Beyond the Plough by Janet Woods

Author:Janet Woods [Woods, Janet]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781471136597
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

12

It had been hard to leave the younger children behind. There had been tears, not the least being those shed by herself at the wrench of being parted from Ashley, who, as he gave her a kiss and waved her goodbye, bestowed on her the gift of his father’s smile.

‘How can I possibly forget him when you remind me of him every day, you little wretch,’ she said, turning back to snatch one last hug. Susannah, determined not to be left out, demanded one too.

Daisy looked sulky, and Goldie was tremulous at the parting.

‘I’ll be back before you know it,’ Siana told them, giving them both a kiss.’ She would have taken them with her, but she couldn’t risk Maryse’s secret getting out, and they were of an age to be aware that something was amiss. She comforted herself with the thought that they were in good hands with the governess. She’d left Miss Edgar in overall charge, and with the two live-in nursery maids under her, plus two house servants and a gardener/stable hand who came in on a daily basis, the house was well staffed.

Josh had agreed to move into the house whilst she was away. The children loved and trusted him, and would not miss her so much if they had him to turn to.

She had sent a note to the Countess of Kylchester, explaining that she was with child, would be visiting her property in Wales and would remain there for the birth. She added that Maryse would accompany her, and requested that Pansy remain in the charge of her aunt.

It had suddenly become imperative to leave. Even a tightly laced corset and a voluminous skirt could not conceal the fact that Maryse was rapidly losing her waistline. She no longer went abroad, confining herself mostly to her room again. Even so, she was forced to wear a high-waisted gown to disguise her state.

As for Siana, she wore no stays and emphasized her stomach by wearing a frilled peplum at the waist, which made her pregnancy appear more advanced than it was. Thus, it drew attention to her own state, and away from that of Maryse. But she couldn’t risk staying any longer.

With a minimum of luggage, and with Rosie complaining at every turn, the coach, with Josh at the reins and Sam Saynuthin by his side, set out for Bristol. There, they intended to stay the night before transferring to a boat that would take them across the Severn Estuary and into Wales. Josh had reserved rooms for them at a coaching inn. Siana had not thought past that, for her directions were sparse at that stage.

It was a fine day, the occasional showers refreshing for the horses. But the rain was not heavy enough to churn the road into mud. The trees were cloaked in the freshest of spring green and daffodils bobbed cheerfully in the darkest places of the woods for as far as the eyes could see.

Rosie’s head craned this way and that when they drove through Cheverton Estate.

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