Chapter 17
The merriment ceased immediately as all eyes turned toward Freddie.
"Don't just stand there," Stu nearly shouted, "Read it man!"
"I think perhaps we should take this inside?" James offered with a hand on Stu's shoulder.
"His grace is right." Richard put in, "I think the ladies would like to know what's happening as well, and they might have news from the papers they've been searching as well."
With an impatient sigh Stu turned and stalked toward the door.
"I've asked them to gather in the library." Freddie said as he jogged up beside Stu. "I didn't know there was a letter from Em, but I thought the ladies would be excellent help with packing and planning. The more help that we have, the faster we can be away."
"I'm not a simpleton." Stu groused. "I could have managed. But you're right about the ladies. Those two don't do anything by half measures."
---
As it was both his house and his letter, the task of reading the letter naturally fell to Freddie. As all of his guests were sitting he thought that he might be better heard if he stood. A grumbling sound from the general direction of Stu was enough of a cue so Freddie cleared his throat and began.
My Dearest Friend.
I know that we have not been so friendly of late, and that we parted on less than favorable terms. I want you to know that you remain my dearest friend. If all went as I planned, you should receive this letter about three days after I've sailed.
Stuart made a sound that sounded suspiciously like "bah". Or was it "hah"? Freddie frowned. Most likely a reaction to Em's choice of the word sailed...
I have Alice with me. And the two American's are traveling as well, though of course, we travel separately. It occurred to me while I was resting after that incident in the park, that I didn't know what was next.
Stu grumbled something that sounded like "the chit didn't stick around long enough to find out, now did she?" But Freddie couldn't be sure.
Before your mother passed away, I thought perhaps I would always be at Dovesdale Manor, as a companion to your mother and a help wherever I was needed. But then she died and you came home. I realized at once that I could not stay. It would not be proper. For a little while I thought my mother and I might find a little cottage somewhere...but that was not to be either.
I do have the means to do so now, thanks to my generous god-mother...but I no longer have the heart to find a cottage somewhere. I am young, and I've no wish to retire away to the country and spinsterhood just yet.
"Well, I should think not!" Lady Hartwood remarked. "She should marry. A husband would settle her down."
Freddie nearly choked on his laughter at Lord Hardwood's reaction to this interruption.
"I would have her to stay with us in London." Her grace added as she jabbed her elbow into Lord Hartwood's ribs.
Lord Hartwood to that point was gallantly trying NOT to laugh but at the moment her grace jabbed his ribs, he lost his restraint, tipping his head back and laughing loudly. At this, Lady Hartwood punched him in the arm so hard that she nearly knocked Lord Hartwood from his chair.
"Perhaps we should let his lordship finish the bloody letter?" Stu mumbled.
The laughter died as Lord Hartwood cleared his throat. The ladies mumbled their apologies and gestured for Freddie to continue...and so he did.
YOU ARE READING
The Charlotte Series: Book 3: The Pretender's Gold
Historical FictionStuart Windes was an Englishman and a seasoned sailor; an old salt with 30 years at sea. When his mother passed on leaving his younger sister alone, duty called him home. But his sister, Emmaline, was *gone*! Ran away with a bloody Yankee! Summer M...
