‘No, it’s not,’ Elsie said. ‘Stagecoach to Folkestone, a short sea crossing, then a canal boat to Brussels.’
‘Any sea voyage is dangerous.’
‘But this less so than most.’
‘How long would you stay in Brussels?’
‘Until Kenelm gets well.’
‘We can look after the children, of course – can’t we, David?’
‘We’d be delighted.’
Elsie’s five children were between eight and seventeen years old. ‘That won’t be necessary,’ she said. ‘They can come with me. I’ll rent a house there. It will be good for the children. They’ll learn French.’
‘It will broaden their minds,’ said Spade. ‘I approve.’
Arabella still did not like Elsie’s plan. ‘What about the Sunday school?’
‘Lydia Mallet will run it in my absence. Amos will help her.’
‘Still...’
‘I have to help Kenelm. I married him and I owe him that.’
Arabella was thoughtful for a long moment, and then she gave in. ‘Yes,’ she said reluctantly. ‘I suppose you do.’
*
Jane read a long report inThe Lady’s Magazinethat caught her imagination, and she showed it to Amos. Brussels was the newly popular destination for the fashionable set, the article said. Peoplewho for years had flocked to Bath, ostensibly to take the waters, actually to dance, gossip and show off their most beautiful clothes, were now doing all the same things in Brussels. Dinner parties, picnics, hunting and theatre were the favourite occupations of the expatriates. The town was full of gallant officers in splendid uniforms. The risqué waltz, with its scandalously intimate touching, was danced there at every opportunity. Rewarding friendships could spring up between people who would not normally meet in London – a comment that struck Amos as hinting at adultery. There were many aristocratic English visitors, and the leader of Brussels society was the duchess of Richmond.
Amos was mildly disgusted. ‘Empty-headed socialites doing an obscene dance,’ he said grumpily. Then he had another thought. ‘But they’ll all want to be buying new clothes.’
‘Oho!’ said Jane triumphantly. ‘Now you’ve changed your tune.’
There would be growing demand for luxury cloth, Amos was thinking. This would be useful, as the demand for army uniforms – the bread and butter of his business – would now plummet. He needed to get in touch with buyers in the Netherlands.
Jane said: ‘I might go to Brussels.’
‘You, too!’ said Amos.
‘What do you mean?’
‘Elsie is going there to look after Kenelm. He’s been wounded. Lydia will take charge of the Sunday school, and I’ll help her.’
‘You’ll do anything for Elsie.’
Amos was puzzled by that. ‘What do you mean?’
‘You’re a peculiar man, Amos Barrowfield.’
‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’
‘No, you don’t.’
Amos had no patience for enigmatic conversation. ‘Anyway, who will look after Hal while you’re away?’
‘I’ll take him with me.’
