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Once outside, she sat at a small table and glanced down at the newspaper. More reports from Belgium engaged her attention, but the columns were only repetitions of previous reports.
In moments, Captain Drew set a tray with a cup and steaming coffee pot before her.
"May I bring you anything further, Miss Montgomery?"
"The coffee alone is perfect. Both my mother and sister declined to leave their beds for the breakfast served to us, but I enjoyed it. I probably ate more than I needed."
Suddenly, she realised how personal her words sounded.
"I am pleased to hear that our fare met your approval." He favoured her with a broad smile. She nodded, feeling a blush rise on her cheeks, and quickly looked down and poured her cup half full. "Please tell me what you think of the garden, Miss Montgomery."
"Very nice, tranquil in fact."
"I am hoping to improve it. I think it could be more pleasing for our patrons. Though I do not exactly know how. I am not trying to recreate Vauxhall, but I feel there could be… could be another few attractions beyond some marble statues, for example. I would appreciate your views."
"I will think upon it, and listen to what the people say when they walk around."
"Thank you. That would be most kind indeed. I believe you said this is your first visit to Weymouth?" he asked.
"Yes. We stayed at Brighton last summer, but decided to try Weymouth instead this year."
Actually, Cici had chosen their retreat months ago, because it was near the summer residence of the man she had decided to pursue through the ballrooms of London’s Season. Now that he had actually come up to scratch and proposed to her, Cici and Mama were more anxious than ever to be nearby, to cultivate his mother and sister and be conveniently on hand when he returned to England after his trip to view the field of battle so recently won by Field Marshall General Wellington. She almost told Captain Drew why they had come, but thought better of it. The idea of Cici pursuing William months before he had proposed sounded devious. Because she thought it had been rather conniving of Cici and Lady Montgomery, as a matter of fact.
"I am happy to arrange excursions to nearby attractions for you, your sister and Lady Montgomery. And of course, the Royal Arms maintains good relations with several of the more accomplished dippers, as we term those who assist with the bathing machines."
"Thank you. I am sure we will call upon your assistance once Mama and Felicia have rested from the journey."
She sipped the coffee, now the perfect temperature.
"I should also explain that our closest church, St. Mary’s, is currently under reconstruction, but the nearby All-Saints in Wyke Regis is but a short carriage ride. All Saints is quite ancient, built in the fifteenth century. Back then, Henry the Eighth built Sandsfoot Castle on the cliff, but it is now falling into the sea, stone by stone, as the coastal bluffs wear away. It too is worth a visit."
"All I know of Henry the Eighth concerns his six wives."
She took a second swallow.
"Yes, his most disagreeable claims to fame. On the positive side, he also gave considerable attention to coastal fortifications all along the channel."
"I cannot imagine what is keeping my maid."
She finished her coffee.
Captain Drew gestured toward the entrance, "If you would like to step out to the front with me, I can point out some sights of interest you might like to visit. Our garden here is nice, but hardly worth special attention."
"Thank you, sir, I would appreciate that."
She preceded him through the hotel and down the steps onto the pavement.
"The roadway is The Esplanade. It matches the curve of the beach for some distance. If you follow the walk, you will pass the Gloucester Lodge where the royal family often stays and you will see the statue of King George the Third, poor man, who enjoyed Weymouth, our sea bathing, sailing, and all our entertainments. The residents are very fond of him, and we wish him a comfortable recovery from his ailments. I hope the victory over France will encourage the return of his health."
Ronnie could hear the sincerity in the Captain’s voice.
"Have you had the opportunity to speak with the King?"
"Not directly, but I was several times in his presence among groups of those who formerly served His Majesty."
Captain Drew stared at the ground for a moment, pausing to clear his throat.
Ronnie imagined the scene, injured soldiers, officers, and infantry, gathering to honour their sovereign. Many might have been still suffering from their battle wounds. Missing limbs or semi-blinded or worse.
