Anthony made up his mind. The only way of securing Annie’s future was by giving her the protection of the Wimberley name. He also decided to go to Harrogate. It was his duty to inform his mother about Annie. He would do it in a manner that would hurt her the least.
Anthony was very much aware of his own mortality. The deaths in his family had taught him that a man did not have to be old or sick to die. Before leaving for Harrogate, he wanted to draw up papers to secure Annie’s future. Not wanting to delay the matter, he visited the legal firm of Morrison & Morrison. Mr. Morrison Senior was away from London for the day. His son, also a partner, assured Anthony that his father would call on him early the next morning.
Anthony had been eager to discuss his plan with the solicitor. He had doubts about the legal standing of certain provisions that he had in mind. The delay made him restless. If he was in the country, he would have gone for a long gallop. But he was in London. A bout or two at Gentleman Jackson’s was the only cure he could think of. He also needed the exercise.
He turned his carriage into a lane. It would take him to Jackson’s quicker than the main road. After a furlong, he was forced to pull up behind a stationary hack. “There’s been an accident ahead,” the driver informed him.
“Is anyone injured? Do they need help?” Anthony asked.
The driver shrugged.
“Hold my horses, will you?” Anthony told the driver’s companion and vaulted down.
He saw at once that it wasn’t a serious accident. A young buck in a fashionable carriage, clearly inept at controlling the spirited pair, had tried to overtake a closed carriage. The carriage had been pushed off the road.
Anthony joined the small group that had gathered around the scene of mishap. The elderly coachman had waved aside offers of help. He had mastered the horses and was trying to sooth them.
The carriage door opened. Laura and her maid got down. The maid went to speak to the coachman. He scowled and told her to get back into the carriage. The maid took hold of Laura’s hand and helped her into the carriage. She got in after her and shut the door.
Anthony was stunned. What was Laura doing in there? Why was she in a strange carriage without a liveried coachman? He wanted to elbow through the small crowd and pull the door open but realized it would make her more conspicuous. Already there were interested comments about her identity. Some said she was a lady while others said she wasn’t; she was one of those ladybirds the nobs kept.
As soon as Laura’s carriage moved, Anthony went back to his carriage. He managed to weave his way through the carriages ahead of his until he was right behind Laura’s carriage. He would follow her to see where she was going. He couldn't help feeling concerned. She was not accustomed to London. Only the fact that her maid was with her and the coachman looked competent restrained him from waylaying the carriage.
When they came to the end of the lane, the carriage pulled to the side. The coachman cracked open the door and conferred with Laura. Then he turned the carriage around and entered the lane again. Anthony felt a stab of disappointment. He guessed Laura had decided to return home. Nevertheless, he followed the carriage all the way to Daventon House and left only after it entered its majestic gates.
He released a breath he didn't know he was holding. All was well. The carriage may belong to Gareth. That didn't explain the lack of a footman or the plain carriage. He would try to find out discreetly from Gareth. Gareth may know but if he didn't, he would fly into the boughs. He was very protective of his sister.
Laura was young but not flighty. She may have gone to call on the debutante who was always giggling, Miss Brown or was it Miss Grey? Anthony put further thought of Laura from his mind and turned back to Jackson's.
***
Adam stopped the carriage and opened the door. “Are you all right, my lady?” he asked.
Laura nodded, still shaken. The accident had happened when they were on the way to the home. Bessie had shaken out the pelisse for her to wear when the carriage had lurched and come to a stop. The jerk had thrown her against one side. Luckily neither of them was hurt.
As soon as they were safely in Laura's room, Bessie said, “Lady Laura, you mustn't go out like this again. It is fortunate nobody recognized you. Adam was able to right the carriage before a crowd formed. Your reputation would have been ruined!”
“You exaggerate, Bessie. I wasn't alone or...or with a gentleman!”
“There was a crowd of strange men gaping at you. They might have misbehaved.”
“Bessie, that’s because we make the mistake of coming out of the carriage. We should have waited. Adam is quite competent to take care of any mishap. Now I must send a note to Mrs. Forsyth. I don’t want Annie to be disappointed.”
Bessie, seeing that nothing would dissuade her mistress, wisely decided to drop the subject.
“What gown shall I lay out for the evening?” she asked.