The Lady Who Wasn't There  Regency by Karen Blayne

Oh by the way red tape first.

Be warned these short stories contain mature content or naughty bits and as such may corrupt you if you’re under 12, 16, 18, 21 or 25 depending where you live thus if they are not suitable for you put them back on the shelf and let them age for a year or two.

They were sort of scribbled for fun. They were first posted on asstr.org. If you’ve paid money for this book just be aware the author has not received any payment. In fact no one has permission to charge money for this book and copyright is retained by the author.  Asstr.org accepts donations if you’re feeling rich or even if you’re not.

Alison lay back day dreaming on the blanket with her groom’s head between her thighs having her weekly treat as she called it.  Jed, her groom, just knew it helped her unwind and cope with worrying about her brother Ralph being abroad fighting Napoleon and he would do anything for her. Her father and eldest brother had been swept out to sea whilst fishing together, their bodies being washed up four months earlier so now Ralph was the new baronet.

Afterwards as she relaxed and murmured “Perhaps I should use my mouth and tongue to give you some relief?”  Jed was horrified “It wouldn’t be fitting my lady.”  “I’ll get Molly to do it then.”  “But she’s walking out with one of the footman. I hear tell she hasn’t even permitted him to kiss her.” “So what’s that got to do with it, she’s my personal maid and will do what I tell her to do. She needn’t mention it to her footman.”

She glanced across the fields. “Jed why on earth is the squire sowing his fields but we haven’t started yet?”  “I heard the lawyers won’t release any funds for seed without Ralph’s approval.” “Bother. We need to get Ralph back to look after the estate. It’s been four months now since father and my brother died so we’d best get something sorted out.”

After changing into an afternoon gown suitable for shopping with Molly’s help she wondered into her father’s old bedroom and dug the spare key to the safe out of the Chinese vase it was hidden in. She descended to the gun room and picked up a pair of the game keeper’s game bags. Soon loaded with cotton bags of gold and silver coins from the safe, she dragged them into the hall. “Armstrong send someone to tell Jed I need him here, and order the carriage to be brought round, full regalia so four outriders, I want them armed so here’s the key to the gun room, everything to be done on the instant.”  Armstrong called out to a footman whilst Alison waited patiently in the hall for the coach to be brought round.

Jed came rushing in, it was rare he entered the house.  “Carry these out to the carriage.  Best do it one at a time.”  Jed bent to pick the first game bag up and was surprised at its weight but he managed to carry it carefully into the carriage before returning for the second.  Outside four mounted grooms were being handed pistols by Armstrong.  “Careful with them, powder doesn’t grow on trees you know.”

Alison quietly commanded Jed “Get hold of Rob the under steward and meet me at the seed merchants.” Before signally to two liveried footmen they should accompany her inside the coach.  Well there was no point in getting their livery dusty for no reason and they could sit on the rear facing seat.

They arrived in style at the seed merchants and Alison had one footman stay in the coach whilst the other accompanied her into the store carrying one of the heavy bags flanked by two of the armed grooms.

“Higgins, how much do we owe you?”  Higgins came forward hesitantly, he couldn’t afford to let the estate have any further credit without going bankrupt himself.  “Good morning your ladyship, I understand the lawyers won’t release any funds.” He hazarded.  “I’ve brought my pin money so find me the reckoning.”  Higgins brought forth the ledger and opened it to the estate’s account before passing it across the counter.  Alison looked at the figure and nodded her approval.  “James count out his money.”  The footman looked ashamed, quaking in case he would be fired for not obeying an order.  “I has never learnt to read or do sums, my Lady.”  Alison remembered Huckle behind her standing with a pistol in his belt.  As head groom he at least fed the horses so should be able to read how much fodder to put out and count up the supplies.  “Huckle, sort it out.”  Huckle stepped forward and after glancing at the ledger started to slowly count coins out in piles.

“Now Higgins tell me what are the latest fashions in seeds?”  Higgins looked confused, “I’ve been reading about planting turnips instead of letting the land go fallow, and clover seems to be in vogue.  We’ve always grown rye but I hear that barley, and wheat give better yields and how much of each would we need?”  Higgins thought for a moment then replied, “Well they do say wheat is supposed to do well on your south field, but what will your steward say?  He’s old school, a bit like your dad was and I don’t know that the new crop rotations work everywhere.  You’ve used a two-crop rotation for many a year now, either crop or fallow.”  He turned and pulled out a sheet of paper and sketched out the estate.  “Now if we were to split the land up this way, and move to a three rotation down here that might work but the north facing slope here really needs more recovery time.  The newer seeds are more expensive so we have a range of seed drills so that you get better germination rates and don’t need as much seed.  For the east facing drier slopes you should try some cocksfoot rich mixture, its deeper rooted than other grasses so more drought tolerant.”  “Well draw up a list of what you’d recommend and I’ll run it by our steward or his assistant for approval.”  Higgins thought the chances of any of the new ideas being accepted were remote but held his peace and started doing his sums.  If the estate accepted his plans and his other customers followed suit why he might even make a profit this year after all.  Even just getting the account paid off before harvest time would make his life easier.

Alison had wondered round the store and was looking at one of the new seed drills when Jed arrive with the under steward.  “Ah Rob, Higgins has been making me a list of things to buy. Could you look it over and tell me what you think?  I’m rather thirsty so thought to walk up the village and see about a cup of tea.”  Higgins looked up, he’d rather she stayed in the store at the moment.  “If you’d like to step into the parlour my lady I think my wife has been baking this morning.”  He stepped through the door at the back and called out “Alice, could we find Miss Wainwright some refreshment?”  Alice came scurrying out removing her apron as she did so “If you’d just like to step this way.”  Soon Alison was sat in the parlour enjoying a slice of fruit cake that Alice had baked that morning for her husband’s birthday and being brought up to date on the village gossip.  The tea was surprisingly good as well, if not quite the superior blend they used at home.

In the store Rob was confounded, in his wildest dreams he’d thought about doing one or two small changes but nothing on this scale. He discussed the merits of various seed mixtures for each field with Higgins and eventually together they came to a mutual agreement.  Rob wasn’t sure where the money would come from or if the steward would agree but it was an interesting exercise nevertheless, he hadn’t realised Higgins was so knowledgeable.  When Jed noticed they’d come to an agreement he sent a footman to mention to Miss Wainwright that they awaited her pleasure.

Alison took the sketch map and list and glanced through them mentally noting down each field’s recommendations for seed mixture for each rotation, “I’ll take a shilling in the pound discount for cash but otherwise I approve.”  She looked to Higgins “Agreed.”  “Count out his money then and we’ll leave an additional twenty pounds in case Rob has forgotten anything.”

When they returned to the house, she had Rob follow her to the steward’s office where the steward was distracted trying to see if he could sell some livestock to buy a few essentials to keep the estate going.  “Baldwin, I’ve been shopping with my pin money and brought a few pretty seeds and things, I’ve drawn up a plan of how I want them planted out. Shall I just give it to Rob to see to?”  Baldwin waved his permission and Alison handed the plans to Rob.  As they left the office she leant over and whispered in his ear.  “There you see, nothing could be simpler.”

“Jed, we’re off to Spain to find Ralph, so pack up a few essentials from the gun room and I’ll fill a trunk from the still room.”  Jed looked round the gun room and found the sturdy wooden trunk they used when deer hunting.  It was a few moments work to fill it with half a dozen hunting rifles, powder, shot, a pair of cased duelling pistols and Alison’s shooting jacket.  He hauled it to the stables where Alison was directing a trunk to be loaded on the back of a gig.  Two grain sacks one full and one empty lay behind the seat.  “Grab anything you want to bring and we’re off.”  Jed grabbed his shaving gear and his spare set of clothes which he bundled up then they departed.  “First stop is your sister.”  Jed gave a questioning look, “Well an unchaperoned Miss Wainwright can hardly go to Spain now can she but a groom carrying supplies with his sister to look after him can go anywhere.  From here on you address me as Ally if you please.”  “As soon as you open your mouth they’ll know the truth.”  Ally replied in coarse broad vernacular to Jed’s grin.  Jed’s sister was persuaded to hand over her only two respectable dresses for a consideration “Silver thruppenny bits, Groats and sixpences would be best, anything bigger will be remarked upon and copper coins ain’t to be trusted these days.” She agreed to lead the gig back from the inn.

All too soon they arrived in the bustling port of Lisbon.  Together they browsed the marketplace looking to see what transport they could buy.  One team of four caught Alison’s eye as the salesman attempted to lead the uncooperative horses out to show their paces. The buyer turned away and Alison thought she recognised the breed as being French Percherons and dressed in Jed’s sister’s farm clothing approached them and tried murmuring to them gently in French. Their ears perked up and nuzzles came forward in greeting. The salesman was more than happy to strike a deal and throw in a captured French Ambulance Volante. Jed found that invoking Captain Sir Ralph Wainwright’s name ensured that they could join a military convoy to the front, especially when they allowed the quartermaster to fill their wagon with military supplies although they did get a few odd looks when Alison gave her team commands in French.

They arrived just as a battle was starting. The rest of the convoy was quickly absorbed into the milling army.  Alison, Jed and their wagon were directed to the rear with the baggage wagons, wives and the camp followers.  “What’s going on?”  Alison asked a sergeant’s wife “If we go up into the belfry of the church we should be able to see the entire battlefield.”  The sergeant’s wife looked out with her telescope and lamented that if only someone could shoot the officer leading the enemy on horseback that might turn the battle.  “Protect Ralph you mean.”  “And my husband.”  Well she’d been protecting Ralph most of her life one way or another, making sure he didn’t get blamed for some of the tricks her eldest brother did so what was new.  Jed brought up one of the deer hunting rifles, her shooting jacket, some wool for her ears and a bag of sand. “You’ve shot deer across the valley at less range than this.” Alison rested the rifle on the sand bag and lining up the rifle shot the officer from his saddle at a distance in excess of four hundred yards. Jed exchanged the muzzle loading rifle for a freshly charged one.  “Anyone else you think is important?” asked Alison casually. There was a puff of smoke and a moan from Jed. “Is he alright?” “He’s a man and he’s moaning he’ll be fine. The girls can reload for you. Try to shoot to injure rather than kill. It usually takes two men to escort a wounded man off the battlefield, so it puts three out of action not one.” Alison lined up the rifle at where the puff of smoke had come from and squeezed the trigger gently, she was shooting to protect and not aiming to kill so didn’t feel too uncomfortable. “Perhaps they could bring up the other rifles from the wagon?” For the next five hours the sergeant’s wife picked out targets of commissioned and non-commissioned officers and Alison squeezed the trigger. The rifles were passed back and cooled with damp cloths as they were reloaded. Eventually they ran out of gunpowder as the French started to retreat. The Colonel’s wife came up behind them and exclaimed “My husband claims that his riflemen with a Baker rifle can reliably hit the target at 100 yards 150 if they’re lucky, but you seem to have done much better than that. I think we’d better keep it from the riflemen they’ve been out shot by a woman today. Shall we go and help with the wounded?”

They descended and below a field hospital had been set up, the church tower was easily visible so that men would know where to come for treatment. “I was reading that the French use ambulances to transport the most seriously injured men quickly to the surgeons without regard to rank. Their overall survival rates appear to be higher than ours.”  Alison looked round at the way treatment appeared to depend on who you were rather than what your injuries were.  “Could we save the surgeon’s time by assessing the injured and seeing if we could treat them without their intervention? I have my trunk full of items from my still room plus I think our wagon is actually a captured ambulance so could be used to bring back the injured.” The Colonel’s wife summoned a nearby sergeant and gave him his orders “Not to be countermanded by anyone less than the Colonel himself.” Soon a six horse team from the artillery section was harnessed to the Ambulance Volante and it was dispatched to collect the most seriously injured, Alison cat napping in the back as they went out searching. The first pair they came across Alison rendered first aid in the ambulance cleaning the wounded area with brandy as they returned quickly but trying not to jolt the injured too much. The ambulance still had a few splints tied to the side so she splinted up Hinch’s leg and Hart’s arm. On return she thought their limbs could be saved but was informed by the sergeant’s wife that it was normal to amputate in case of complications.  “I’ve never had a waltz in a London Ballroom and I think you’ll need both legs for that so you have a choice, the surgeon and lose the limb or my care and hopefully save it but there is a higher risk of complications.” She smiled at Hinch.  Hart on hearing the screams coming from the surgeon’s tent spoke quickly “I think I can speak for both of us, we’ll be happy to waltz again thank you very much.”  She motioned to Jed and together they moved Hinch and Hart into their own sleeping quarters, taking on the responsibility of caring for them herself.

The female camp followers were soon boiling water and bandages and seeing to the wounded as they arrived. A number of batmen who turned up to attend their wounded ruperts were pressed into service helping to nurse other nearby injured.  A young pretty cottager’s daughter, Bonita, came to see what help she could render, the Colonel’s wife thought she was excellent for morale as she flirted with the wounded soldiers she was tending. It was amazing how much could be communicated with sign language and the few words of English she knew or the few words of Spanish some of the soldiers knew. One mispronounced word earned a slapped face though.

Three days later an exhausted Alison was catching up on her sleep when her brother arrived. “Alison, what are you doing here? I’d heard a couple of estate workers had come with a message from home.” Jed stepped forward “If you’d just step out of the way all will be explained.” They explained that Ralph was now the new baronet and that Alison was posing as Jed’s sister to try to preserve her reputation, as being unchaperoned in Spain was not at all the thing for a young lady to do. Ralph left to have words with the Colonel about how quickly he could get furlough to return to sort out the estate. Alison lay her head down once again only to be disturbed once more by the Colonel and his wife.  “Sorry to disturb you but Captain Wainwright seems to think we ought to do something about getting you home.  I’ve been informed that we owe you a great deal, apparently our survival rate for wounded soldiers is much better than we might expect and the surgeon feels much of the credit is yours for collecting the wounded so quickly and organising things so he didn’t have his time taken up by the less seriously injured. I was also very taken by the idea of one person shooting and others reloading. Talking to the riflemen’s officers it appears that some riflemen are much better shots than others so we may like to try something similar. If possible I’d like to buy your hunting rifles and ambulance from you but I wonder if we can impose on you and get you to escort some of our wounded officers back to Lisbon when you return?   That way we can at least provide you with an armed escort.” Alison acquiesced and collapsed back on her camp bed.

It was a couple of days later the officers arranged a hunt across the country side, would she care to join them?   Alison being a country girl with two elder brothers had been placed in the saddle practically as soon as she could walk, she’d be delighted and yes certainly she could manage a 17-hand stallion, her Percherons were 18 hands for heaven’s sake even if they weren’t normally used for riding.  The hunt made a welcome break in the life of the army.  Often there were long periods between fighting when life got a bit monotonous and the younger officers grew restless, hunting was a way of diverting their attention as well as helping their riding skills and they needed all the skill they had to keep up with Alison’s lighter weight on her large hunter.

Alison’s convoy had brought the mail from England, mainly for the officers but also one or two enlisted men had letters that Alison read out to them. Some letters from officer’s sisters and family were read out to groups of men so they could hear news from their parish and so forth.  Alison was surprised at their interest in news from home.  “Hart could you frank a few letters when we get back to England?”  Hart nodded absently and Alison slipped away.  She spoke to one or two soldiers and soon had a queue of soldiers wanting a few words written home.  They were simple letters directly in the soldiers own words. 

Bonita it transpired had family in Lisbon and would be delighted to help nurse the poor sick officers besides she thought the opportunities in Lisbon had to be better than working on a farm. 

It was nearly a week later they set off, Alison, Jed, Bonita, a second wagon, five wounded officers on horseback, another half dozen or so wounded officers spread over the two wagons and two bat men.  It took two weeks of a gentle walking pace to reach Lisbon, with the wounded officers sometimes walking and sometimes riding in the wagons.  As they walked so Bonita raised their spirits by teaching them Spanish songs to sing, and in return they taught her some English ones.  Stanford had his hands wrapped in bandages to protect his burnt hands.  He was a little embarrassed the first time Bonita undid his trousers for him so he could relieve himself, however Bonita only laughed at him and wrapped her hand round his rod saying she had a duty to ensure that all his parts were working and he would feel better when he’d released his other fluids as well. 

Alison took Bonita to one side and using Jed as a model and sign language made sure she knew what actions would get her pregnant and the risk to her reputation.  Bonita hadn’t realised that if the white goo penetrated her she could get in the family way.  “If you accompany me to my family in Lisbon you can assure them that I have been well chaperoned all the way, I’ll make sure the officers won’t talk. My reputation is safe, besides I enjoy talking and flirting with the officers. I normally only meet farm workers, these are much more fun.” Alison resigned herself to watching over her.

Bonita had her own unique may of motivating the singers, if she thought they were making an effort then in the evening she would slip to their bedside and use her fingers tantalisingly to milk their goo. By the time they arrived in Lisbon the choir was singing harmoniously.

Hinch was tucked in the back of the ambulance, it was just a matter of changing his dressing and keeping the wound clean, Hart’s arm she was a little more worried about but it seemed to be on the mend, and he would often walk along side her as she led the team on foot, picking her way carefully to avoid the worst potholes.  She enjoyed their talks, they talked about life on their estates, and he was interested in her views on the importance of turnips and what were the advantages of two, three, and four crop rotation for different types of soil and different seed mixtures as well. She racked her brains trying desperately to recall everything she’d seen on Higgin’s scrap map of the estate.

In Lisbon as Alison and Jed bid farewell to Bonita at her uncle’s house Bonita stood meek and demure not at all like the Bonita they all knew as she became transformed into a young Spanish lady of the highest respectability.

The weather was good for the sea trip to England. On the evening before they were due to land, barely a week after setting foot on board, Alison and Hart were stood at the ship’s railing gazing at the waves in the moon light just being together “So what will you do when you get back?”   “Much the same as I did before I suppose.  My tasks and duties on the estate and I have a few memories now to reflect on.”  Hart bent his head down and kissed her “One more for you, though perhaps I shouldn’t have done that?”  Alison put her hand at the back of his neck and pulled his lips to hers kissing him in return “One for you as well I hope.” 

The next morning the ship docked. The officers had a hero’s welcome whilst Alison and Jed slipped off quietly unnoticed in the confusion of unloading. They merely paused in London to cash the colonel’s draft before catching the mail to carry them off safely north of Potter’s Bar.

“Hart are you feeling well?” Hart looked up to see his sister Althea stood in front of him. “Apart from the arm you mean?” “Well yes, Molly has just been flaunting her body provocatively in front of you as she did the dusting and there was no reaction, you’ve lost weight, the staff tell me you haven’t been eating well and you still have no valet. Let me guess there’s a girl?” Althea brightened “To think my big brother has been brought down by a girl. Who is she? Where did you meet her? When can I meet her? When are you introducing her to the family?   Where and when is the wedding to be?”  “Slow down, I don’t know her full name, and she slipped away from me and disappeared before I realised how important she was to me.”  “Tell all.”  “Only if you promised not to whisper a word to anyone else.”  Althea cocked her head.  “I mean it sister mine, not a word to anyone or you hear nothing.”  Althea wrinkled her nose “Not even..”  “Not even now close the library door and come and sit beside me.”

“I met her on the battlefield in Spain after the battle, she was in the back of a light covered wagon the French call Ambulance Volante and it was she who saved Hinch’s leg and my arm from the surgeon’s saw. She set our broken bones, and saw to our wounds, but she did more than that she went out time and time again to bring back the wounded and apply first aid. She went out hunting on someone’s big hunter and out rode practically everyone. The regiment was totally charmed by her, and all sorts of wild stories went around about her, even one where she shot more than half the French commissioned and noncommissioned officers herself. Mind you it was unusual that they lost so many commissioned and noncommissioned officers though and I think that’s the real reason our casualties were so light and we won the day. We just got talking as we walked on the way back to Lisbon, silly things like how to grow and keep turnips, and crop rotations and so forth. She seemed quite knowledgeable and knew far more than Jed who was with her. The last I saw of her was on the ship as we came into port, one moment she was there handing me a gunny sack of full of letters from the men and the next thing was she and Jed had vanished. Hinch had to scrawl his signature to frank all the letters, with my arm I couldn’t manage it. I’m even trying one of her seed mixtures on the drought prone south pasture and it seems to be doing much better than our traditional mix by the way.”  “She sounds like a farmer’s daughter, is she pretty?”  “It sounds silly but I can’t remember, not spectacularly so, more a sort of confident inner beauty.”  “Are you doing the season this year?”  “I doubt if she’ll be there so I’ll stay on the estate and recover slowly.”  “Well if you are staying I suggest fondling at least one of the maids, Meg perhaps?   She at least has a modicum of intelligence.  Your hands are softer than many of the men hereabouts and for many their only chance of seeing stars will be at your finger tips.  Besides it saves them getting in the family way with the stable staff.”   Althea left him thoughtfully, perhaps a Bow Street runner?   She’d keep her ears open anyway.

About a month later Hart was tiring of Molly’s flouncing hips and decided to take his sister’s advice and approached Meg as she was dusting. She cast an inviting eye over her shoulder as he approached, slipped his arm round her and kissed her on the lips. He felt her press her body against him inviting him to prolong the kiss. “Meg I need someone to look after my clothes until I get a new valet could you manage that?”  “Oh yes sir, would you like me to move into your dressing room to be handy when you need me?”  she added pertly.  He thought about it “But what would that do for your reputation?”  “Don’t you worry about that sir.”  In Meg’s view her reputation would be enhanced if she could catch the eye of his lordship, her biggest worry was the state of her underwear.  “Are you quite sure you wouldn’t prefer Molly?”  Hart gave her a look then tapped her bottom lightly.  “Quite certain, I suppose I’d better see Mrs. Harris and inform her of the new arrangements.” 

Mrs. Harris was surprisingly accepting of the new arrangements and sent for Meg.  “Miss Althea sent down a package for you should something like this occur. Her instructions are that you are to have a bath at least weekly, you may use the family bathing room and the inside water closet. She has left you a small collection of toilet water and scent for your use. Also I’m to instruct you about the birds and the bees or how to satisfy a man without becoming in the family way, I think I’d better draw you a sketch.”

Meg lay back luxuriating in the bath thinking of not having to go outside in the middle of winter to use the servant’s toilet. She’d looked through the package than Miss Althea had sent down, silk underwear and nightdresses. She’d never thought to own such luxury. She thought she could get used to wearing soft silk underwear and as for the four castoff but becoming muslin dresses, yes she vowed, Lord Hartindon would not regret his choice.

Ralph turned up barely a fortnight after Alison arrived and soon the estate had access to funds again and Alison retreated from interfering with the estate as Ralph put it. The harvest with the better yielding wheat and barley was one of the best ever.  Higgins with Alison’s assistance arranged for a number of local landowners to congratulate Rob on how well his ideas had worked and ask him about his future plans. Soon he was convinced that the newer methods really were all his idea all along.  Alison soon sensed the squire’s daughter was measuring up the house for new curtains, and to be honest she couldn’t blame her. There was a dearth of eligible males in their part of the world, far different from her time in Spain and Portugal, it brought back sad memories of the waste of the battlefield.

In the spring the squire’s wife took pity on Alison and wrote to her sister who was doing the season to see if they minded a visit from Alison “for dear sister I hope to have Susan settled to her brother shortly and we might well get on better if Miss Wainwright could find a match. I fear there aren’t sufficient funds for a full season but she has a reasonable dowry so if you could invite her for a month or so she might attract someone at one of the lesser functions.”  The invitation was dispatched and gratefully received, Alison knew full well that a house couldn’t have two mistresses so had wondered about taking a cottage in the country, but a visit to London would be entertaining in itself, and she still had the funds from the Colonel to go shopping with and the good harvest the previous year meant Ralph could afford a contribution. She thought about taking Molly with her but then decided a London maid might well be more appropriate, besides she had an idea that Molly was increasing by her footman and that was one problem she preferred to leave to Ralph to deal with.

She travelled as chaperon to the local reigning beauty who was being sent to a cousin for the season.  Emily was full of the new gowns she would wear, the dances she would go to, the swarms of men that would fall at her feet, the bouquets of flowers that would arrive every morning.  Cynically Alison wondered how many other local reigning beauties she would be in competition with in London.

They arrived at the address where she would be staying at in Mayfair and Emily bid her farewell.  The coachman lifted down her bag and rapped on the front door for her.   The front door swung open revealing a tall imposing butler. “Miss Wainwright?”  He enquired, she nodded and he ushered her inside. As he motioned for a footman to carry her bag a very superior upper servant, no less than the master’s personal valet, stepped across the floor and picked up her bag ready to escort her upstairs. Catherine stepped forward to welcome her new companion for the next few weeks was most surprised, this was completely out of character. “Welcome to London, we’ve put you in the blue room I hope you like it. Do you have a maid?”  “I’d thought to hire one in London, I shared Emily’s on the way down.”  “Well I’m certain we can sort something out tomorrow.  You must be exhausted this evening.”

Catherine raised her eyebrows at Jones as he placed her bags on the floor.  “Miss Wainwright is Captain Sir Wainwright’s sister, I served with him in Spain until I escorted Lord Benson home.”

“Mama something very odd happened when Miss Wainwright arrived, Jones insisted on carrying her bags himself.”  “Really darling how strange, has my sister foisted a beauty on us?”  “No not a beauty exactly, and she needs to find a personal maid.  She has a certain air about her as if she is used to managing things.  She was managing the estate for a while wasn’t she?”  “How difficult, men never like managing females still one never knows, I’m sure we can stretch a few invitations to cover her as well. I wonder where we can find a reasonable modiste to make a few suitable gowns?”

The following morning found the three ladies breakfasting together.  Alison mentioned a variety of places she wished to visit, none of which seemed to include modistes. They were interrupted by Jones who very discreetly mentioned to Alison that if she could spare the time a lady’s maid whom he could personally recommend had presented herself asking for work and Jones had put her in the small salon next door.   Alison nodded and entered the room where she found to her surprise four maids, one of which was obviously in charge.  “I’m Hodge my lady.  Could you walk across the room for me then sit and stand up?”  Alison was surprised to say the least but thought she’d humour her.  “Ladies?”  the three other maids nodded their silent agreement.  “I’m not certain I can afford all four of you.”  “My brother fought with yours in Spain and these three are my apprentices as you might say.  Our last employer Lady Bethany’s daughter was married last week  very advantageously and we were paid until the end of the season so we are quite willing to work for you for a nominal sum.”  “I’ll enquire if we have room for you all.”  She returned to the breakfast table, “It appears I have four maids, I’d like to hire them but do we have room?”  “Did you check their references?   I can see you didn’t I’ll come along and inspect them.”

They entered the small salon where Alison’s hostess took one look at Hodge “I’m quite certain references won’t be necessary, I don’t suppose you’d care to work for my daughter?”  “Just Miss Wainwright madam.”  “I’ll get Banes to sort out your accommodation.”  Then looking rather pale she returned to her daughter and said faintly “Hodge is Miss Wainwright’s new maid.”  “You mean Hodge as in Lady Bethany?   There must be some mistake surely she’d prefer to work for me?” “I don’t think we could afford her, and she was quite firm about working for Miss Wainwright but perhaps she might pass on a few tips to your maid.”

Upstairs in Alison’s chamber plans were being made. “I’m assuming your funds are limited or at least not up to purchasing a complete wardrobe to do the season?”  Alison concurred “But I would like one or two gowns.”  “If we keep the design simple then I think between the four of us we can sew up a basic wardrobe of say a dozen gowns and I think simplicity will suit you.  So I suggest we visit a drapery warehouse and see what we can find.”

Watt’s warehouse was crowded with customers clamouring for the attention of harassed sales assistants.  Alison looked at the prices of the various fabrics and murmured to Hodge “Isn’t there somewhere more reasonably priced?”  Hodge caught the eye of the proprietor and when he came over introduced “May I present Miss Wainwright, Captain Wainwright’s sister, Mr. Tobias Watt whose nephew is currently in Spain.  We’re looking to see if you have any remnants?”  Mr. Watt’s eyes lit up, “Would you care to step this way into my office?  Charley let Hodge dig through our remnants and see what she can find, it’s for Captain Wainwright’s sister and get Sally to bring us some refreshments.” 

Alison allowed herself to be led into a crowded office and took a seat on one side of a large mahogany desk.  “Sara was never more surprised than when the letter arrived, her son is now Sergeant Wilson if you please.”  Alison gave a small start at the name which Tobias picked up on.  “So between these four walls you were there, I thought so myself reading between the lines in the letter.  Image of Sandra he wrote, and the only Sandra I know of is sister to a baronet.  So tell me a little of his world and how he’s getting on.  No fear I’ll gab nor Sara either.” So Alison described the country side and the soldier’s life, the heat and the dust from when she was there. She described what little she could remember about Sergeant Wilson as he came each day to have a dressing changed from a minor wound he’d picked up. She described Lisbon and the Brazilian sugar trade and the developing wine trade and painted an oral picture for him including buying her horses and getting the ambulance thrown in which raised a laugh out of Tobias.

Tobias led the way back to the warehouse where Hodge had a brown paper wrapped parcel in front of her. “I’ve picked some suitable colours from the remnants presented and I’ve one or two here. Charley has the others put to one side and he’ll send them round later on.”  Alison turned to Mr. Watts “How much do I owe you?”  “For a few remnants don’t worry about it.”  Alison looked as if she might insist on paying.  “Well let me double check with Charley but I think a guinea will more than cover it.” And with that Alison had to be satisfied.

After lunch the ladies were discussing which of Catherine’s beau’s should be encouraged and which allowed to dangle when “Lady Sefton.” was grandly announced by the butler. “Miss Wainwright? Captain Wainwright’s sister? I have a favour to ask, I’m worried about my cousin Stanford not getting enough exercise and hoped to entice him to our little assembly on Wednesday next with your presence.”  “I’d be more than happy to assist.”  “Have you seen much of London since you arrived? The London parks for example? I’m just intending to take a drive through one, would you care to come with me?” “I haven’t had chance to find any dresses yet.”  “Just button up a pelisse and I’m certain you’ll be perfect.”  Lady Sefton rose and followed Alison to the door, pausing only to deposit an envelope on the tea table.  In the hall Catherine’s maid standing next to Hodge held out one of Catherine’s pelisses, Catherine looked at her mother as her pelisse went through the front door and they heard it close.  Catherine pounced on the envelope first, “Do you think?”  she asked in an awed voice “Dare we even think?”  “Vouchers for Almack’s, Mama I thought your sister said there wasn’t a lot of money.”  “I don’t even think she understands who Lady Sefton is, but vouchers and a drive in the park.  We must speak to Hodge immediately and see if she has a suitable gown or if something must be contrived.”

Stanford was riding with a group of fellow officers when he spotted his cousin and more to the point his angel from Spain.  “Allow me to introduce a new face to you whom I’m certain you’ve never met before.”  Lady Sefton gave Stanford a significant look “Miss Wainwright meet my cousin Stanford lately back from Spain.  I understand there is a strong family resemblance to her brother Sir Ralph Wainwright who was serving there.  Miss Alison will be attending on Wednesday.”  The news flew through the ranks of the military riders.  “Most pleased to meet Wainwright’s sister and I look forward to Wednesday evening.”

“Hodge do I get the impression that something significant happened today with the attention of Lady Sefton?”  “She’s one of the patronesses of Almack’s which currently is rather more exclusive than being presented at court.”  “The Wednesday assembly is Almack’s I take it?”  “Just so.”  “Shall Cinderella have a suitable ball gown?”  “If Cinderella would care to get undressed the girls would like to have a fitting.”  “Do I get any choice in the material or design?”  “Shall we simply say that within the constraints I have I feel you will be pleased and dressed in the correct style for Almack’s.”  Alison felt things were well out of her control but Hodge inspired confidence.

Wednesday evening arrived far too quickly.  Hodge condescended to dress Catherine’s hair in a more sophisticated style whilst Alison was attended to by one of the apprentices.  Hodge returned to ensure her Mistress was properly turned out.  “Catherine’s beauty is more superficial than your own and I felt if she felt a little more confident she would enjoy the evening more which would enhance both her mother’s and your pleasure.”  “You don’t think I might like to dance every dance myself and be the belle of the ball do you?”  “It isn’t so important to you as Catherine and from the servant’s gossip the word is Captain Wainwright’s sister will not be a wall flower tonight.”

They made their way into the assembly rooms, which seemed to be crowded with military men.  Lady Sefton turned and spoke to one of her fellow patronesses, “I told you she would draw them in.” Before stepping forward to greet Alison and Catherine “How wonderful to see you here this evening.”  There was a large male presence behind her, and Alison looked up to see Stanford beaming down at her.

Alison danced every dance, Catherine only sat out two dances before the military decided that since she had come in with Alison she was under their protection as well.  Next morning the house was awash with flowers and masses of invitations for the coming weeks.  Whilst Catherine was conferring with her mother trying to decide which they should accept, her mother was desperately wondering how many more fashionable dresses would be required to show off Catherine at these new functions and how expensive they would be.

“The dowager Lady Hinchingbrooke” announced the butler as the dowager followed him in. She took a seat and peered at Alison through her lorgnette.  “Humph, you’ll do I suppose. My grandson Hinchingbrooke needs to meet people, currently he sits round the house in the dumps, so as the saying goes if Mohammed won’t come to the mountain then the mountain must go to Mohammed.  I can see that the only way to get Hinchingbrooke to a ball is for the ball to come to him. Therefore since we are distantly related through your mother’s side and the staff are far too idle at the moment I’ve decided to hold a ball for you.  All you need do is make sure my companion has a list of whom you’d like invited and stand in the receiving line.  I’ll leave her with you now to sort out the details.  Good day to you all.”  And with that she was gone.

Alison looked at the companion for enlightenment, “She heard about Almack’s sudden influx of military and hopes your name will act as a draw.  Hinchingbrooke’s leg used to be a lot worse than it is today but she feels he needs to use it to get back the full movement.  You needn’t worry about it being the least bit penny pinching or shabby and I’ll sneak you in so you can have a look at the ball room early one morning before Hinchingbrooke is about. He might not like the idea and he is the Earl after all.”  “Well at least we can send an invitation to Emily.”

Hodge was consulted about ball gowns and produced the full extent of Alison’s collection of remnants.  “I rather think we have more than a guinea’s worth.”  Alison said dryly.  “There is the reputation of the regiment to protect, Captain Sir Wainwright’s sister cannot be allowed to go round in rags and my reputation would suffer also.  Besides we’re enjoying dressing you and not another brainless debutante so let us have some fun.”  Alison acquiesced and Hodge produced some sketches which she thought would work.  “We’ve been through Catherine’s wardrobe and we think since you and she are much of a size we might be able to rework some of her dresses to suit you and some for yours for her.” “Well if she’s agreeable.”  Hodge thought there wouldn’t be a problem there.

This was ridiculous thought Alison, as she was standing next to the dowager Lady Hinchingbrooke in the receiving line.  How on earth can Hinch ignore a ball that is taking place in his own home.  She smiled a social smile at yet another enquiry after the Earl and gave a noncommittal answer to cover up her seething inside.  There was a lull and the dowager leant forward.  “I’m so sorry my dear I never thought he’d be so stubborn as to bury himself in the library.”  “Just tell him there is a notable needlewoman in her best party frock out here who’ll sue him for breach of promise if she doesn’t get her promised waltz.”  The dowager raised her eyebrows “I’ll see what can be done.” 

The dowager slipped out of the line and into the library, moments later the Earl himself stormed from the library “I don’t care who she is I’ll be damned if I’m threatened in my own home.”  As soon as he caught sight of Alison he froze “Miss Wainwright?”  She nodded, “May I have this dance?”  He led her onto the floor and up to the musicians, “A waltz if you want paying.”  “Grumpy.” She whispered to him as he swept her out onto the floor.  “I didn’t recognise the name.”  “Just remember we haven’t met before.  Your grandmother tells me you haven’t been using your leg very much.  You need exercise so we will go riding in the park tomorrow morning.”  “We will?”  “If we don’t remember three things, one I’m a very good shot, second I know exactly where to kick you on the shin to put you in agony on the floor and third what will the world think when I describe your bottom in full detail in court in an action for breach of promise?”  She smiled sweetly at him as he faltered for a moment.  “That’s blackmail.”  She smiled at him again, “Not only that but you’re going to ask Emily for a dance as well.”  “Let me guess a new debutante?   I’ll have every matchmaking mother taking aim at me.”  “So enjoy, you managed against the French.”  “Yes but there were rules of engagement in Spain, there are no rules in the season to protect me against debutants and their scheming mothers.”  “Emily is being chaperoned by her cousin tonight so you’re safe from her mother.”

Later in the evening she was dancing with an officer she remembered from the hunt in Spain.  “Major where might I hire a horse for tomorrow morning?”  “Hire a horse don’t be daft, I’ve a few in my string that need exercising, so just leave it with me, I’ll send Wright round by nine.”

Éléonore was waiting up for Alison when she arrived home.  “Did you enjoy yourself at the ball my lady?”  “It went very well, I even managed a waltz with Hinch.  Oh I’m going riding with him in the morning so I’ll need my blue habit.”  “Hodge thought you might be needing something so we ran up a more military looking habit but you can judge for yourself in the morning.”  “Éléonore, do you have a male relative in Spain?”  “Why yes, all three of us do.  I supposed really we’re seamstresses first but when Hodge approached us to help with your season we thought we’d like to help out as it were.  Is it true you were a guardian angel in Spain looking after our lads?   One evening Jones and just the four of us were talking and he was telling us a few stories from his time in Spain.  He mentioned that many a lad in the regiment owes his life to you.  Not that we’d let on mind you.  The three of us have done work for Hodge previously and we get on together.  One day I’m hoping to set up as a modiste in a small way so the experience in designing your gowns has been really useful.  Hodge has been helping us by showing us how to do both your hair and Catherine’s in different styles and all the other things that a good ladies maid needs to know.  It sounds terrible saying we’ve been experimenting on you but Hodge has been there to guide us and we’ve learnt a lot.”  Éléonore was in a chatty mood, “Have you been to Vauxhall gardens yet?   Jones was saying it was somewhere we ought to go on our half day off and has offered to escort us.  He took us to the Canterbury Arms tavern to listen to the music and singing on our last half day and we enjoyed that so he thought Vauxhall would be a rare treat.”  “I haven’t yet, but I must say it sounds intriguing.”  “Well I dare say Jones wouldn’t mind you coming with us.”  “I suspect I could run to a supper box.”

The next morning a mounted groom and two horses arrived at the kitchen door, the one he was riding was a mare the other a rather restless stallion. He dismounted and secured the reins before knocking on the door wringing his cap in his hands.  “Does Miss Wainwright ride well do you know?”  “I’ve no idea.  Betty run along and tell Miss Wainwright her mount is here.  Now then step you inside sir and take a mug of tea whilst you’re waiting.”  Wright limped in and sat himself down, well he’d brought a mare as well, a much more suitable mount for a lady if he knew anything than the old warhorse the Major thought was appropriate.  Rabi had objected strongly to the side saddle he now wore and was being a little too vocal to his mind this morning. Miss Alison swept into the kitchen wearing a most military looking riding outfit, “I hear my mount has arrived?”  Wright straightened up and just stopped himself saluting.  “Yes my lady but Rabi is not what you might call a regular lady’s mount.”  Miss Alison purloined a couple of carrots from the side, “Well I’m not a regular lady so we’ll do well together.”   She fed the two carrots to Rabi and inspected him as the stallion inspected her snorting.  “He’s a bit restless this morning if you’d prefer to take the mare I can soon switch the saddles.”  Wright commented hopefully but remembering a young lady in Spain who had out ridden many of the officers thought she’d do well on Rabi.  “Give me a leg up and we’ll ride round to the park.”

As they left the kitchen court yard she asked quietly “How’s the leg?”  “Better than it was thank you my lady. At least it’s still there and the Major found me a job as a groom so I’m better off than many.  I didn’t recognise your name, I take it I should be discreet about Spain.”  “That would be appreciated, thank you Wright.”

Hinch found Alison mounted on a tall dark stallion surrounded by cavalry officers in the park even though it was early morning.  “Rabi?”  “Major Smyth-Jones provided my mount, do you know him?”  “My shoulder does, he tried to take a chunk out of it once.”  Alison smiled as her horse sidled sideways “This quiet gentleman surely not.  It’s a pity we can’t take him for a gallop though.”  They settled for a quiet trot through the park and Rabi was on his best behaviour.  “Gentle strolls would help build up the muscle again you know.”  Hinch grimaced, “I know doctor’s orders.  Trouble is it’s a little uncomfortable when I walk on it.”  “You managed last night.”  “For three dances only, one with you and two with your young friend, the rest of the time I sat and rested it.”  “I noticed one was the supper dance was it not?”  “Well I suppose I could walk round and make a call on her this afternoon.”  “She’ll be delighted I’m sure and the walk will do you good.”

When they returned to the house Wright was moved to say “Well controlled my lady.  Major’s compliments and I’m to make myself and Rabi available whenever it pleases you.”   “Wright, my maids and I are thinking of playing truant and going to Vauxhall gardens one evening.  We’ll have Jones as an escort but I’d feel safer with yourself there as well.  Would you be available?”  Wright’s chest puffed up with pride.  “Just let me know the time and place and I’ll be pleased to accompany you there.”

With Hodge and the maids dressed up in Alison’s borrowed finery and Alison dressed to merge in, Jones led the five girls down the back stairs and through the kitchen. When they reached the corner they found Wright stood with an elegant carriage for transport.  “Very elegant, does the owner know you’ve borrowed it?”  “It was the Major’s idea, he thought with all the London Bucks at Vauxhall he’d better come along as well and it’s the family’s carriage.  He’s up with the coachman by the way.”   The five girls and Jones stepped inside the coach, Wright took a footman’s perch on the back.   Sally and Maggie were in awe, it was the first time they’d been in a coach and later on they confessed it was the first time they’d been in a boat as they were ferried across the Thames, Éléonore serenaded them as they were rowed upriver.  Another boat carried a family including a lute player and soon the two boats were rowing side by side as they produced their own music as they went.  

At the gate they were surprised to see liveried servants were not admitted but they were.  They marvelled at the statues and paintings, so real and doing normal day to day subjects rather than the stilted posed portraits that adorned so many town houses.  A wife kicking her husband in the shins to get him home from the tavern, a group of boisterous boys with unkempt hair flying a kite almost made you believe they were real.  They noticed many of the patrons touch the paintings to reassure themselves they weren’t. 

As they walked along one of the walks, they were amazed the way that thousands of coloured oil lamps were lit within a minute.  Alison wondered at what the bill for lamp oil could be for so many lamps.

Sally took the Major’s arm “Could we go a little way up the walk without lamps just to say I’ve been there?”  Maggie took his other arm “I’ll be chaperone.”  She announced and between them they led the Major up the darkened path.  The rest of the group strolled slowly on, Hodge and Éléonore studied the fashions for inspiration.  Wright and Jones studied them for what was revealed or threatened to be revealed.  Alison was just gently people watching.  At the end of the walk they turned round and strolled gently back to meet up with Sally, Maggie and the Major.  “How was the dark walk?”  Alison had to ask, both Sally and Maggie looked thoroughly kissed to her.  “I’d heard tales that if you just stepped into the dark walk you’d be ravished but it’s all a hum if you ask me.”  Responded Sally, “Major don’t tell me you’ve disappointed the ladies.”  Alison added reproachfully whilst Wright was struggling to keep a straight face. The Major glanced fiercely at Wright, “I’d better not hear this tale spread about town or someone will be looking for a new post and the rest of you will be walking home not riding in the carriage.”  “Isn’t that the most amazing bonnet?”  Interjected Alison, somehow she suspected a whisper would be round the ton with breakfast tomorrow morning no matter what the Major threatened.

“You know sometimes it would be nice not to be a lady and experience a kiss on the dark walk.”  She wistfully confided to Éléonore as they were lagging behind the others.  Éléonore taking her arm and steered her a little way into the dark walk then kissed her firmly on the lips to which Alison responded at first then stepped back.  “Well yes but what would people say if they saw us?”  As they returned to the lamp lit walk Éléonore pointed to the couple coming arm in arm the other way, “There are two men there even if one is dressed as a woman.”  Alison stared for a moment then remembered a lady didn’t stare.  “Good grief you’re right, a man in woman’s clothing.” And as she glanced round she spotted other cross dressers as well.  “Vauxhall does seem to be the place for adventures but perhaps we can explore kissing when we return.  Seeing as we are short of servant’s quarters I could arrange a truckle bed to be set up in my room?”  “That would be delightful, at least I wouldn’t have to share with Sally and Maggie.”  “I dare say my bed is bigger and more comfortable as well.”

They listened to the renowned Mrs. Bland singing ballads and to a group of Savoyards, strolling musicians, playing French and Venetian Ballads who entertained those who walked the walks.  The cold supper was only to be expected when so many suppers were being served simultaneously but the maids, Jones, and Wright all declared being waited on for a change made all the difference.  All in all it was declared by all to be decidedly entertaining evening.  Alison felt more relaxed since her every movement wasn’t being watched by a dozen dowagers for the least indiscretion and in some small way felt it was a way to repay her staff for their efforts.

A few evenings later Alison was at a more conventional minor musical evening being given by the dowager Lady Stanford.  Stanford feeling mischievous first persuaded his mother that Alison had a delightful voice and second Alison to sing.  She sung a simple country song that many of the gentlemen enjoyed and as she drew to the end she raised her hand to ask the audience’s indulgence.  “My host’s valet mentioned that when he came back tending the wounded from Spain one of the attendants of the party was a beautiful young Spanish girl called Bonita who to keep up the spirits on the journey home taught the wounded soldiers some Spanish songs.  I see you have number of Bonita’s choir present this evening so perhaps you’ll join with me and ask them up to sing for us.”  She looked very pointedly at some of the males standing near the back door.  Eventually more than half a dozen titled gentlemen allowed themselves to be ushered forward and with Alison accompanying them they sang three Spanish songs that Bonita had taught them to a fascinated audience.  No one more fascinated than Althea who wondered where Alison had come by her information or knew the Spanish songs quite so well.

Alison plunged into the exhausting season attending breakfasts, concerts, dances, routs, and many of the other entertainments that made up the season.  Even with Hodge and her assistants keeping busy altering dresses, taking in seams on Catherine’s dresses and so forth she was hard pressed to present a fashionable image.  She searched around for a man who could inspire her with passion but it was difficult to get to know them when you could only talk to them for twenty minutes at most at a time.  The military gentlemen were all very well but none really stood out above the others.  Still she thought she might have to bring herself to choose one by the end of the season if she really needed to. Oh why couldn’t she be like Catherine and simply accept her parent’s dictates?

Althea laid her hand on her escort’s arm “Nigel dearest, could you do something for me?”  Nigel looked up “Dash it all, I know you too well.  What matchmaking plot are you up to now?”  “You see the tall blonde surrounded by all those military men?”  “Think she’s my type do you?”  “I want you to dance with her and ask her about turnips.”  “Been at the champagne tonight have you?  Why on earth would I want to bring up the subjects of turnips on a dance floor?”  “Well seed mixtures would do I suppose, I’m interested in what she knows about them.”  “And how pray am I to get near here to ask her for a dance?”  “That’s easy I’ll divert the military men.  It’s quite easy my brother was one.”  “And my reward is a dance I suppose?”  “Well I have the first waltz free, and the supper dance.”  She peeked at him “And perhaps the last waltz as well?”  “Three dances in one evening, the tabbies will think we’re engaged.”  Althea smiled at him.  “Does this mean you’d accept if I asked you?”  “Possibly, I can’t be certain what I’ll say until you ask me now can I?”

Nigel escorted Althea to the friendly group and in no time at all after the introductions she was enquiring after officers she knew through her brother “So Major Morrison?”  “Bad show that, lost his leg don’t you know, unlike Hinch here who had his own personal angel.  Bit depressed about the whole thing in fact he’s hiding down on his estate and doesn’t talk to anyone so I hear.”   “Hinch had his own angel?”  “Arrived on the battlefield after the battle with one of them damn froggy ambulances and a half dozen snorting horses, picked up your brother as well and wouldn’t let the surgeons near either of them.  Oops said too much, forget I said anything.”  Althea thought for a moment about how protective the military were being to Miss Wainwright, and how Hinch’s grandmother had given a ball for her, claiming some sort of remote family connection.

Nigel sneaked off with Alison on his arm to the dance floor.  “I’m intrigued my Lord, why are you looking so thoughtful?”  “Dash it all military chaps are all very well in their way but a fellow doesn’t want to relive every campaign every day.  Besides which my steward has been on at me to plant turnips or some such would you believe, now that’s hardly the subject of the dance floor is it.”  “”Well they are good winter food for animals besides keeping down the weeds.”  “Are they really, and I suppose these expensive grass seed mixtures he wants to buy have their place as well?”  “Well the deep rooted ones can do well on soil that suffers from drought, oh and wheat and barley do have better yields than the traditional rye.”  Niger looked thoughtful, “Dashed useful stuff to know about, I’d best write to him in the morning.  Now to return to more normal topics of conversation may I say how charming you are looking this evening?” and proceeded to pour the butter dish over her much to her delight.

Althea and Nigel were sat having supper together “That girl seems to know her turnips and grass seed mixtures right enough, in fact I’m going to write to my steward and see what he thinks about them.  Pretty girl too, a fellow wouldn’t go far wrong there would he?”  Althea kicked him hard under the table, “Just remember you’re mine now so put any ideas of Miss Wainwright out of your head.  Besides I want her for someone else.”

“Don’t you find the season so exhausting?   I know I do, in fact why don’t we sneak down to the family estate early tomorrow for a day in the country to refresh ourselves?”  To Alison it sounded like bliss, “When could we leave?”  “I’ll have the carriage on the doorstep by eight, by eleven we’ll be there.”

Meg hearing the rattle of carriage wheels on gravel from the drive and raised herself from the sixty-nine position she was in with Hart.  “I fear you have visitors.”  “Damn I was comfy as well.”  Meg helped him dress and pushed him from the bed room whilst she got dressed herself.  Hart came down the main stair case to greet his sister who stepped to the side with the words “Miss Wainwright, I’d like you to meet my brother Hart.”  Alison looked at Hart “You haven’t been eating and looking after yourself have you my Lord?” in the tone of voice that brought a smile to Althea’s lips, she thought that Hart actually looked a little better than last time she saw him.  Perhaps Meg could work her magic on Major Morrison as well.  “My Miss Turnip.” Murmured Hart and scooping her up in his arms kissed her soundly.

“Obviously the Lady who wasn’t there.” Murmured Althea quietly to herself.