It looks like we're here, Mary said, as the coach lunged into a deep rut in the road. I'll wait, and get our bags, you go inside and warm yourself. It's a foul night, and I don't want you catching a cold.
Charlotte nodded, and when the coach pulled into the Inn's courtyard, she accepted the coachman's arm, dismounted, and went inside.
The Innkeeper looked at Charlotte and raised his eyebrows at her beauty. When he studied her, he noticed her piercing green eyes and the fine features of her face. She was tall and delicately built, but he did notice her ample bust.
Miss, please, take a seat by the fire. It's a dreadful night. I heard this storm is likely to last for two days. No point in frightening the horses. You might as well stay here until the weather improves.
Charlotte was upset to hear they may be held up for longer than one evening. She wanted to put as much distance between her and the Duke as possible, in the least amount of time.
When Mary arrived at the bar with their bags, the Innkeeper took both ladies upstairs and showed them to their chambers. Charlotte was surprised that an ordinary coaching station had such beautiful rooms. Inside, there was a small four-poster bed, a fireplace, and a wash stand. Some kind person had lit the fire, and it was beautifully warm.
I'll hang your dresses up, and put your things in the drawers. The coachman told me; we might be here for quite a while. I don't want to leave your things in the damp bag, Mary said.
Yes, thank you. I'm really disappointed we are here at all. We were supposed to be in Newark by now. I don't think we have made even half that distance.
Don't worry about that. What's important is that we are safe. What use would it be, if we had to spend the night inside the coach, in the middle of nowhere? Here, it's warm, and the beds looks comfortable.
But I'm so afraid the Duke will find me. Our wedding is only three weeks away, and if I have to marry him, I will end my life.
Let's go to sleep now. We'll see what the weather's like in the morning.
Chapter 2
Oh Mary, when will this dreadful storm finally cease? Charlotte asked as she looked out of the breakfast room window.
I have no idea. Before you came down this morning, I asked the coachman, and he thinks we'll be here for another day. He won't leave while there is so much thunder around. The loud bangs frighten the horses, and if they bolt when they're pulling the coach, there could be dreadful accident.
Yes, I understand. Then we'll just have to wait. I've finished eating now, come and sit with me in the bar. There is a large table, where we can play cards. The two women sat comfortably in front of the fire and played whist.
Then the gust threw open the front door.
And he stepped in.
Everyone in the bar looked at him. The man was tall, muscular and rugged. As he closed the door behind him, he glanced around. He noticed two beautiful young women playing cards by the fire, an old man enjoying his first pint of the day, two coachmen, and the innkeeper.
Good day to you all. Innkeeper, a brandy please, he said, his voice booming across the room. A fire, excellent. Ladies, do you mind if I sit next to you? I have been out in this storm for hours, and I'm afraid I'm rather cold.
Charlotte and Mary shuffled along the settle as the man took off his sodden cape and hat and sat down next to them.
The Innkeeper brought him a brandy, and Charlotte studied him, nervously. Had the Duke sent him to find her, she asked herself? He looked as though he had had a hard life. He wasn't old, perhaps just three or four years older than Charlotte, but his rugged features made him look older. Charlotte found him attractive. It was his deep blue eyes and angular jaw. She wondered how he had got the scar on his cheek.
Tell me, Sir, what made you ride through such inclement weather for so long that you are soaked to the skin? Charlotte asked.
“'I have to be in London by tomorrow, at the latest. But I fear the weather will prevent me. I have an important engagement there.
How interesting. I hope you don't think me too curious to ask you, but what is your line of business?
I'm an engineer. Tomorrow, I am to meet with the Duke of Westminster. He wants me to plan a new bridge over the Thames.
Charlotte was suspicious. She hadn't liked him using the word Duke. It seemed to be a little too coincidental to her predicament. She also found it rather implausible, that the Duke of Westminster would choose a man from the North of England to build a bridge in London. Surely there were enough engineers in London, she thought.
Are you two ladies waiting for the storm to pass before traveling further?
Yes, Sir. It's too dangerous for the horses to be out. We are going to wait here until it clears up, Charlotte said.
Splendid. Then perhaps you will allow me to sit with you. I'll get some sherry.
It is really quite early for sherry. Perhaps tea? Mary said.