Let Me Be The One by Jo Goodman

Author:Jo Goodman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ePublishing Works!
Published: 2015-11-03T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

The arrival of Colonel Blackwood delayed the newlyweds' departure from Battenburn until evening. It was necessary to light the lanterns by the time North and Elizabeth were able to make their farewells and climb into the carriage. There had been some discussion of remaining at Battenburn for their wedding night, but they both privately agreed they wanted to be away.

Northam's elegant carriage had been brought up from London that morning, outfitted with a team of four matched grays. Brill, Northam's dour valet, sat with the driver and groom, and the driver's young son rode standing at the rear, quite happy with his new status as tiger. He kept his eye on the tower of trunks piled high on the carriage roof lest any one of them should take a bad bounce to the road.

Elizabeth sat beside North on a comfortably padded leather seat. She was very much aware of the luxury of her surroundings, from the beautifully etched windows to the polished brass sconces that lighted the interior of the carriage. By Northam's own admission, as well as information shared by others, Elizabeth knew he had substantial lands and at least 12,000 pounds per annum, but she had never given a thought as to how he might use his wealth.

"You're very quiet," North said. He was leaning back into one corner of the carriage, his long frame already assuming a half-reclining position across part of the seat. He had removed his hat and tossed it on the opposite bench. Now he ran one hand through hair that was made gold by the lantern light. "What are you thinking?"

Elizabeth raised one hand, turning her palm over in a graceful gesture to indicate the interior of the carriage. "This," she said. "I was thinking that my father's income is easily as large as yours and he would never deign to spend so much money on his equippage. Lord and Lady Battenburn have several fine carriages but none as enormously handsome or comfortable as this."

"Are you concerned I will spend your allowance?"

Embarrassed, Elizabeth prickled defensively. "I assure you, the matter of an allowance had not—"

"Elizabeth," North said calmly, "I am teasing you."

She glanced at him uncertainly and saw that the corners of his mouth were turned up ever so slightly. Even the slumberous, heavy-lidded look of his eyes could not quite hide his amusement. Her insides turned over queerly. Elizabeth quickly looked away. She tried to think of some clever riposte, but the best she could come up with was, "Oh."

He chuckled quietly. "I dislike traveling by any means save horseback. Since it is not always practical to do so, I find it helps if the carriage is of the finest construction. The seats are wider than is the norm, and the heavy springs in the undercarriage protect us from jouncing with every rut in the road. I believe I've had this equippage for a year and I've ridden in it but half a dozen times. I lend it out more than I've used it.

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