After much pleading and explanation, it was Mr. Colin himself who insisted upon driving the sisters to London. He reminded them of the hour and insisted they take the enclosed carriage due to any dangers they may encounter upon the road. Marjorie saw Harriet shiver briefly, but she did not back down.
“Here, My Lady, I’ve packed a hamper for you. There’s some food from the kitchen,” Diana said, handing over a small basket with a cloth cover. “And here is a travel bag with some garments should you have to find yourself in the city for too long. I’m sorry, but I did not have time to pack your full trunks.”
“Never you worry, Diana, I’m sure this will be more than we’ll need. After all, this is not a social visit. In fact, I quite hope we do not run into anyone we know!” Marjorie laughed. “The aim is only to prevent Father from doing something disastrous. The more clothes we need, the less our efforts have proven fruitful.”
Together, they left as the sun was beginning to set behind the hills. Marjorie wondered how Mr. Colin would fare in the dark of night but remembered that he often escorted their coaches when their animals were brought into the city for market. With all that they’d had to sell in recent months, he should know the road with a hood about his eyes.
Within only an hour or two of riding in the jostling carriage, Harriet was asleep with her head on Marjorie’s shoulder, the strain of these past few weeks weighing upon her. For her part, Marjorie was once again feeling the effects of her recent injuries, and hoped she’d find the strength to see this through.
“My ladies, we’re here,” Mr. Colin suddenly announced, opening the carriage door and startling Marjorie. She blinked the sleep from her eyes in the low light from the gas lamp outside the unfamiliar building, unsure of how long they’d traveled.
“Harriet, wake up, dear. We’re here,” she said softly, shaking her sister’s shoulder.
Harriet sat up and looked out. “What? Where are we? This cannot be Father’s apartments!”
“No, My Lady,” Mr. Colin explained with an apology. “I thought it wiser to wait until morning to see him. If you were to go knocking on the door at this hour, there might still be time for him to have a change of heart and continue in his efforts to ruin the Earl of Lanercost. Your father must surely be asleep himself right now, so there’s no reason to wake him.”
“That is very good advice, Mr. Colin, thank you,” Marjorie said, taking his outstretched hand and stepping down. “But where are we?”
“This is my sister’s home. She owns this shop just beside the apothecary there. Her rooms are above it, and she’ll give you a clean, safe place to spend the night.”
“And what of you, Mr. Colin?” Harriet asked. “Where will you go?”
“I don’t mind staying with the horses, My Lady. It’s wiser in these parts anyway.”
Harriet opened her mouth to protest but Marjorie put a hand on her arm to stop her. “Thank you, Mr. Colin,” Marjorie said gratefully. “Your assistance and devotion mean more than we can express.”
Mr. Colin nodded, then led the way to his sister’s door. With no opportunity to send word ahead of time, it took many moments for a candle to burn in the upstairs window and for someone to come down.
“Sean! What are you doing here?” an old woman asked, pulling her shawl closer as she spotted Marjorie and Harriet. Mr. Colin explained as briefly as he could, then his sister smiled. “Of course you’re welcome here, my ladies! Please, come inside before you take in too much of the night air!”
The woman stepped back and let the girls enter, then bid Mr. Colin goodnight and bolted the door. She showed them to her own room, spreading a fresh quilt over the bed for them to sleep.
“I’m sorry that we’ve forced you from your very bed!” Marjorie began. “I assure you, when our woes are resolved I will send you something that only begins to demonstrate my gratitude!”
“Think nothin’ of it, My Lady. I’ve actually heard some of the most charmin’ stories about you two through my brother, beggin’ yer pardon. He’s always thought the best of your family, and I’m honored to be of service to ya in yer time of need!”
She bade them goodnight and left them to curl up together atop the quilt, still wearing their traveling clothes.
Chapter 27
“But I don’t understand! What do you mean he’s not here?” Marjorie cried, imploring the man at her father’s home to explain.
“I’m sorry, My Lady, but I had no word that you were arriving to see him. I know not where he’s gone at this early hour.”
“Can you at least tell us when he left?” Harriet asked, trying to speak sweetly to the obstinate man. “Did he have his bags with him, or did he leave them here?”
“I cannot say, My Lady. That would be violating Lord Mortham’s trust. I make it my business not to share his lordship’s business, if you understand my meaning.”
Exasperated beyond hope, Marjorie turned to leave but tried once more.
“Mr. Roberts! Please, can you help us!” she cried. His heart softened at the expression of desperation on her face, only to have her continue, “We’re trying to find Father about a rather important matter, and it is absolutely vital that we have your help.”
Roberts sighed, then looked around before answering. “Of course, My Lady! Please, come this way. I’ll show you to the sitting room and fetch you some tea from the kitchen.”
“I cannot tell you all I know,” he began when Marjorie and Harriet were seated, “but it is not a secret that Lord Mortham is meeting with some important officials today. I know not at what hour, only that he directed me to pack up his things as we’ll be returning to Windle Manor today.”
“Do you know where he went? Or how he arrived?” Marjorie pressed, praying the man might remember.
