Chapter Ten

George

"Y ou are home early from your musical soirée at the Templetons,'" Mrs. Fitzgerald said to her son. "Are you quite well, George?"

"Your face is a little flushed—perhaps you are feverish?" Doctor Fitzgerald put his hand on George's forehead. "Ah! Nothing much there to alarm me, physically at least. But something has upset you."

"There is nothing wrong," George said.

Doctor Fitzgerald pursed his lips. "You do not need to accompany me on my medical visits tomorrow—I can easily manage on my own. Instead, I prescribe a day off. Do whatever you want. Whether you read a book, go for a long walk, or visit the stables at Newton St. Loe, will be your decision. Your mind needs a break."

"Thank you, Papa," George said. "I appreciate your concern. I think I will go and have a word with Trigger now."

"You do that," Mrs. Fitzgerald said. "He has missed you—and missed going out to be entertained in a drawing room. Trigger does not get asked to many musical soirées."

If George had not been in such low spirits, he might have found this remark amusing, however, in his present state of mind he could only manage a lopsided grimace at his mother's wit before stumbling out of the room.

He went out to the lane behind the house, and from there, across to the small stable in the backyard. George put his arms around Trigger's neck and sobbed gently into his mane. There was no need for words. Hugging his best friend—his horse—was enough.

After a while, George felt a little restored. It had been such a shock, finding out that Selina was in love with Signor Allegretto. Or perhaps she was in love with one of the many young men whose eye she had caught as she sang her encore?

Was love even the correct word? Had Selina merely been flirting in the Templeton drawing room, spinning a web to trap admirers? Could she actually feel the emotion of love? She certainly knew what physical attraction was. George groaned as he remembered her sweet kisses, her soft, lithe body in his embrace...

The loving feelings had seemed so real—but George had been deluding himself. Because his feelings were of deep, true love, he had assumed Selina must feel the same. It was his fault—he had been mistaken. He had assumed the situation was as he had wished it to be.

Trigger neighed softly, and George ruffled his mane and stroked his nose.

"Selina has not been deceitful," George said in Trigger's ear. "She has been direct—for did she not say that she hated me? And this has turned out to be true. 'Tis I who am the fool, for I was deluded. Ah, how I wanted to believe she loved me—how I still long to believe it."

George's beloved Selina had not been guilty of any crime. Had she? She had never declared that she was in love with him—although she had shown by her kisses that she found him attractive. George felt puzzled, for in his world, one did not behave like that unless one's intentions were honorable. He leaned against Trigger.

I am so na?ve. There are many in this world who can enjoy physical intimacy that is virtually meaningless. Some of my friends boast of their feminine conquests in a shallow way—and it stands to reason there must be women who behave like this too.

George kicked angrily at some straw.

I never thought Selina—my Selina—would be like this. 'Tis my own fault—for I invented a story in my mind whereby she was my true love, and I see now that she was toying with me.

What to do next: that was the question. George would take great pains to keep apart from Selina until his heart had mended.

But my heart will never heal—I will carry this sorrow to the end of my days.

If George kept out of her way, at least he would not have to see her flirting with other men. And then one day, she would marry. George would not stay in Bath to see that. He would go to Bristol, to London, abroad, another planet—anywhere, to get away.

But he could not do that—he could not leave his parents and Trigger. At least living out of the city, on the other side of the river, George was far enough from Bath that he need never come across Selina—if he was careful. He would accept no social invitations, go to no concerts; he would not attend the Pump Room, nor any balls at the Upper Rooms. In short, he would dedicate himself to his medical work—although he would have to be careful not to undertake any house visits that were anywhere near the Royal Crescent or probably the whole of the center of Bath.

George would definitely be able to help out more at his father's stables in Newton St. Loe—there was no reason on earth why Selina would ever venture there. And he would start tomorrow, by rising early and putting in a full day of work, helping with the horses. Some of the mares were in foal and due to give birth in the early summer. An extra pair of hands and some medical knowledge to help make sure their pregnancies were progressing well could be useful. And had George's papa not already encouraged him in this course of action?

"So, old boy," George said to Trigger, "we will be setting off early—before dawn."

George closed the door of the stable gently and went back across the lane and into the house.

"Are you feeling better?" Mrs. Fitzgerald said.

Had his mama really been waiting for him in the hall all this time?

"Yes, thank you, Mama," George said. "There is nothing for you to worry about."

"I do not like to see you unhappy, George dearest," his mother said and held out her arms to him.

George stood within his mother's embrace for some time as she rhythmically patted his back.

"You know you can tell me anything," Mrs. Fitzgerald said, "and you also know you do not have to tell me anything at all if you do not want to."

"I know, Mama," George said. "Thank you."

George told his mother of his plan to go to the stables in Newton St. Loe in the morning, and she seemed to think it was a good idea.

"Mind you take some food with you," she said. "'Tis hungry work."

"I will," George said. "I do love you, dearest Mama, and have not said this often enough. I know how much you and Papa care for me, how you have always cared for me—I am grateful to be your son."

"You are very precious, George," Mrs. Fitzgerald said. "As our only child, you mean everything to us. But even if I had ten children, I would still feel the same, for you are my George, my dear one. And I think I already know what you will not tell me—that you have been disappointed in love. Am I right?"

George nodded.

"You are not to worry," George's mother said. "Sometimes these things work out unexpectedly. And if it was not meant to be, there will be someone else for you."

"There will never be anyone else for me but Selina!" George cried out passionately. "If I cannot marry her, I will not marry anyone."

"Selina? Miss Selina Templeton, I presume?"

"The very one," George said.

"And are you completely sure she does not care for you?" Mrs. Fitzgerald said.

"I am now," George said hoarsely. "I thought she cared—but I was mistaken."

"'Tis easy to be mistaken in these matters," Mrs. Fitzgerald said. "You could be mistaken now."

"No," George said, "I am certain, for she told me she hated me. And now I must retire, for I am close to dropping. It has been a tiring evening."

As George trudged up to his chamber, he heard his mother saying something about love being close to hate.

George rose early as planned the next morning and tiptoed down to the kitchen, intending to take a few slices of bread and some cheese wrapped in a napkin. To his surprise, he found Cook already up and about, apron on, putting the finishing touches to a sizeable hamper.

"Mrs. Fitzgerald was most particular that you should have plenty to sustain you for the day," Cook said. "You take this with you now—there's some nice cuts of beef and lamb in there, and all sorts of sandwiches and cakes, fruit too, and some ale."

"Thank you so much," George said. "There's far too much here for one person, but I appreciate all the trouble you've gone to immensely."

"Make sure you have a nice day—you deserve it," Cook said.

It was still dark outside, with no one about. George saddled Trigger, managed to affix the hefty hamper to the horse's back, and was soon cantering along the main road. 'Twas time to be positive. And time to think of others—of the horses he would be helping today and the men he would be working with.

When George arrived at the stables on the edge of the village of Newton St. Loe, he made sure Trigger was settled and then offered his services.

"You are always welcome, Mr. Fitzgerald," one man said. "And today, you have come at the perfect time, for we are a couple of men short through illness. There is much to do, and we will be glad of an extra pair of hands and also for your medical knowledge."

"And I will be glad to help," George said.

He took his jacket off, rolled up his sleeves and set to work.

After a while, a vast pot of tea was brought out to the men, and they pooled what food they had between them for a shared breakfast.

I love being here—the simple life, sharing food with other workers...

And I love doing something for the welfare of animals, just as my work with Papa helps men and women live healthier, longer lives.

Soon all the men were back at work, firm friends now with George and delighting in working as a team. Many compliments were made about the massive hamper bursting with delicious food, and George was asked to convey the men's compliments to the Fitzgerald's cook and their thanks to his parents on his return home.

Despite it being only March, it was such taxing physical work that George became glowing hot as he toiled. Glancing around, he decided to follow the example of his comrades and unbuttoned his shirt to cool down.

If only I could cool my passion for Selina this easily.

*

Selina

"The water level is high for this time of year." Henry looked out of the carriage window at the very full river. "Bath could be flooded soon—'tis becoming too common an occurrence."

It was a quarter past ten in the morning, and the Templeton carriage was traveling south out of Bath over the River Avon—with Henry, Kitty, Edmund, and Selina inside, bound for Beechen Cliff.

And then we will go to Devonshire Buildings to see George... How I long to see my love and sort out this preposterous misunderstanding.

"You are quiet this morning, Edmund," Henry said.

Edmund opened one eye as he lay slumped on the seat. "I am still half asleep. Why you wanted to leave so early, I have not the slightest idea."

"'Tis the best part of the day, the morning," Henry said.

"Not for me," Edmund said. "I am somewhat of a night owl."

"Look at the view!" Kitty said, pointing out of the window. "I can see right across to the Royal Crescent."

The horses strained and snorted as they pulled the heavy carriage up Holloway.

"It seems unkind to make the carriage carry us right to the top of Beechen Cliff," Selina said. "Why do we not dismount and make the rest of the journey up the hill on foot? The carriage can wait for us on the flat at the top of Holloway."

"A sensible idea," Henry said, "although I think Kitty..."

"I am not ill, Henry," Kitty said. "Please do not treat me as if I am made of glass. 'Twill do me good to have a walk."

"If you are sure," Henry replied.

After a bit of grumbling, Edmund too dismounted from the carriage, and the four young people completed the rest of the journey on foot.

"'Tis beautiful up here," Selina said. "The air is so much fresher than down in the city, and we are away from all the smoke."

And I am nearer to my love, George...

"I think I should bring Mrs. Godwin and the children here one day," Selina said. "It would be a wonderful outing for them. Do you know, some of the children have never set foot outside the city?"

"Fancy that," Henry said. "I suppose 'tis true the poor have fewer opportunities to travel and are without the luxury of carriages and horses."

"That is another thing," Selina said. "I think the children should all have riding lessons."

"Yes," Edmund said. "They could have riding lessons with George—he was very patient with them when he gave them a ride on Trigger the other day."

Kitty stopped walking. "Despite what I said earlier, I think I would like to sit down for a few minutes. Henry and Edmund, you go on ahead, continue your walk, and I will sit here with Selina and rest awhile."

"You're sure you are all right?" Henry said to his wife. "You would say, if anything was wrong?"

"Of course," Kitty said. "I would like to sit down for a while; that's all."

"We will keep you within our sight," Henry promised.

"Shoo! Off you go and leave me and Selina to converse," Kitty said.

"Leave you to gossip, more likely," Edmund said.

"True!" Henry said with a smirk, and then the two brothers strode off at a brisk pace.

"Was it a mistake to come up here?" Selina said. "I am sorry the steep climb is a little too much for you."

"There is no need to be sorry," Kitty said. "This is a heaven-sent opportunity to have a private chat before you put your plan into action. Come—sit next to me on the bench."

Selina settled next to Kitty, then sighed. "Do you still think 'tis a good idea? You do not think it is too shocking for a woman to take charge?"

"I think George will suit you very well," Kitty said. "I also think he needs a bit of encouragement. He's obviously gotten quite confused about something—we know not what exactly—therefore it will be good for you to have the chance to talk to him alone and explain how you feel."

"That is precisely what I think—and after all, I have nothing to lose. Oh, if you could have seen how George looked at me yesterday—or rather did not look at me. He did everything he could to avoid eye contact and could not wait to escape in his carriage. For all I know, he's planning to leave Bath. I must tell him how I feel today, no matter what the consequences.

"And before you say anything else, Kitty, I am fully prepared to accept whatever happens. I know he may reject me and carry on behaving in this cold and unfeeling manner. However, if I do not try, I will never know. I do not wish to have any regrets."

"You are brave," Kitty said. "In your shoes, I'm not sure I would have the courage."

Selina laughed and pointed at her stockinged feet. "I'm not in my shoes! I kicked them off as soon as we sat down."

"Of course you did!" Kitty said. "You always do."

"What are you two laughing about?" Henry said as he returned with Edmund.

"Selina, you have been partners in crime with Kitty since first she came round to our house as a child," Edmund said.

"I remember," Henry said. "And Edmund and I used to have long conversations about why we thought girls spent the whole time giggling."

"Did you ever decide why that was?" Selina asked.

"We did not," Henry said. "But sometimes we used to try and listen to what you were saying, to find out what was so funny."

"We had no luck eavesdropping, though," Edmund said. "You always seemed to sense when we were near."

Selina sprang to her feet. "Well, if everyone has had enough of these stupendous views, I think we should move on to the next stage of my plan, er, I mean our journey. We must go to see George in Devonshire Buildings."

"I don't mind paying a call at the Fitzgerald house," Henry said. "I always like chatting to George—although he might be out at work with his father."

Edmund sniggered. "Ha! As long as Selina does not propose! The idea..."

"They still do not know what is going on, though 'tis staring them in the face," Kitty whispered to Selina, who laughed.

"There you go again!" Edmund said. "Whispering and giggling. Come on, Henry. Race you back to the carriage. The ladies can follow on more sedately—with their secrets!"

'Twas not far to Devonshire Buildings; during the short carriage ride, Selina found herself increasingly tense as the possibility of seeing George loomed. She bit into her lip as fiercely as she dared to stop it trembling and clenched her fists into tight balls.

Soon she was walking up the path of the Fitzgeralds' home. Behind that very front door lived the man she wanted to marry. Selina had not worked out yet how she would contrive to be alone with George; she knew Kitty would be tactful and melt away if need be, but as her brothers seemed to think the whole thing was a joke, they would be unaware how much she longed for the necessary privacy to propose.

Brothers can be so annoying! Sometimes I wish I could pull a lever and they would disappear through a trap door.

The Templetons were greeted by Mrs. Fitzgerald.

"How delightful to see you all," she said. "I am afraid to tell you that George is not at home today. He's at my husband's stables in Newton St. Loe—he does this from time to time, to be away from everything and work with the animals."

I had not planned for this! Oh, what am I to do next?

"Nevertheless, you are very welcome," Mrs. Fitzgerald said. "Please, come up to the drawing room, and I will arrange for coffee to be sent up."

"I thank you," Henry said, "however, we will not trespass on your hospitality. I'm sure you have many things to do today."

Selina held her breath. Was this how her great plan was going to end?

Mrs. Fitzgerald smiled. "I insist you come upstairs to the drawing room. 'Tis quite a journey from the Royal Crescent, and I would not feel comfortable sending you back without refreshment. Please! Follow me. Mrs. Templeton and Miss Templeton—if you would like to come first?"

"I thought I heard voices," Doctor Fitzgerald said, coming out of his study.

"Have you time to join us for coffee, my dear?" Mrs. Fitzgerald said. "The Templetons have come to visit. They were hoping to find George here, but no matter. I am delighted to say they are staying for coffee."

"Wonderful news," Doctor Fitzgerald said. "Let us all go upstairs forthwith."

"Perchance first," Mrs. Fitzgerald said to her husband, "the two Mr. Templetons might care to take a quick look at the fossils in your study?"

"Splendid!" Doctor Fitzgerald said. "I am always very happy to show my collection to visitors. Fossils are a passion of mine; such an interesting glimpse into the past..."

Upstairs, Mrs. Fitzgerald invited Selina and Kitty to sit down, and within a few minutes a tray of coffee arrived.

"What was it you wanted to see my George about?" Mrs. Fitzgerald asked, looking directly at Selina.

"Mrs. Fitzgerald," Kitty said. "Might I be excused . . . the ladies retiring room . . .?"

"Of course, my dear," Mrs. Fitzgerald said. "The maid will show you."

Is Kitty being tactful? Leaving me free to converse with the woman I hope will be my future mother-in-law?

Once alone with Mrs. Fitzgerald, Selina decided to be bold. As she had said before to Kitty, what had she to lose?

"I want to see George because I love him," Selina said. "I wish to marry him."

Mrs. Fitzgerald clapped her hands together "Marvelous! I had hoped that was the case."

"Sadly, 'tis not a trouble-free path," Selina said, "for there is some silly misunderstanding between us. I cannot explain the circumstances, for 'twould take too long, but I think George might believe that I love someone else—or even that I am incapable of love. Neither of which are true."

"Then you must go and see him at the stables," Mrs. Fitzgerald said. "'Tis not far to Newton St. Loe, and you have a carriage. What are you waiting for?"

"You approve, then?"

"Of course I do," Mrs. Fitzgerald said. "I know my George—and I know he loves you. Sadly, he thinks he stands no chance of winning your heart—so you need to go to him and enlighten him. 'Tis obvious, at least to me, that he adores you."

Just then, Kitty, Henry, Edmund and Doctor Fitzgerald all entered the room.

"What an amazing collection of fossils you have amassed, Doctor Fitzgerald," Henry said. "I am impressed by your dedication—there is such variety."

"Thank you," Doctor Fitzgerald said. "Ah! Coffee."

"And Bath buns," Edmund said. "How fortuitous—for I missed breakfast."

"Thank you, Mrs. Fitzgerald," Selina said, accepting a coffee.

"Sugar?" Mrs. Fitzgerald offered.

"No, thank you, I am trying to give it up. We all are, after Mr. Fitzgerald alerted us to the efforts of the Anti-Saccharites in his speech."

"We certainly know all about that," Doctor Fitzgerald said. "George hardly left the house for days on end while he was researching for his speech at the Quaker Meeting House—although I believe in the end he did not deliver the original version."

"What he said was apt and to the point," Selina said. "And since then I have had the good fortune to read his full speech and think 'tis magnificent."

"Absolutely," Doctor Fitzgerald said. "We are very familiar with his words, as he practiced his oration here before delivering in Bath."

"George was determined to do his best," Mrs. Fitzgerald said. "It seemed he had a mission. I think he was keen to impress."

Mrs. Fitzgerald is trying to tell me something...

"The Templetons are going to Newton St. Loe," Mrs. Fitzgerald said to her husband.

"Are we?" Henry said.

"'Tis news to me," Edmund said.

"Of course we are," Selina said, "for that is where George is today. And did we not plan to see him?"

Edmund choked over his coffee. He was obviously finding something very amusing. Henry merely looked thoughtful. Was he beginning to realize Selina was serious?

"You would be doing me a favor if you did go to see him," Mrs. Fitzgerald said, "for although I sent him with a little food, I feel there was not quite enough for a tall, strong man of his healthy appetite to last the whole day."

"Are you sure, my dear?" Doctor Fitzgerald said. "For I thought Cook said she had risen early to prepare quite a feast for George. A large hamper was how she described it. He will have enough to share with the men."

"Perchance I am mistaken. However, 'tis no matter." Mrs. Fitzgerald beamed at Selina. "The important thing is that I know how much George would welcome a visit from his friends."

She is encouraging me! George's mother has given me her blessing.

*

George

"Trigger, my old friend," George said, "here, I have fresh water for you and a bag of oats and hay."

George was taking a short break from his work to make sure that Trigger was comfortable. There had been the sound of a carriage arriving a few minutes ago, which meant there were visitors around, perhaps inquiring about the possibility of buying some horses.

"Ah, Trigger! If only Selina was arriving—how sweet that would be. You see, I love her, with all my heart. Something has gone wrong between us—I know not what—all I know is that I would give anything in the world to have her in my arms right now."

Trigger made no answer, save gently nuzzling George and licking his neck and chest.

"I must go back to work in a few minutes," George said to Trigger. "Perhaps I had better do my shirt up again if there are visitors to the stables, for it does not look good if I am to go around half dressed."

Suddenly there was a slight scuffling noise from the next stall.

"Who is there?" George said. "Show yourself."

"'Tis only me," Selina said, stepping forward.

Ye gods! Selina? Here in the stables? How is this possible?

Selina stood before George, her bonnet in hand, a bright smile upon her face and eyes sparkling like the sun upon the sea. She looked glorious! Was she a vision? Was George so lovesick that he was hallucinating?

George reached out and touched her shoulder.

"I am here," Selina said. "I am really here."

"How? Why?"

"The how is easy to answer. I came by carriage with my two brothers and Kitty. We called to see you at Devonshire Buildings, and your mother told us you were spending the day here."

Selina took a step towards George.

"The why is also very easy to answer: I am determined to speak my mind. I love you, George Fitzgerald."

"You, you love me?"

I must be dreaming! And yet, did Signor Allegretto not tell us both in Hunter's that we were in love with each other?

"How much did you hear—of what I said to Trigger?" George said.

"Enough to know that you love me too, although please do not think you will escape from telling me so to my face. 'Tis not enough to tell you a horse that you love someone—you must tell the lady herself."

George put his arms around Selina. "I love you, to distraction."

The pair embraced passionately. Selina put her arms inside George's shirt onto his bare back and pulled him towards her. Hot and fervent were the kisses between them. George wanted this moment to last forever—for if it came to a conclusion, surely the spell would be broken?

They had been here before, sharing kisses and wordless embraces—this had always been followed by disappointment and heartbreak. So far, at least...

"I know what you are thinking," Selina murmured. "No, George, do not pull away from me. Let us lean together, that is it. There is so much between us to explain, for example, the wall of ice. I did not know about this and so I saw no reason for your coldness towards me—and I thought you might be a rake waiting for a lady in the theater corridor. 'Tis no wonder I told you I hated you! I was carried away by jealousy—and did not mean those cruel words."

George buried his face in Selina's shoulder.

"George! You are laughing! Why?"

"Because you thought I was a rake. Nothing is further from the truth. I have eyes for only one woman—you." Then he frowned. "What about your Signor Allegretto?"

"I cannot believe you think I would be in love with Signor Allegretto! He's a dear friend, and the best music teacher in the world, but really, me and Signor Allegretto? Impossible!"

"At the soirée, it seemed . . ."

"I was trying to put all my emotions into the music; I could not look at you, not in front of everyone at the musical gathering, so I gazed at Signor Allegretto... and then in the encore... oh, I know it all sounds like nonsense, but believe me, George, I love you through and through."

"You love me?" George said softly. "Say it again, my darling."

"I love you."

Very soon, all the doubt and confusion, the muddles and misunderstandings, were swept away as Selina and George listened to each other. All the twists and turns of their tangled romance became clear. George even outlined the five phases of the campaign he had planned to win Selina's heart, which unaccountably made her helpless with mirth for quite a while.

"And I promise that when we are married," George said, "I will not try to control you—make you wear your shoes in the house or decide when you go out or who you see."

"And I promise I will not mind that you are a little shy sometimes, and that you like to wear muddy breeches at the dinner table."

"There is one thing we have forgotten," George said.

"Ah, yes. The proposal. I came here intending to ask you to marry me, in fact I told your mama as much—more of that another time, for I know I am to have the most delightful mother-in-law in the world."

"Well, shall we propose together," George said, "since we are determined to break away from convention?"

"A most suitable idea," Selina said. "Will you..."

". . . marry me?" George finished.

Two pairs of lips met to seal the deal.

"I must ask your father's permission, of course," George said.

"Naturally. That would be the correct etiquette. But know this: if he does not give his permission, I will run away with you."

"Run away? What on earth is going on?" Henry said, striding into the stable with his wife and brother.

"Hell's teeth, George!" Edmund said. "Do your shirt up, man! 'Tisn't proper."

"And perhaps you should unhand my sister," Henry said.

"Yes, indeed. And care to explain why you two seem so close?" Edmund demanded. "I thought you hated each other."

"I knew you did not hate each other," Henry said, "but my goodness, something mighty strange is going on if Selina is talking about eloping. Why would that be necessary?"

"I see all is resolved," Kitty said, "and I offer my warmest congratulations to you both."

Selina's brothers took a little while to fathom the situation, but ere long, first Henry and then Edmund were beaming and offering sincere felicitations to the happy couple.

It was decided that everyone would go back to Bath, to Number 1, where George could formally ask Lord Templeton for Selina's hand. Selina tried to argue that she should travel with George on Trigger, but Henry and Edmund managed to persuade her that it might give her parents less of a shock if she arrived home in a carriage rather than on horseback with George. Particularly if George continued to wear his shirt open.

Very soon the happy party were returning to the city, with George riding beside the carriage gazing at Selina—who in turn locked her eyes to his.

Once they reached the other side of the river, Henry called out to George.

"I say! With all the excitement it went clean out of my head; I am tasked with collecting some new gloves for my mama from one of the shops on Pulteney Bridge. You will not mind, George, if we take a small detour?"

"Not at all," George said.

I am grateful for the slight delay, for it gives me a little while longer to formulate in my mind what I must say to Lord Templeton when I ask for his daughter's hand in marriage. 'Tis not every day I have to make such an important speech.

"You must not be worried about talking to Papa," Selina called to George.

Selina is a mind reader! How well she knows me.

"Papa is very fond of you," Selina continued, "and he will be pleased to get rid of me at last, I am sure."

"That's true," Edmund said, "for Selina, you have been on the shelf for far too long."

I will have to get used to this banter, for I am to be part of the Templeton family. I cannot believe my good fortune!

The carriage stopped outside Chillington's on Pulteney Bridge, and George dismounted from Trigger, then Selina and Henry dashed inside to collect the gloves. Selina reappeared a few seconds later and gave George a particularly loving embrace in front of many astonished passers-by.

"I will be away from you for only a few minutes," she said to George. "Can you bear it?"

"I will try," George said. "Hurry, my love! Quick! Into the shop before you are recognized. We should not be so intimate in the street."

Selina rushed back into Chillington's to join Henry.

George looked to his left, towards Great Pulteney Street. There seem to be quite a commotion going on.

"What is happening?" George said to a man running onto the bridge.

"'Tis Lord Steyne," the man said. "He escaped from prison but ten minutes ago."

"Yes," another man said. "He took the chance to slip out of the back gate when in the yard—word is he bribed his gaoler, else how would he have been able to get away?"

"He's been seen in Laura Place," the first man said.

"There he is," the second shouted. "See? On the other side of the carriage way. He is standing as bold as brass in the middle of the shops—outside Chillington's."

Lord Steyne stood directly opposite George, glaring at him.

"Damn you, Fitzgerald," he bellowed. "You thought you've got rid of me, didn't you? I will have my revenge. You destroyed my reputation in this city—and you will pay."

"There is nothing you can do to me," George said.

"Maybe not," Lord Steyne said, "but perhaps I can do something to the personage you love—Miss Selina Templeton, that spoilt, wilful chit of a girl."

Almost before George realized what was happening, Lord Steyne shot into Chillington's.

With a howl of rage, George ran into the shop after him. Too late! Lord Steyne had already grabbed Selina and twisted her arm behind her back.

"Do not come near," Lord Steyne hissed at George. "If you do..."

I cannot bear it! That fiend has my darling Selina!

Selina managed to slip from Lord Steyne's grasp and flung herself at the open sash window. Surely she was not going to try and climb out? That ledge looked far too narrow. She was adept at standing on the roof of Number 1 behind the balustrade—however this was entirely different. The central arched window of Chillington's was directly above the swollen River Avon—and if Selina fell in, she might be swept over the treacherous weir.

George leapt to the window and pulled Selina to safety, passing her to Henry for shelter; then, teeth bared, he wrestled furiously with Lord Steyne, forcing him to the ground with admirable strength and a strategic blow to the back of the knee.

"Prepare to meet your doom," Lord Steyne snarled as he squirmed on the floor, producing a pistol from about his person and directing it at George's heart. "You trouble making, interfering, good-for-nothing b—"

The end of Lord Steyne's insult went unheard as with a tremendous roar, George kicked the pistol out of Lord Steyne's hand and across the room, causing the weapon to discharge a bullet into a pile of gloves.

"Apologies," George said to the shopkeeper. "I will, of course, make full recompense if you would be kind enough to send me a bill for the damage."

Someone had called the Constable, who now burst into the shop and pointed at Lord Steyne.

"Arrest that man!" the Constable barked and several men rushed forward to do their duty.

Lord Steyne was having none of it and jumped onto the window ledge in a surprisingly nimble way for a man of his age.

"I refuse to go back to Bath City Gaol—'tis nothing but a vile hellhole!"

"Be sensible, Lord Steyne," the Constable said. "You cannot escape. And 'tis not that bad a gaol. You should see some of the others."

"The food is terrible," Lord Steyne said. "I will not spend another night in that place."

There was a sudden loud whinny from Trigger—and suddenly, Lord Steyne lost his balance and fell backwards out of the open window. There was a splash as his body hit the river, followed by a stunned silence in the shop—then everyone ran to the windows to look down at the rushing floodwaters.

"He'll be carried downstream," Henry said, "and will live to fight another day."

"No, more likely he has been dragged under the water," the Constable said. "Justice has caught up with that monster at last. Look! There is no sign of him surfacing. Lord Steyne is no more."

Selina refused to complete the journey to Number 1 in the carriage, but insisted on riding with George on Trigger. And all the way back to the Royal Crescent, George held her tightly and whispered in her ear how much he loved her.

Lord and Lady Templeton were waiting at the door of Number 1 as the carriage arrived, followed by the engaged couple on horseback.

Henry jumped out of the carriage first.

"Apologies, Mama," he said. "I forgot your gloves from Chillington's—but when you hear the reason why, you will not mind at all, and will rejoice heartily. And Papa—I believe that Mr. George Fitzgerald has something terribly important he would like to ask you in your study."