Forgotten as a Dream by Shirley Smith

Author:Shirley Smith [Shirley Smith]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780709099383
Publisher: Robert Hale
Published: 2012-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

The next day saw them packing under the strict supervision of Lady Gascoine. Bradbury and Miss Gibson were themselves organizing the maids to press and prepare their clothes for the long journey to Ireland.

‘We shall be at Roslaine two days before you arrive, Mary,’ Jane Gibson said. ‘We’ll make sure everything is in readiness for your coming.’

It was agreed that Frederick and Robert would travel on a day later so that all Miss Gibson’s guests didn’t appear together.

The plan was that over the New Year period, Frederick and Isabella would be guests of honour at the various evening parties and social events organized by his aunt, to meet Miss Gibson’s friends among the Irish gentry. Even if the prospective groom seemed to lack any romantic urgency, his mama and his aunt were already setting in motion the neighbourhood groupings that would be an important part of the young couple’s future social life.

Elizabeth recognized that this was the way of the world as far as gentlefolk were concerned. She was powerless to prevent the trip to Ireland but it would hopefully make it possible for her to find out more about herself. On the morning after the Athertons’ soirée, she was not just stiff, she was hobbling. The bruises on her legs had now turned purple and yellow, and were more painful than when she’d had the accident. She tried to eat breakfast but the food stuck in her throat. However much she told herself that she was going to settle the mystery of her background, Elizabeth was still somewhat anxious at the thought of Roslaine.

Neither Robert nor Frederick appeared at breakfast. Lady Gascoine was having breakfast in her room, so Elizabeth was alone with Bradbury and Jane Gibson. Neither of these two ladies was inclined to talk. Jane noticed Elizabeth’s wan face and quiet demeanour and was about to say something but thought better of it. Before long, she whisked her companion back upstairs to help with the packing. The two ladies departed for Liverpool before luncheon and Lady Gascoine was there with Elizabeth to see them off.

‘Goodbye, Jane, goodbye, Bradbury, we will see you on Thursday,’ they called and both waved until they were out of sight.

For the next two days, Elizabeth had little time to worry about her own visit to Ireland – in spite of her aches and pains, she was kept far too busy by Lady Gascoine. She had to organize Her Ladyship’s writing case and embroidery things, her library books and visiting cards, and then help to supervise the packing. There was a lot of running about to do over the contents of Her Ladyship’s refreshment hamper, which was to go with them on the coach. With the addition of Lady Gascoine’s abigail, there would only be three of them in the Gascoine carriage so there was ample room for the luggage that they felt was necessary for their journey. Finally, they were ready. There travelling clothes and toilet cases were laid out for morning and cloaks and bonnets brushed and pressed ready for departure.

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