Brougham Park

Chapter 5

It has been five days since Samantha saw Celia. Though the rains subsided within 3 days, the roads were too muddy to travel. Finally, the weather and the roads have given up their mischiefs and made way for Samantha to travel up to Milton Manor. Samantha was elated to see her close friend again after being shut up at home for the past few days.

"I guess you must have missed me a lot that you have come running to me as soon as the weather and roads permit. Were you that bored?" teased Celia.

"Well I did miss you a bit but please be assured that I was far from bored. I had all my books to indulge in. I sat by the window looking out into the rain, covered up in my warmest blanket with a book in my hand while enjoying a cup of hot coffee. What a comfort it was! There was no one to bother me. Kitty indulged in her music and Papa was forever in his study. Mama was busy with household accounts and some needlework. I was completely immersed in my book with the sound of the rain splattering on the window to accompany me," Samantha said reflecting on the cosiness of the past few days.

"You speak as if you are writing a book. I believe you have spent too much time with your books. It is good that you have finally left your cosy nook to meet me today," Celia said as she poured tea into her pretty white tea cups.

Samantha chuckled at Celia's response.

Mrs. Carter joined them for tea. "Dear Samantha. I am so glad you were able to come today. We were all forlorn at home these past few days with the rain hindering every prospect of meeting people. How are your parents? And how does William find London?" Mrs. Carter inquired.

Samantha gave her an account of William's stay in London. After receiving satisfactory answers to her questions, Mrs. Carter left the girls alone.

"Celia, I must ask you something. I have been wanting to ask this for some time but the rains have been stopping me," Samantha started.

"What is it that is bothering you, Samantha?" Celia asked.

"Do you remember what we were talking about while walking to the village the other day?"

"We talked about a great deal of things that day. Which one are you talking about?"

"Remember, we were talking about William and his new acquaintance? You were reprimanding me for thinking ill about him."

"Yes, I remember. What about it?"

"You said that I should admit defeat. What did you mean by that?" Samantha asked with curiosity.

Celia smiled. "What I meant was..." Celia was interrupted by a commotion outside the house. Muffled voices and the sound of hooves on the wet ground reached their ears, piquing their curiosity.

Both the girls quickly put their tea down and ran towards the window, their curiosity getting the better of them. A travelling chariot has arrived at the front door. They exchanged puzzled glances, wondering who could be arriving at such an unusual time.

"Are you expecting anyone today, Celia?" Samantha turned to Celia with a puzzled expression, her voice tinged with curiosity.

"We are not expecting anyone today as far as I remember," Celia replied, equally intrigued by the sudden commotion.

It didn't take long for them to figure out that it was Charles who had arrived. Celia squealed with excitement, while Samantha's eyes widened in disbelief. They exchanged glances, their surprise mirroring each other's faces. They did not expect Charles to return so soon. There is still about a week before Charles's expected return. Celia ran out of the drawing room towards the front door. Samantha ran after her friend. Both were so happy. Mrs. Carter was already at the door welcoming her son. Charles gave his mother and sister a big warm hug. He was surprised to see Samantha there.