked her mother.
“Wait. Just wait. So often these autumn storms just blow themselves out, and it will be sunny again before you know it.”
