Fortunately, the area was neither too dusty or too damp. They were able to make one full circuit of the large yard before the inn’s servants rushed out with cups of tea and plates of biscuits. As soon as they were able to consume the repast, and the new horses were harnessed, they left again. His wife had still not spoken more than was strictly necessary.
He climbed back in the phaeton, passing the coach before signaling they should follow. The day remained dry and fair, and the traffic was light. Shortly after noon, they sat down to an excellent luncheon.
“I know your father arranged rooms for us here,” Elizabeth said. “But if you think we will arrive in Harwich before dark, I would prefer to press on.”
“I’ll inform the landlord, and Nettle.” Geoff found himself wondering if it was him she was trying to avoid or if she simply wanted to reach Harwich.
Considering her behavior it’s probably me.
Leaving the room, he called for his valet first, sending that worthy on his way. The innkeeper he dealt with himself. He was pleased to discover that his father, already perceiving Geoff’s need to complete the journey in as short a time as possible, had notified the inn the rooms would not be required.
“Good luck to you, my lord,” the innkeeper said. “We will hope to see you back on good English soil before too long.”
“Thank you.” Glancing out the door, he saw Elizabeth was almost to her coach, the footman standing by.
Rushing out, he made sure he was there to help her up the steps. Once she and her maid were settled, Geoff gave the coachman the office to depart. A few minutes later, he easily caught up to and passed the carriage.
Before the sun set that evening they pulled into the Three Cups in Harwich.
The hotel’s landlord hurried to the door to greet them. “Welcome to the Three Cups, my lord, my lady. I’m Abraham Hinde, the owner. Everything is in readiness for you. Your man arrived not more than an hour ago and said you’d be with us this evening.”
“It was a long day of travel, but we are very grateful to be here, Mr. Hinde.” Elizabeth gave the man a gracious smile. One that Geoff would kill to receive at this point. “Thank you.”
“Your maid is just inside to show you to your rooms, my lady. I’ve a private parlor for you overlooking the garden. Dinner will be served as soon as you’re ready for it.”
Geoffrey held out his arm to Elizabeth, and she could do nothing other than place her fingers on it, ignoring the tingling she always experienced when touching him. All day, he had been considerate and contrite. Obviously, he knew she was angry with him—heartbreakingly—was that even a word? It did not matter. That was how she felt—hurt was more like it, but she doubted he would comprehend that. All day she’d had to hide her despair and pretend she was irritated. Not telling him what he had done to hurt her grated on her nerves. She wanted it all out, but Geoffrey’s mother and grandmother knew him best, and they had agreed that he would merely tell her what she wanted to hear. She did wonder what he would say when he discovered they were not sleeping together.
Vickers, who had traveled with the other servants after the last change of horses by the expedient of having the housemaid ride with the coachman, waited at the foot of the stairs. “I’ve got your wash water ready, my lady.”
“Thank you.” Elizabeth did not even consider having dinner with Geoffrey. She could not keep up the pretense needed for that long. “I will take a tray in my room and retire after I have dined.”
“As you wish, my lady. I’ll send a message to the landlord while you wash.”
She was soon in a very comfortable bedchamber large enough to contain a massive bed, a round table with four chairs, a chaise, and two chintz-covered chairs next to the fireplace that had been lit. Once she was out of her carriage gown and in a day dress, she washed her face and hands. Not long afterward dinner was served.
“How was the last part of your trip?” she asked her maid.
Vickers grinned. “I don’t think I ever traveled so fast. Mr. Nettle was determined he’d be here to make everything ready for you and his lordship.”
A vase of fresh flowers stood on the table, and the scent of lavender was a nice surprise. Elizabeth’s own pillows were on the bed. “I am glad he did, but I see your hand in this room. Thank you.”
“You might as well be comfortable, my lady.” Despite her maid’s words, the woman flushed pink. “I’ll ring to have these dishes collected.”
“Tomorrow, we shall take a stroll around the town.” Elizabeth tried to hide a yawn, but she could never fool her maid.
Vickers put the dishes outside the door. “Let’s get you ready for bed, or you’ll be fagged to death in the morning. I don’t know why we even had you put on that gown.” As quickly as she could make it happen, Elizabeth was nestled under the covers. “His lordship wished you a good sleep.”
Wishing her maid had not told her, she didn’t answer. Instead, she rolled onto her side, and longed for her husband’s strong, lean body to be next to her. Could she keep this act up long enough for him to fall in love with her or figure out that he already was?
Once the candle had been extinguished, she pulled a pillow around to her back. It wasn’t him, but it might help her sleep.
Elizabeth woke long after dawn the next day to the news that Geoffrey had left their hotel to leave a message for the ship’s captain, and look around the medieval market town.
She did not see him until much later that morning when he came striding into their private parlor. “I spoke with the captain of our ship. If we can get everything loaded by tomorrow afternoon, we may depart on the evening tide and arrive in the morning.”
Although she had spent a great deal of time on boats, she had never taken a journey on one. Never mind one large enough to carry their horses and coaches. She was a little worried that it would not all fit.
She was sure Geoffrey had told the skipper how many people, animals, and coaches they had with them, but still.... “Did you discuss where he would put everything?”
