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“I see a dragon’s neck... his head is immersed in the sea, as if he wants to drain it away in one gigantic gulp.”
“What an imagination,” Lord Appleby said with a frown. “The guidebook says it is a column of limestone.”
"I find it astonishingly beautiful. No wonder it is famous." Now that she thought about it, Ronnie remembered seeing drawings of the formation in local shops. Boats circled the arch, and a little farther out, fishing vessels busily set their nets. "Can we walk down to the beach and get closer?"
"Oh, I should say not," Appleby puffed. "We can't drive down, and I can't imagine having to make our way back up the path on foot, my dear."
She suppressed the urge to argue, but the thought of having him collapse on the ascent back up stopped her.
Instead, she climbed down from the carriage, ignoring his request to stay put. Standing near the path alone, she gazed at the scene, etching it into her memory forever. She felt a real appreciation, a vibrancy she’d never before experienced with the Baron.
In her imagination, she was sharing her impressions with another... with Captain Drew. That realisation made her almost dizzy. What could it mean? Instead of being bored by Appleby, she was pretending to be with a hotel manager, an innkeeper? How very lowering indeed, her mother would say. But the innkeeper rated far above the Baron as a companion.
Soon, she re-entered the carriage and they proceeded to another viewing spot on the cliffs, over what Appleby announced was Lulworth Cove, high above a bay almost completely enclosed. Only a narrow opening brought the seawaters in. Near the shore, but well separated from the beach, a dozen or so immense rocks rose above the waterline.
He read again from the book.
"They are called the Men of War Rocks, like sunken remnants of the navy."
"Or sea monsters rising and then frozen halfway out of the water."
She didn’t notice if he rolled his eyes, but only Evie murmured assent at Ronnie's remark.
The return ride into Weymouth passed quickly as Ronnie reviewed the splendid scenery over and over in her mind. What would she give to see the arch and the cove from the sea? Not enough to suggest it to Lord Appleby. In fact, as they reached the outskirts of the town, she realised that she had to put an end to Appleby's suit.
She coughed out loud, to be sure that he was awake and listening. The way he suddenly squirmed, she was sure that he'd been napping.
"Lord Appleby, I appreciate your effort to entertain me this afternoon. The seaside is truly amazing. But I must warn you, once again, that I cannot consider your offer. I am certain that you will find many others eager to become Lady Appleby, but it cannot be me. I have no intention of marrying in the near future, or perhaps, forever."
"But as Baroness Appleby, you would be a pillar of Society, enjoy the precedence of your rank. You would oversee one of the finest ancient mansions in Lancashire—"
"Believe me, sir; I understand the advantages which you propose. But I am not swayed. It is impossible, and your further entreaties are quite hopeless."
As the carriage came to a halt at the steps of the Royal Arms, Ronnie wanted to fling herself out and hasten upstairs. But Appleby grabbed her hand.
"Miss Montgomery, I am unaccustomed to accepting no for an answer. In spite of your protestations, I cannot retreat."
"Please," she begged. "Do not frustrate yourself or me with more attempts. I assure you that my mind is made up. My decision is set in stone as unyielding as that limestone arch."
She pulled her hand away and stepped out of the carriage, then hurried inside without glancing back.
Chapter Five
The source of the updates was unclear to Captain Drew. But by early afternoon, all of Weymouth was abuzz with the news that her Highness Princess Charlotte of Wales would arrive before sundown. Charlie Bunt, who ran the tavern adjoining the mews, stopped by the Royal Arms to verify his information. Chef Andre heard it from everyone in the market. Half a dozen footmen eager for an evening of revelry met up with their colleagues to plan a parade route, briefly interrupting the installation of torchieres along the hotel's façade. Up one lane and down another, maids unfurled the banners and streamers they'd just packed away after the Waterloo festivities, and filled oil lamps or lanterns to light the windows of many buildings.
Drew instructed his staff to inform the hotel residents that the celebrations would likely commence before dark and continue until the fireworks were finished. He predicted that the entire seafront would be illuminated. All over town, drummers were rat-a-tatting a beat, while the horns blew the dust from their bells and flautists fluttered their fingers to loosen their joints. Everyone donned their patriotic headgear and somewhere in town, the mayor's aides started hunting for fireworks, hoping to discover a few extra rockets and Roman candles left after the recent display. Drew contributed the stash of girandoles and a giant Catherine wheel, which he'd saved in a corner of the wine cellar for just this event, knowing that his patrons would appreciate the show.
As soon as she heard this was the day, Ronnie sent word to her mother and Cici at Stapleford Manor, and suggested that Lady Stapleford and Anthea come to town and put up with them after they welcomed the Princess.
******
In the midst of the crowd, Ronnie moved closer to Captain Drew.
"I hope it won’t be an inconvenience to provide extra fare for us in the morning since our guests will stay with us overnight."
"Not at all," he replied. "I am glad that they will be able to enjoy the festivities."
Together they looked at Lady Montgomery, Felicia, Lady Stapleford, and Anthea, as they waited. From a distance they could hear shouts, and soon the band began to play, the music coming nearer every moment.
