“Pouring down rain?” Unless the general had turned into a duck, that made no sense at all. “Why would they call it Wellington weather?”
Geoffrey grinned. “According to Sir Charles, the duke always wins when it’s raining.”
It still did not make sense, but people had to grab on to whatever hope they could. “I suppose that has made everyone feel better.”
“That, and the news that the allies held their ground last night.” He gave her a swift kiss.
“Now that is good to hear.” And something solid to hold on to.
Vickers helped Elizabeth strip off her wet clothing. “Looks like you and his lordship made up.”
“Yes.” After a fashion, and only because she had been forced to see how fragile and precious life was. Yet, despite what his mother and grandmother thought, it was clear that he did not return her love. She gave herself a shake. There would be plenty of time after the war was over to think about her marriage. “Thank you for helping me.”
“I wanted to do it,” Vickers said gruffly. “They’re our soldiers fighting for us. Seems like we should return the favor when we can.”
“That’s how I feel as well.” Elizabeth wiped a drop of rain off her face. “I’m not happy about this war, but I am glad that we are here to give whatever assistance we are able to.”
Her maid nodded. “Let’s get you out of that gown before you take a chill.”
Elizabeth went into the hall as Geoffrey was departing to make sure he had his waterproof cloak.
“I don’t know when I’ll be home tonight.” He hugged her gently.
Cupping his cheek, she kissed him. “Send word if you will be too late. I’ll hold dinner until seven. Even if you miss that, there will be something for you to eat.”
“I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you make sure I’m fed no matter what time I get home.”
Yesterday, she would have made an angry comment about her qualifications, but today, she could simply accept his appreciation. “I want to ensure you are properly fed. I know you have dined with Sir Charles, but your lack of enthusiasm about his table makes me think it must not be very good.”
Geoffrey barked a laugh. “I’m glad you keep a much better table than he does.”
That night, he held her close to him. He might not love her, but he did care for her and took care of her. She wished she could be satisfied with that. Unfortunately, she knew herself too well. Something would have to change or this marriage was doomed.
Chapter Thirty-Five
The next several days were a blur. What Elizabeth had prayed, hoped for, and believed would happen did. Napoleon was routed, but at such a cost. She could not imagine there was a family in England, or at least in theton,who had not been touched by a deceased or wounded family member. The total number of dead was horrendous.
Yet, Geoffrey’s and her part was, in a fashion, just beginning. Sir Charles was tasked with returning the French king to his throne, and for that, they must travel to Paris.
It pained her to leave her friends, some of whom still did not know if their loved ones were dead or alive. Before she departed, though, she made arrangements for the house to be made into a sort of hospital. Colonel Hawksworth promised he would see it happen.
Of the friends she and Geoffrey had before they arrived, Lord John and Major Cotton had been wounded. As long as an infection did not set in, they would live. Lord John’s Brigade Major had died. Neither Geoffrey nor Elizabeth had discovered what happened to the rest of them before they had to leave, but the others said they would send word if they were able.
As she had done before they’d left England, Elizabeth supervised the packing. Fortunately, the cook, who was extremely good, agreed to remain in their employ. They tearfully bid farewell to the Belgian caretakers who had allowed her staff to take over the house while they were in residence, and agreed to the injured staying at the house.
Wellington and the soldiers he had that could travel accompanied King Louis, his retinue, and Sir Charles’s staff as they left Brussels.
It soon became clear that many of the French cities considered the allied army the enemy and, much to Wellington’s ire, would only open their gates to King Louis XVIII.
When they arrived in Cambrai, the king issued a proclamation that only the instigators of the war would be punished. He was also forced to admit that his government had made some mistakes, but promised to correct them.
Geoffrey didn’t think much of that. “He will be surrounded by the same fawning sycophants and other ministers, so tell me how he is to change?”
She had to agree with her husband that unless someone took the king in hand, change was unlikely to occur.
At the end of June, a delegation of five from the Chamber of Deputies and the Chamber of Peers requested that Wellington replace Louis with a foreign prince, but he refused, saying that Louis was the best way to preserve the integrity of France.
Elizabeth, Geoffrey, and the rest of the procession were preparing to finally arrive in Paris when one of their horses threw a shoe outside of a small village that had only one inn and a blacksmith.
