Rescue Operations (26)

That part was accomplished

Hannah was loitering by the stationer’s shop, peering through the dusty panes at the very cramped and crowded display, when she heard a quite cacophonous whistling of Ow, give over, do, glanced over her shoulder and saw Leda as Larry Hooper strutting on the opposite side of the street.

So: that part was accomplished. She picked up her skirts to traverse the street – a crossing-sweeper that had appeared quite somnolent sprang up to sweep a clear path for her crossing, and she pressed a coin into his hand – and came to that genteel drapery establishment, Lotting’s.

She entered to the tinkling of a bell, and informed the young woman that came hastening up to ask her business, that she was looking for Mrs Lotting?

Over there –

Sitting in a corner, trimming a bonnet, Lilian Lotting, that glanced up and then stood up and made a little bob, O, Miss Roberts –

Your Aunt Higgins in Surrey desired me to convey a message to you – Hannah looked about – is there somewhere we might go speak in private?

Lilian set down the bonnet and said, Evans, do you keep an eye on things while I step out a moment to hear this news – should Mr Lotting get back from the bank you may tell him what’s ado –

The young woman nodded.

Hannah said, struck somewhat chill, she should put a coat on.

Lilian did so, and put on her bonnet.

They stepped out of the shop doorway, to the jingle of the bell, and turned towards the corner where Hannah had noted a teashop, where one might plausibly take someone to convey family news. But instead of going in, passed by it, rounded the corner, and there was one of Jupp’s carriages, with Timmy Smith sat on the box, a-waiting for 'em

She helped Lilian in, and instructed Timmy to take them to Euston station.

Lilian was shivering. Hannah took her hands, that were colder than a brief walk in autumn chill could have brought about. Now, she said in low tones, a plot is under way that will keep your husband away for at least some while, and we are in some confidence may hold him overnight. And does he hear that there was news from your aunt, he is like to go a wild goose chase into Surrey, that is entirely the opposite direction from where you are going.

In a railway train? murmured Lilian, looking somewhat distraught.

You will not be alone, said Hannah, but in very good company that will provide considerable protection. And here is a purse that Betty has sent for you, put it somewhere safe – and has made up a trunk of necessities and had it sent on for you –

So kind, said Lilian, blowing her nose. I have been so wretched foolish – was beguiled –

'Tis alas, a very common tale, said Hannah, even in the highest ranks of Society. Some men will go be tyrants because the law will let 'em – 'tis admirable that so many do not.

Lilian dried her eyes, and straightened her bonnet and said, certainly Da never –

The carriage came to a halt. Here they were at that grand and impressive sight, Euston station. Hannah pressed a few coins into Timmy’s hand with a smile, saying that she dared say he had some sweetheart by now that he wished to stand treat, and took Lilian’s arm to convey her through the surging crowds in the station hall.

Are we not to buy a ticket? asked Lilian, as they passed by the booking-offices.

All done, said Hannah, coming to the first-class ladies’ waiting-room, and entering therein.

***

Lady Louisa Ferraby heaved a relieved sigh. There was Hannah, and what was presumably the unfortunate young woman they had been desired to escort to Firlbrough. Had been at the point of beginning to fret that they would not arrive before the train was due to depart, but there was ample time to walk up the platform and get settled.

Lou, said Hannah, permit me to make Lilian, a relative of dear Betty Higgins, known to you; Lilian, this is Lady Louisa Ferraby.

Lilian’s eyes opened wide, but she executed a remarkably graceful bob.

Lou smiled and said, here, take this valise – 'twas not heavy, but would give the impression of a maid – and they would go and settle themselves in the compartment.

Hannah walked up the platform with them – quite the hurly-burly of people seeing passengers off &C – until they came to the first-class carriage in which darling Nan was already ensconced, along with Lorimer, that quite refused to be pensioned off – was she not still entirely capable of her duties?

Hannah made the introductions and Lou perceived that Lilian was quite like to faint at discovering that she was to travel not only in first class but in company with a Marchioness.

Nan remarked that Arabella had insisted upon supplying her with a couple of well-stocked tea-baskets for the journey – and traveling always made one hungry, was it not so?

There was a flurry of whistling and bursts of steam and Hannah quickly disembarked before being carried off, and stood on the platform waving as the train went chuffing through the deep cutting out of the station.

Begging your pardon, Your Ladyships, said Lorimer, but I think this young lady would be a deal better for a little brandy, strictly medicinal.

Lou and Nan looked at Lilian, that was indeed very white, and shuddering.

La, said Nan, entirely the thing, do you find the flask and pour her a tot.

That put a little colour into the pallid cheeks.

You will be secure here, said Lorimer, patting Lilian upon the arm. 'Tis not just that you travel with Lady Offgrange, but Sir Harry Ferraby is one of the shareholders in the railway company. No-one will come trouble our party, will manifest very obsequious indeed.

Lilian managed a small smile in response to that reassurance.

Meanwhile Nan was already about broaching the first tea-basket – La, Nan, said Lou with a laugh, you always did like a pique-nique.

Sure Arabella had done 'em well! They pressed Lilian to eat, that at first was timid but then made a quite hearty meal. Was also persuaded to take a little more brandy.

The result was that within a little while – between that, and the somewhat of stuffiness of the carriage, and one might suppose her nerves overstretched by her ordeal to the point of exhaustion – she fell into sleep. Lorimer looked at her indulgently and said, quite the best thing, as she took out her knitting.

Nan and Lou had a low-voiced argument over the last almond cake – no, you take it! no, you, I insist! – finally dividing it between 'em – and then settled into opposite corners, casting concerned glances at Lilian.

One must feel for the poor young creature, said Nan with a sigh. Sure Father never laid hands on poor Mama, but he was certainly shocking cruel, even was it thoughtlessness over what might have eased her condition – those two bleak rooms, so cold in winter, no thought of providing her with an invalid carriage – or any little enjoyment –

O, said Lou, when we all decamped to Offgrange House after that snake business, and Tony quite immediate set about thinking how she might get about the house –

Nan smiled fondly. Oh, sure he was a husband of very different kind! – but indeed, when Harry unveiled that very superior invalid chair he had designed –

Lou grinned and said, 'twas a matter that gave him the greatest pleasure! Said 'twas quite like play to him after all the bothers of the works.

They looked at one another with some complacency. Then fell into conversation about their children, and Nan’s grandchildren, Henrietta and Rudolph. Gussie still undecided over a bride – Pedro doing well in Heidelberg at the university – Inez about to make her come-out. Lou’s daughters doing very well at their day-school, answered quite exceedingly – a day-governess for the little boys – might in time send 'em to that good school Adam Knowles attended - 

What a nestful of singing birds were Eddy and Cissie’s offspring! almost a choir in themselves! But alas, still no sign that Janey increased – 

The train chuffed on.