It seemed that Jacob had done the impossible in a short amount of time by not only securing a new carriage and a pair of horses but also buying a magnificent black stallion he’d named Midnight, so he could ride part of the way. The idea of being cooped up in a carriage with four young women must have been too much to bear and was just the catalyst he needed to get a mount for himself.
Mia came bounding into the room. “I’m ready now. When can we leave?”
“When Lady Kathryn arrives,” Grace said, turning from the window.
“How long will the journey take?” Mia asked.
“At least a day and a half, probably closer to two days, I believe,” Audrey said. “We’ll have to stop at an inn along the way to rest. Did you pack a valise for the night?”
“Yes,” Mia said, joining Grace by the window.
Their butler, Beckwith, walked into the room. “Lady Fletcher, are the rest of the trunks ready to be brought downstairs?”
Audrey looked at her sisters, who both nodded. “Yes, everything is ready to be loaded. Thank you, Beckwith.”
“I’ll miss having Beckwith and Mrs. Culbert with us,” Mia said. “Do you think the cook at Dandridge Manor knows how to make lemon biscuits?”
“I have no idea, dearest, but I’m sure we’ll make do for the time we’ll be at Dandridge Manor. Beckwith and Mrs. Culbert are needed here to help Mrs. Trotter oversee the house renovations.”
“How long will we stay in the country?” Mia asked.
“Through the summer months,” Audrey explained. “I don’t relish staying here during the renovations with all the dust and mess.”
“Good morning,” Jacob said, walking into the drawing room. He went straight to Audrey and pulled her into his arms for a kiss. “And good morning to you, my lady wife.”
“Good morning, darling, she said, leaning to whisper in his ear. “I much preferred your earlier good morning.”
“As did I.” He glanced at Grace and Mia. “Now, are you ladies ready to go?” he asked.
“Yes. We’re just waiting for Lady Kathryn,” Grace said.
“Excellent.”
Mrs. Trotter, their newly hired housekeeper, walked into the room. “Excuse me, Lady Fletcher, do you have any last-minute instructions?”
Audrey shook her head. “No. There will be plenty to do with the list Lord Fletcher already prepared for you. Once we see how the first part of the renovations goes, there will probably be more projects to tackle.”
“Very good, my lady. I wish you a pleasant journey.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Trotter,” Audrey said. “If there are any issues, please have Beckwith send a note. Hopefully, there won’t be any major obstacles, but just in case, feel free to contact me.”
“Of course, my lady,” Mrs. Trotter said with a curtsey before she exited the room.
Fletcher kissed Audrey again and said, “If there are any issues, I’ll be happy to ride back to London to straighten them out, but you’ve done such a magnificent job organizing the projects that have to be done, I doubt there will be a need.”
“Thank you, darling, for that vote of confidence,” Audrey said. “I do hope you’ll be pleased with all the changes.”
“I’m sure I’ll love it. Anything will be better than these drab colors.”
Grace looked over her shoulder at her sister and brother-in-law and smiled. They were so in love, and she hoped one day to find someone who would love her unconditionally, but she wouldn’t settle for just anyone. If she didn’t find a gentleman to suit, then she wouldn’t marry. She knew Fletcher would provide for her no matter what. But that was a decision for the future. For now, she was just happy to be going to the country and away from London and the gossip for a while.
Mia squealed. “She’s here!”
“Come, ladies. Let me help you all get settled in the carriage, and we can be off,” Fletcher said.
Grace followed her family out the door.
The Devon family coachman handed down Lady Kathryn, and Audrey went to greet her. “I’m so very pleased you’re here,” she said, bussing her friend’s cheek.