Page 17 of A Countess of Convenience

“I am sorry, but I cannot, dearest. You must see that I am the last person they would entrust Anna to.” Dora’s face brightened. “Why don’t you ask your parents to get Anna? As neither you nor I can go, they would be your next best chance to retrieve Anna before you are able to travel.”

“I’d actually thought of them earlier. However,” Judith paused, hoping not to sound rude, “I think someone else should be with them when Pappa speaks to your father. Pappa is bound to be very displeased with him and he will not only speak his mind, but may well do something even more drastic if I am not there to restrain him.” In the past, her father had been known to resort to fisticuffs when having a disagreement with other gentlemen. Now that he was older, his temper flared at the slightest provocation. Lord Downing absconding with Pappa’s granddaughter would certainly put his lordship in danger of feeling her father’s wrath, which might prove disastrous in several ways. “Much as I hate to say it, if you cannot go to Wiltshire for me, I believe I must wait for my further recovery. Even then, traveling with my parents will be a challenge.”

“Why don’t you ask your old friend Lord Haxby if he can accompany you to Wiltshire? He seemed most attentive toward you yesterday.”

Her friend’s arch tone made Judith wish to burrow her head in the bed covers. Still, she couldn’t deny John had been by her side immediately when she received the devastating news. He’d also insisted on accompanying her into the house. It had been comforting to have a man to lean on after such a shock.

“Oh, I am certain John would agree immediately. And he would be extremely convenient to have on the journey and dealing with your father. However, I don’t want to give him the wrong impression about the depth of my regard for him.”

Larkin entered, and she and Dora quickly set the trunk on the floor, out of the way. The maid then stripped Judith, slipped her into her soft, worn nightgown, and popped her into bed. Unconstrained after the maid had gone, Judith picked up the thread of their conversation. “John is much too fond of me as it is. I don’t wish to make him believe I return his regard.”

“You truly are not interested in him then, my dear? I find him quite delightful.” Dora sighed.

“I adore John. I always have.” It had often been terribly difficult to make anyone understand her feelings for the man. “There is no one I’d rather have on my side. He will fight tooth and nail for anyone he calls friend.” Judith sighed. “But I don’t have feelings for him beyond friendship, Dora. And I would wish that for him above all else. He deserves happiness if anyone does.”

“So do you, Judith.” Dora sat on the bed and took her friend’s hand. “You both deserve it. I would hate to see you throw away a happiness that is right before you because you are afraid to let your feelings grow.”

“I wish I thought my feelings for John would change.” Much as she hated to admit it, John had simply been too staid, too predictable for her. Simon’s unpredictable nature, though dangerous, had been enticing beyond belief. His adventurous spirit had drawn her like a flower to the sun. And though she’d gotten singed by the heat, there had been magnificent compensations in their married life. If she married again, it would only be to a man who stirred those feelings again.

“Then ask him to accompany you as a friend. Or ask Lord Farringdon, although he may not wish to leave his patients for so long. Truly, Judith, you and your parents will need another champion in your court when you face my father.” The earnestness of Dora’s face gave Judith pause.

Perhaps there was a way to enlist John’s help without making him believe she was interested in a more passionate relationship with him. “Maybe Pappa could ask John instead of me. Then it will not sound as though I seek his company, just his help.”

“However you care to arrange it, you must do so.” Dora shook her head, a grim look on her face. “I cannot impress upon you how extraordinarily cunning and vindictive my father can be. You will need all the help you can get, and the assistance of an earl will hopefully carry some weight in the courts.”

“In that case, I will speak with Pappa.” Judith lay back on the pillows, doubt growing that they would be able to regain Anna. What would be the best way to proceed?

Between Miles and John, her long-time friend would likely be the better choice of champions. Both she and her family knew him better than the doctor, and in the end, she trusted John absolutely. She truly wished she felt differently about him, but at the moment all she could concede was that she enjoyed his company and would welcome his help in this venture. She believed her request would appeal to John’s loyalty and sense of friendship. And if, by some chance, he took it otherwise, she prayed she could gently dissuade him about her intentions. The last thing she wished to do was hurt her friend. But to have Anna back with her, she would do what she must, no matter the consequences.

Chapter 6

Bright sunshine streamed onto the front driveway and the stately Downing carriage about to embark on its final journey northward as if denying the somberness of the day.

“I have dreaded our parting for weeks, dearest.” Judith bussed Dora’s cheek and held her close. “You must write to me the moment you are settled in Yorkshire.” She’d known she’d sadly miss her friend, but with so much unsettled in her life, this leave-taking caused an ache in her heart worse than most.

“The very minute we arrive, I will send you a letter, telling all about the journey, which I daresay will be boring, and then everything to do with Bromley Hall.” Her sister-in-law’s words were bravely spoken, but Dora blinked back tears all the same. “You must write as well, especially if things go well for you in Wiltshire.” Leaning in close, Dora whispered, “Will you ask Lord Haxby to accompany you?”

Nodding, Judith whispered back, “Yes, I believe it will be helpful if he will aid us on the journey and with the negotiations. I have decided not to shirk my responsibility and ask him myself. Perhaps when I do, I can make it clear that I am asking a favor only, not trying to engage his affections.”

“I am glad.” Dora clung to Judith’s hands and peered earnestly into her face. “I believe he is very fond of you, my dear. If you can find it in your heart to be kind to him, he will make an excellent ally…and more, if you will allow it.”

Heat tinged Judith’s cheeks. Though she did not believe it would come to pass, she nevertheless nodded to give her friend some peace of mind on her journey northward. “I will try, Dora. I promise you that.”

After a final embrace, Dora straightened. “Mr. and Mrs. Welbourne, I cannot thank you enough for your hospitality to me these past weeks.”

“It is we who thank you, Miss Harper, for bringing our Judith back to us.” Mrs. Welbourne’s eyes teared up as she put her arm around her daughter’s shoulders.

“Much obliged, indeed, Miss Harper. Make no mistake, we are in your debt. Your servant.” Mr. Welbourne gave her a curt nod before turning and going back into the house.

“He has grown more and more angry with your father, Dora.” Judith gazed at him as he made his way inside. She had not realized it until now, but her father seemed to have shrunk. Would he be able to stand up to Downing and his solicitors without shouting and raging and making the situation worse? “I can only believe all will be well with him once we meet with Lord Downing and present our case. We have contacted Pappa’s solicitor and are simply awaiting his reply.”

“I wish you all the luck I have.” Dora hugged her once more.

“We need to leave now, Miss Harper,” Hastings called from the coachman’s seat. “We must make Newark-on-Trent by nightfall.”

“I’m coming, Hastings.” Dora wiped her eyes, squared her shoulders, and climbed into the carriage. “Goodbye, my dear.”

“Goodbye.” Waving and trying to blink back tears, Judith made herself stand beside her mother as the carriage wound down the drive and at last turned onto the road and was lost to sight.