by S. White
After packing a portmanteau with a few clothes and essentials for a two week's stay, David took a hackney to Simon's home. He would have walked, but he didn't want to carry his bag the few blocks in the snow.
Simon's butler let him in and showed David to the drawing room after relieving him of his luggage. A moment Later, a maid rolled in a cart and wordlessly poured him a cup of hot coffee.
There was also a selection of treats. He picked up a delectable looking seed cake and took a large bite. Food was what he need to ease the pain of lost. Simon cook made the best treats this side of Heaven.
David didn't know why he felt the loss of Elizabeth Stanton. It wasn't as if he loved her. His ego was bruised and he felt rather used. It was time to start over.
Surely there was someone for me. Somewhere!
As soon as the Holidays were over he would return to London and begin his search for the perfect bride.
David plopped a petite fours into his mouth. “Mmm.” He savored every tasty bite.
David had just plopped another into his mouth when Simon entered the drawing room.
“I am glad you are enjoying my Cook's pastry, David. We can pack up the rest and take them with us if you like.”
David rose from his chair. “Good idea. Have Alice pack a lunch basket as well. We then won't have to stop along the way except to change horses.”
Simon laughed. “You are getting rather imperious in your old age.”
“You are older than I, Simon. You reached the ripe old age of thirty before I and will reach ...”
“Don't quibble. I still married Kathleen before my thirtieth birthday. Let’s be off before the weather becomes impossible. ”
In the foyer, the butler, Tomlin, helped both men on with their long coats, scarves, and finally handed each man their gloves and hats.
“A basket awaits you in the carriage as well as hot bricks and warm blankets, my lord.”
“Thank you, Tomlin. I knew there was some reason why I hired you.” Simon grinned.
The old butler didn't lose his composure. “I beg your pardon, my lord. It was your father who hired me.”
“So it was. Do you have all the Holiday bonus envelopes for the staff?”
“I do, my lord. And may I say, I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday. We look forward to welcoming your first child home.”
Simon couldn't help the tears in his eyes. “Thank you, Tomlin. I will convey your best wishes to her ladyship.”
“And to the Dowager, my lord.” Tomlin bowed before opening the door.
A light dusting of snow covered the walk to where the carriage awaited them.
“I will, Tomlin. Merry Christmas to you and the staff.”
Tomlin bowed. “Merry Christmas, my lords, to both of you and have a safe journey.”
“Merry Christmas, you old goat,” David said to the stoic butler.
David had been trying to get the old butler to crack a smile for years and had yet to manage it. He saw the man's lips twitch, but that was all.
Bertie, Simon’s driver, stood at the carriage door. He opened the door when he saw the two men leave the house. He waved at the butler who still stood in the doorway.
Simon and David entered the carriage and settled on opposite seats. The carriage rocked as Bertie climbed onto the driver's box.
There were hot bricks at their feet and carriage blankets to keep them warm. Simon knocked on the roof with his cane.
The driver yelled at his team and flicked the reins to get them moving.
❄Chapter Four ❄
Simon and David rode in silence for a while. The carriage was soon out of Mayfair and into the less affluent area of London. The weather didn't keep men from hawking their ware, children from begging for a few pennies, and women offering themselves for a sou.
It wasn't long before they left the noisy congestion and the obnoxious odors of London behind.
Simon removed his hat placing it on the seat beside him. He ran his fingers through his light brown hair ruining his valet's careful styling.
“David, why did your mother take your family to Italy?”
“I don't know. She has been talking about it for years, but I never thought she would do it. She said in her letter that she knew that I hated these family gatherings, but that isn't true. I may grumble a bit, but I love my family.”
“My Aunt Evelyn wants my mother to return to Italy with her, but my mother can't bring herself to do it. She can't bare to leave her grandchildren and with a new one almost here. Then there is Emily.”
David raised the basket's lid searching through it looking for something delicious to eat. “Is she still refusing to come to London for a Season?”
“Yes, but she may make it this Spring. I just don't understand it. She is a beautiful girl. Maybe a little shy. She could make a wonderful match if she would just make the effort.”
“It has been many years since I have seen your youngest sister. It is hard to imagine the little girl in pigtails who used to follow us around is now a gown woman.”
Simon grinned. “You'd be surprised.”
❄
Both men stared out the windows at the white landscape. The snow was coming down heavier than when they left London.
Simon curled up in his seat with several blankets covering him and slept. A few minutes later, David shivered closing the curtains and did the same.
They were both awakened by a grinding noise and the carriage slowed.
“Bloody hell!” Simon exclaimed before the carriage leaned to the right.
The coach traveled on a few feet more before coming to a complete jerky stop.
Simon and David scrambled out of the carriage. Bertie had already left the driver's box. He stood at the head of the lead horse trying to calm the team.
“What happened, Bertie?”
“The right rear wheel, my lord. A spoke broke.” Bertie left the horses walking toward his employer. “I'll show you, my lord.”
Simon and David followed the driver to the rear of the coach. A wheel laid on its side with a missing spoke.
Simon shivered. The snow had stopped for now but not for long. The freezing temperature would not warm up enough to make a difference.
“What are we to do, Bertie?” It was David who asked the question.
“The nearest posting house is about three miles down the road. I could unhitched one of the carriage horses and ride to the Inn. They are bound to have a blacksmith.”
“What of us?” Simon asked the question although he knew the answer.
“My lord, you and Sir David can wait inside the carriage. Whatever the case may be, I will send someone back for you. It shouldn't be more than a hour.”
Simon glanced at David who shrugged. “I guess we don't have a choice.”
The two men watched as Bertie unhitch a carriage horse.
Once the driver was mounted, Bertie said, “I will be as quick as I can. I will order rooms for you and hot baths.”
David lowered his scarf from his mouth. “Much appreciated, Bertie.”
A hot bath sounds wonderful. I hope we don’t have a long wait.
❄Chapter Five ❄
They watched the horse trot down the road before climbing back into the carriage. The men snuggled under several wool carriage blankets.
Simon sighed. “I wish the bricks were warmer.”
“Yes, but at least we are not out in the elements. We have some shelter.”
“You're right, David. It is still going to be a long hour.” Simon fell silent for a moment. “You know it was along this road somewhere I found my Kathleen.”
“Your lucky day.”
“Yes, maybe you will find your one true love at the end of this journey.”
David laughed. “Oh, sure and pigs will fly.” He opened the curtains and stared at the pure white landscape. “It's snowing again. Let’s eat.”
David lifted the basket that Simon’s cook provided. “Ah ha, wine.”
; He handed the bottle of red wine, glasses and corkscrew to Simon before he dug around in the basket. David pulled out a loaf of bread and a wrapped bundle which turned out to be chicken.
“At least we won’t starve.”
“Right you are, my friend.” Simon poured a glass of wine and handed it to David.
The two men feasted on cold chicken, fresh baked bread, pastries and wine while they waited for rescue.
Forty-five minutes later, the bottle wine was empty and so was the basket of food.
They heard the jingle of harness. Simon looked out the window to see a wagon come to a stop next the the coach. He smiled when he noticed Bertie on the driver's seat.
David grinned. “Just in time. Our food is gone and so is the wine.”
“Come on, David. We are rescued.”
Simon opened the door and stepped out. “You made good time.”
“Yes, my lord. That is the good news.” Bertie climbed down from the wagon seat. “Let me retrieve your luggage and then we will on the way.”
Simon eyed Bertie. “What's the bad news?”
“Well, the Inn has a blacksmith but he won't return until tomorrow. Something about a wedding.”
David stepped out of the carriage and grinned. “Who gets married just before Christmas?”
Simon gave his friend a sour look. “Shut up, David.”
Bertie dumped the bags into the wagon bed. He then threw in the broken wheel. “My lords, if you will get on board in the back, we can be on our way as soon as I turned this rig around.”
Simon and David hopped onto the wagon and sat at the edge with their feet dangling.
Simon grinned at David. “Remind you of anything?”
“Shut up, Simon.”
❄
A half an hour later the wagon pulled to a stopped in the Inn's yard. It was another fifteen minutes before they were installed in their rooms with a hot bath waiting.
Bertie brought up the luggage as each man began removing their clothing starting with their wet boots and socks. They were both eager to soak in the hot water as long as possible.
Simon eased his naked body into the hot water and sighed. The only thing missing was his wife. Before she was so big with child, they often bathed together. He missed that togetherness they shared. Not that they have grown apart. It was just that bathing together was a special time for them.
After the water grew cooler, he got out of the tub, dried himself off and sat before the fire for a few minutes. He had been so intent on the hot bath that he hadn't paid the least bit of attention to the room.
The fire in the fireplace provided an inviting warmth. The bed looked plush and comfortable. If he had to stay the night somewhere other than in his Kathleen's arms, this was as good a place as any.
After dressing, he left his room. Simon met David in the hall and they went down to see about a meal.
“You’re still hungry, David?”
David pouted. “Well, food is my solace in my disappointment with love.”
“Solace, my foot. You no more loved Elizabeth than I loved Carissa.”
David just grinned. “Right about now, I could use something warm to eat and a hot mulled wine.”
Simon obtained a private dining room. A young, pretty woman entered the room to take their order.
She eyed Simon and then David. She smiled broadly at David and pulled her low-cut bodice even lower to show the man a hint of her assets.
Simon scowled when he noticed David smiling at the wench.
“I'm Peg. What can I get you, milords?”
“Lamb stew, a couple of loafs of bread with butter and hot mulled wine.” Simon ordered for both of them.
David watched Peg as she left the room with her hips swaying.
“Don't even think about it, my friend.”
“What? You can't blame a fellow for looking,” David said.
“Yes, I can. I swear I will leave you here to make your own way back to London.”
“Simon, when have you become such a prude?”
“Since I fell in love. Love changes a man. I love Kate more everyday.”
“Very well. How will we pass the evening?”
❄Chapter Six ❄
By mid-morning the wheel was repaired and they were on the road again. The weather had taken a turn for the worst. The carriage inched along the road. Visibility was almost down to nothing. Someone who didn't know every inch of this road would surely end up in a ditch or worse. Bertie took it slow and easy even though he had traveled this way several times.
The last time they had traveled this way was a year ago. He nearly killed the love of his life when the carriage slid towards her.
Kathleen had to leap into a snowdrift to save herself from injury. It was the best accident he had ever had. Still, he didn't want another one this year.
Simon and David huddled under blankets with the scarfs over their mouths which made speaking to each other difficult. Hot bricks were under their feet.
The men decided it was too cold to speak, so they both tried to sleep the hours away.
❄
The sun had been up for an hour or two, but Kathleen Audley, the Countess of Stratmore, still laid in bed rubbing her large stomach. Their child was being very active this morning making her uncomfortable.
She would be glad when she gave birth and hoped it would be soon. Kate wanted a son, but Simon didn't care one way or the other or so he said. She was sure her husband would prefer a boy for at least their first and second child. Kate would like a girl or two somewhere along the way.
Kathleen glanced at the drape covered window and frowned. She was worried. Simon was supposed to be home by yesterday. Maybe she shouldn't have sent him off to London, but he was driving her crazy with his constant hovering.
Then there was David. It was time he put Simon's sister out of her misery. Kathleen wanted to give Emily a shot at winning his heart. If she discovered her hopes were a lost cause then she could move on to London in the Spring.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She bid the person to enter.
The door opened. Kate's sister-in-law, Emily, stood in the doorway with a tray in her hands.
“Emily, you shouldn't be carrying that tray. It is much too heavy. You should have gotten one of the maids to bring it up.”
“I don't mind, Kate. The maids are busy helping prepare for our Christmas and your wedding anniversary and Simon’s birthday.” Emily sat the tray on the table.
She poured steaming hot chocolate into a cup and handed it to Kate.
“Chocolate? I shouldn't. My child is going to crave chocolate all his life.” Kate took the cup and sipped it anyway.
“Is that a bad thing? I have toast with marmalade or jam.”
Kate giggled between sips of the rich hot chocolate. “Marmalade, of course.”
“I thought so.”
“I expected Simon to be here yesterday. I hope nothing is wrong.”
Emily grinned. “He probably had a hard time talking David into coming with him. I have never met a more stubborn man.”
“Ah, that is why you are so happy today. David is coming.”
Emily sighed. “I can only hope. I was sixteen the last time I saw him.”
“I must tell you that I invited Sir Lawrence Nutworthy and his sister, Diana, to spend a few days with us.”
Emily gave her sister-in-law a hurt look. “But why? Diane is beautiful. David is bound to fall in love with her.”
“Well, I only wanted to invite Lawrence. I thought a little completion for your hand would motivate David, but I couldn't invite him without his sister.”
“But ...”
“If David can't see what a wonderful Countess you will make then he doesn't deserve you. Lawrence is the backup plan.”
Emily wiped tears from her cheeks. “But I don't care about Lawrence. He is a pompous arse.”
❄Chapter Seven ❄
Kathleen heard the faint jingling of horses
' harness through the closed window. She had to smile. Her husband was home.
“We will see. I think I hear a carriage. Help me up. I need to get dressed to greet my husband on the steps.”
Kate swung her legs off the bed and with Emily's help she stood. Her sister-in-law helped her dress in a simple muslin dress large enough to accommodate her growing belly.
Emily grinned at her sister-by-marriage. “Are you sure you are not having twins?”
“Bite your tongue, Emily.” She had never considered she could be carrying two babies and refused to think of it now.
She and Emily were standing on the steps when Bertie pulled on the reins bringing the four horses to a stop.
A footman rushed out to open the carriage door to assist the gentleman to alight.
Simon immediately walked towards his wife with a purpose. Without a word he took her into his arms and kissed her. He had to work around their child, but he accomplish his kiss to both their satisfaction.
David turned his head. He couldn't watch his friend kiss his wife. Their love for each other was so wondrous. He wanted that in his life but didn't know how to achieve it. David felt that he had dodged a bullet when Lady Elizabeth chose another man for her husband.
For the first time, he noticed Simon's sister standing behind Kathleen. She was watching him intently. He smiled at her before she offered him a slight smile in returned.
He stepped towards her and offered her his arm. “Lady Emily, I hardly recognize you. Where has the girl in pigtails gone. Come, let's go inside where it is warm. It is much too cold outside.”
Emily smiled placing her hand on his offered arm. “Yes, it is, David. Much too cold. I believe cook has hot mulled wine.”
“This is just what we need, Em.”
Emily had to smile as David's shorting of her name. He used to call her that when they were children. She never used to like it, but she never minded David using it.
