Chapter 4

Chapter Four

D aniel jogged down the stairs to catch up with Bingham. It was still strange referring to the formidable captain so informally. While smaller in build, he’d always somehow looked up to him. Bingham was well organized, socially adept, and virtually fearless. All the things Daniel lacked.

As Daniel rounded the corner trying to keep up with his friend, the innkeeper gestured wildly to him. He slid to a stop.

“Mr. Kaye, the Misses Haynes are awaiting you in the parlor.”

“Awaiting me?”

“And Lord Bingham. Your breakfast is nearly ready.”

“Very good,” Bingham said so close to Daniel’s ear that he jumped. When had he doubled back?

“A might tense there, Kaye?” Bingham looked him up and down. “Did you sleep well?”

“Fine.” Daniel rubbed the back of his neck. It was fine if one did not count the mesmerizing dream of a certain cheery blonde who sat in the parlor recently indicated. Not that it had been a bad dream, only that the vividness had woken him far too early.

Early . The word stuck in his mind. It was far too early to be drawn to the woman. He’d had many a chance to court in his twenty-six years, but never had a woman drawn him in so quickly. And that was saying something as he’d found himself swiftly drawn to several women over the years.

She was beautiful, to be sure, with those golden blonde curls and that pert little nose sprinkled with a handful of freckles, but it was the mischievous glint in Miss Julianna’s intelligent blue eyes when she’d recognized her sister’s interest that had drawn him in. It showed a playful side he rarely saw in the women of his acquaintance. They were all far too sedate for his taste. He wanted someone he could laugh with, have lovely little larks with, and yes, even plot with.

All he could see in front of him were five glorious weeks with a fascinating woman. He knew he should temper his expectations and not rush into things blindly, but he’d never been very good at pacing himself.

Bingham waved a hand in front of his face. “Kaye. Are you sure you are well?”

He chuckled nervously. “Very well, just hungry I suppose. Let us join the ladies.”

His friend appeared doubtful but turned and walked with him to the parlor. Inside Mrs. Barker was complaining loudly about the consistency of the porridge.

“All I am saying is that they could have reduced the amount of water to make it much more palatable.”

“There are a lot of guests to feed at present.” Miss Haynes placed a spoonful into her mouth. The wince that followed belied her generous words.

“Good morning,” Daniel said, then gestured for the ladies to remain seated as he and Bingham took up their seats at the table.

“There will be kippers coming soon, my lord,” the innkeeper said from the doorway. “Only give us a bit.”

Bingham nodded and Daniel wondered why they had not been offered to the ladies first. Then again, this trip had taught him how much deference was shown to a lord compared to a common gentleman. It still astounded him how quickly they were seen to at every stop.

“I do hope you all had a good rest,” Bingham said to the ladies, but his gaze strayed to the elder Miss Haynes.

Daniel met Miss Julianna’s eyes and they both smiled. It was evident that at least on Bingham’s side there was some interest, but when Daniel had tried to question him the night before he’d been met with a flat refusal to discuss ‘ such nonsense’ . It did not matter, though. Eyes did not lie, and Bingham’s were speaking volumes at the moment.

Miss Haynes ducked her head. “Well enough. And you, Your Lordship?”

“The beds were adequate, but it will be nice to reach General Waverly’s. I much prefer a room where you cannot hear all the goings on downstairs. There was one fellow last night in particular that talked quite loud. I do hope, however, that he is able to find his pearl-handled pipe, for he was quite distraught at misplacing it.”

“Oh dear, that is a bit more than one would wish to hear.” Miss Haynes chuckled softly.

That had not been the only thing said, but the rest was not fit for ladies’ ears. Actually, it had hardly been fit for Daniel’s ears either. It reminded him of the time he, Alfred, and Robert had heard the stablemaster at Eton curse after a horse had stepped on his foot. Needless to say their mothers had not been fond of their newfound expansion in vocabulary.

“It has been a dreadfully loud establishment, if you ask me.” Mrs. Barker sniffed loudly and eyed her porridge as if it might jump out of the bowl and accost her. “I will be quite relieved to leave this dirty place with its less than acceptable occupants. One would think the innkeeper would be a little more circumspect about the people he allowed in.”

Daniel frowned. No one had asked the rather brusque lady for her input, and by the disapproving expression on Miss Julianna’s face, she felt the same. The woman spoke rather freely about the suitability of others for someone in service. One would think with her station, she’d have a little more compassion for her fellow travelers upon the road. He opened his mouth to tell her so when someone kicked him under the table.

He peeked down to confirm his suspicions and then met Miss Julianna’s gaze. She gave a little shake of her head and he closed his gaping mouth. He was tempted to open it again if only to further the physical contact, but he did not wish to anger the pretty woman. He gave a subtle nod and the dazzling smile she cast him was far more of a reward than he’d have gotten with another kick.

Thankfully, the innkeeper delivered the promised kippers, removing the need for any of them to confirm or deny the older woman’s assertions about the inn and its guests.

“How long will it take to reach our uncle’s home from here?” Miss Haynes’s question caught Daniel off guard.

Neither he nor Bingham had ever visited the general’s home before. He’d assumed the two women would be more familiar with that information. It seemed they were all quite in the dark.

“You will forgive me,” Miss Haynes said at his bewildered expression. “We used to make yearly visits to our aunt’s, but it has been some time since we last traveled to Kendal.”

Bingham nodded. “With the estimated distance it will take the better part of the day. But if we change the horses out a time or two we should reach your uncle’s estate well before nightfall.”

The ladies deflated at the idea of an entire day’s travel. He did not blame the sisters. It was cold out, and with only their grumpy companion as company it would make a long hard day that much more unbearable.

“Perhaps we could change positions a few times throughout the journey to break up the monotony. Miss Haynes, you might ride with Lord Bingham and I could switch to your carriage for the beginning of the journey.”

“Absolutely not,” Mrs. Barker said indignantly. “That would be highly improper.”

“She could take her maid with her,” Daniel insisted.

Miss Julianna leaned in. “We did not bring our maids on this trip. My aunt promised she would have plenty of help for us when we arrived at Waverly House.”

That was a problem. “Would it be any comfort to you to know that Lord Bingham’s valet would also be along in the carriage?”

“No, it would not. One of you is welcome to ride in the carriage with myself and the girls, but I will not risk their reputations by having them ride unescorted with unrelated males.”

Bingham caught his attention and scowled. What had he done wrong? He was not trying to compromise anyone; simply save them from the need to ride with their overbearing escort.

He glared back at Bingham and the man’s face cleared. Turning, he said, “Mrs. Barker, I believe it would be acceptable for the girls to ride together in my carriage and you may ride with my valet.”

“It would not be?—”

“It would be perfectly acceptable as they may attend to one another; besides, there is nothing untoward about an elderly widow riding with a servant.”

Mrs. Barker’s eyes widened in shock. Daniel braced himself for the tirade of words that he knew would spew from the woman at being called elderly, but they did not come. She sputtered a few times, then became so occupied with cutting the kipper on her plate that he wondered if she would answer Bingham’s request.

Then again, it had not actually been a request. It was more like a polite demand. Apparently Bingham was not as ignorant of the hardship it would be on the two sisters to travel with their companion. Either that, or he had his own motives for the switch.

Daniel’s gaze roamed over the faces at the table. Miss Haynes appeared serene as she daintily placed a bite in her mouth, but a subtle crinkling about her eyes showed her delight in the change. Miss Julianna, on the other hand, sported a full smile, her eyes dancing in that way that left him giddy. She was just as excited at the prospect of spending the whole day together as he was.

But it was his friend’s expression that had him puzzled. Bingham leaned back, slowly chewing, his focus on nothing of importance. He did not appear happy, but neither did he appear content. His left hand moved his knife so it lay exactly a quarter inch from his plate, then moved to place his fork perfectly even on the other side.

He must be especially nervous to be organizing the silverware without thought.

Reaching for the linen on his lap, Bingham dabbed at his mouth, then, laying it on his lap, his right hand holding it in place so it did not fall, he folded the cloth into a perfectly crisp square. Definitely not at ease, perhaps even a bit distraught.

Daniel would have to corner him before they were shut up with the two ladies to find out what was bothering him.

When they had finished their meal, everyone agreed to meet in the courtyard in a quarter hour. The impish smile Miss Julianna cast left him impatient to further his acquaintance with her.

“You know you have placed us in a precarious position, do you not?” Bingham eyed him, his hands clasped firmly behind his back.

“In what way?”

“Think how it will appear to arrive with the Misses Haynes in our coach.”

“You mean gentlemanly. Come now, Bingham, both you and I know it must have been tedious to travel with Mrs. Barker. That is why you came to their rescue, is it not?”

“Only because you forced my hand. If you had not opened the subject and created an expectation of relief, I would not have intervened.”

“Really, man. You would let those sweet ladies listen to the irritating complaints and demands of their chaperone for nine whole hours with only short breaks at inns as intermissions. Are you that cruel?”

“They have withstood her thus far; I am sure a handful of hours would not be their undoing.”

“No, but when you could offer relief…”

“I have offered, so there is no need to berate me. I only hope you realize the expectation you are raising not only in the Misses Haynes, but possibly in the entire house party when we arrive.”

“Who says it is a house party?”

“Do not play innocent with me. You know as well as I that if Mrs. Waverly has invited us in addition to her nieces, there are most likely other guests. You yourself claimed there would be other officers.”

Daniel did know. It had been part of the plan. Mrs. Waverly had hopes of organizing a small gathering of acquaintances to lift everyone’s spirits, not just the general’s. From his mother’s description of Mrs. Waverly, General Waverly was not the only one in need of some uplifting company. How would it be for a vivacious woman to be sequestered in a far-off corner of the kingdom?

“Perhaps she did mention a few others.”

“I knew it.” Bingham’s expression of triumph was short-lived. “Why did you not tell me earlier?”

“Because I worried you would not come. You needed to get out, and this seemed like the best option.”

On his way out of the parlor Bingham grumbled something about no good do-gooders much the same way Daniel’s old friend Alfred would have. Daniel smiled at the memory. It seemed he could not get away from grumpy ‘ old men’ in his life.

Their trunks were being loaded onto the coach as they entered the bustling courtyard.

The ladies appeared and several footmen carried their trunks to another carriage where the ostler helped strap them on. Mrs. Barker’s sour expression had turned hostile, but she still said nothing to Bingham. Daniel was amazed. He’d expected the woman to filet his friend for his heavy handedness, but it seemed rank held far more sway with her than he’d previously realized.

“Your carriage will lead out, Mrs. Barker. That way you may arrive first.” Bingham handed the woman up into the coach.

The personal attention must have soothed her ruffled feathers because the woman actually smiled. “Thank you, my lord. Your thoughtfulness does you credit.”

He shut the door, then shuddered at the address.

Daniel chuckled. “She is not that bad.”

“No.” Bingham tipped his head toward him. “But what she does not realize is that I have instructed their carriage to go ahead so my valet can have things prepared when we arrive.”

“But our trunks are strapped on our own carriage.”

“Something I will remedy quite shortly.”

It took only a few minutes for the switch to be made as they loaded the Haynes’s carriage with more luggage. Miss Haynes looked on in confusion, her hand coming up to rub her necklace, but she did not question the change until they were well on their way.

“Is there a reason you placed more of the trunks on our coach?” Miss Haynes’s gaze was sharp, her eyes not missing anything that had transpired in the courtyard.

“There are more passengers in this carriage and we would not want to tax the horses any more than necessary.” Bingham’s simple explanation rolled off his tongue so easily that even Daniel wondered if that was the real reason for the change.

The cheeky grin on Miss Julianna’s face showed she was not fooled. “And is that why our coach is traveling much faster than yours?”

Miss Haynes leaned to peek out the window, her brows lowering in confusion. “It does seem to be moving quite swiftly.”

“My valet will arrive ahead of us to make sure all is ready.”

Miss Julianna giggled. “Mrs. Barker will be livid when she finds out we are not staying together.”

“And yet you do not seem distraught about the prospect.” Daniel rubbed his upper lip to cover his own chuckle.

“I must admit, it seems fortuitous that we happened upon you both at the inn. You have saved us from a fate worse than death.”

The chuckle he’d tried to withhold burst forth. “A fate worse than death?”

Miss Haynes leaned slightly forward. “You will have to forgive my sister, Mr. Kaye. She can be quite dramatic.”

Miss Julianna huffed. “Do not be so sanctimonious. You are just as relieved as I am to be rid of our dragon guardian for the last leg of our journey.”

A grin split Daniel’s face. “Dragon. What an apt descriptor.”

“Is she truly that bad?” Bingham adjusted his lap robe, smoothing the wrinkles out until it lay straight.

“Worse. Perhaps she is not as severe on Bethie, but she detests me and finds every opportunity to provide correction.” Miss Julianna’s cheeks were rosy with her passionate declaration.

“She is only concerned for your welfare, Jule.”

Daniel smiled. Jule. It suited her. She was truly a gem among women. However, the tension radiating between the two sisters was anything but lustrous. “Since you have a whole day free from your tormentor, shall we speak of more agreeable things?”

“Yes,” they said in unison. Glancing at each other their severe expressions melted into smiles.

“Might I ask about your names?”

Miss Haynes nodded.

“Jule I assume comes from Julianna; might I then assume Bethie comes from Elizabeth?” Daniel glanced at Bingham knowing his aversion to shortening names.

“Actually, it is simply Beth, but my sister has always added to it in the most ludicrous ways. Bethie seems to be her favorite.”

Bingham cringed, adjusting in his seat to sit up straighter. “So there are others?”

“Far too many.” Her pale cheeks were already pink with the cold, but Daniel imagined that if they were not, she’d probably be blushing.

The curl of his friend’s lip at the idea of any more creative monikers had Daniel battling back his laughter again.

“For a while I called her Bet because I could not pronounce the ‘th’ in her name,” Miss Julianna admitted. “Then when I could spell she became Bee. Mama vehemently opposed that one as she was terrified of the little insects, so it did not last long. Then there was Betty, Bethy-wethy, Bee by three, and Beth-of-mine.”

Bingham straightened his coat front. “Bee by three?”

“Yes. Beautiful, blonde Beth.”

“Very nice alliteration,” Daniel said.

Miss Julianna grinned. “Thank you.”

“And descriptive.” Bingham leaned back into the squabs, his gaze assessing the woman across from him. The man may not be willing to admit his interest in Miss Haynes, but he hid little with his increased attention to her.

They talked for the better part of an hour about the importance of a name. Bingham shared his firm conviction that if one was named it, they should be called such. Interestingly Miss Haynes, who Daniel had assumed to be more reserved, disagreed with him. He had thought her too timid to stick to her convictions when confronted, but she held her own, even making Bingham stop to think a few times.

Good. His friend needed a woman to challenge his stodgy ways. Bingham removed his hat and placed it on the seat beside him, then slowly began removing his gloves. He never removed his gloves in front of people if possible.

There was the tale-tell wince that meant his friend’s hand was paining him again. He knew from his time attending Bingham after Waterloo that the only way to stop the cramps was to massage each finger out. His friend had been rubbing his hands together, but he’d assumed it was for warmth.

It seemed the massage was not working through the thick winter gloves.

The carriage hit a large rut and the conversation stopped as they were all thrown to the right. The conveyance then righted itself, but as the wheel landed, an ominous crack filled the air. The coach tipped to the left. This time Bingham lunged to place his body below Miss Haynes, cushioning her fall. Daniel took his cue and pulled Miss Julianna toward him so she would not land on her sister.

Thankfully the postilion was a good hand with the horses and brought the tilted conveyance to a stop quickly. Daniel breathed a sigh of relief.

“Are you well?” he asked Miss Julianna.

She trembled in his arms. “I believe so. Only a few bumps and bruises.”

“How ‘bout you, Captain?… Captain?”

Bingham did not answer. Daniel shifted to look at him, then smiled. No answer was necessary.