Molly Merriwether combed through her wardrobe, searching for the best gowns to pack for her trip. At long last, a chance to see the countryside, visit Rochester and, most importantly, escape her mother’s constant chatter about suitors, balls, and the upcoming Season.

“You should have chosen your dresses last night,” said her friend Caroline Darby, behind her.

“I know, but I’ve been busy.” Molly turned, a cornflower-blue gown held up to her chin. “What about this one?”

“One of your most becoming. Yes, bring it.”

Molly threw the gown onto the bed and continued rummaging.

As Rochester was two days away, they’d be spending tonight at an inn. With any luck, Molly could convince Caroline to sneak out while their chaperone slept and visit the common room or, better yet, a tavern. Molly had heard enough about taverns from her three brothers to be curious, but her mother had heard enough about them to forbid Molly ever stepping foot in one. She’d even hinted that Molly shouldn’t think about taverns, which made them all the more intriguing.

Caroline walked over to the bed. “You really shouldn’t leave these things to the last minute. We were supposed to leave two hours ago.” She sighed and flopped down on Molly’s chosen dresses, arms spread wide.

“Get, up, Caroline. You just told me we need to leave.” Molly tugged at a gown under her friend’s head.

Caroline looked up at her, unmoving. “Do you think I’m doing the right thing, going to meet Mr. Clarke? Perhaps I should wait a while longer.”

Molly bit back a tiny groan. They’d been over this topic more times than she could count. “Of course you should go meet him. You’ve been corresponding with him for almost a year and he’s the closest thing to a suitor you have. Moreover, if not Mr. Clarke, what’s the alternative?”

Caroline sat up. “I suppose if I don’t like him I’d have to hope my father has another friend with an eligible son.”

“Right. Or go through a Season with me and meet somebody that way.” Molly shuddered at the thought. Many young ladies reveled in the idea of new gowns, balls, suitors and the like, but Molly had always dreaded it; one would either be snapped up immediately or go through the humiliation of being passed over time and time again. If she ever fell in love, she hoped it would come about more naturally. Perhaps she’d be out riding and lock eyes with a passing gentleman, or brush hands with a man as they reached for the same novel at a bookshop.

“You’re right,” Caroline said. “I’m glad you convinced your mother to let you accompany me to Rochester. I don’t know how I’d go through it without you.”

Molly retrieved a pile of gloves from the dressing table and set them on the bed with her gowns. “You’d be just fine. Your aunt will be with you, after all.”

“But Aunt Hazel’s a chaperone, not my best friend.”

“Fortunately, my mother did say yes, and we’ll have a grand time.” Molly glanced at the clock on her writing desk. “We’d better get downstairs.”

Once Molly’s trunk was packed, she and Caroline made their way to the parlor.

Aunt Hazel sat on the sofa, sipping tea. She was dressed in her customary high-necked gown—peach today—and her black hair was pulled back into a bun. Though not Molly’s true aunt, Hazel had allowed her to address her as such all her life.

Mrs. Merriwether and Mrs. Darby stood beside the pianoforte, supposedly discussing the journey. From the way they whispered to each other, Molly suspected they were in fact having a good gossip. Their daughters going off to Rochester wouldn’t bring such color to their cheeks or light to their eyes.

Molly and Caroline joined Aunt Hazel on the sofa. While Caroline chatted with her aunt, Molly helped herself to a cup of tea and looked out the window. Lilac bushes burst with flowers and beyond them the sky was a cloudless blue. In the distance four gray horses were being led to the carriage. Molly smiled as she stirred her tea. It wouldn’t be long now.

Molly chose a scone and slathered it with strawberry jam but before she could take a bite her mother addressed her. “Packing your trunk took much longer than I expected. It should have been done last night.”

Caroline gave Molly a pointed look. “As I told you.”

Molly gave her a playful shove, spilling her tea in the process.

“Molly!” Mrs. Merriwether snapped. “You must control such childish antics while  at Waverly Hall.”

Aunt Hazel set her teacup down with a clatter, cutting Molly’s answer off. “You may depend upon me keeping her firmly in line. She will certainly not behave so in front of the Clarkes.”

“Of course I won’t,” Molly said, mopping the tea up with a napkin. After spending three weeks cajoling her mother into allowing her to accompany Caroline, she wouldn’t allow anything to jeopardize her ability to stay for the whole visit.

Aunt Hazel looked skeptical as she turned to Caroline. “What do we know about this young man we’re going to see?”

“His name in Benedict Clarke, and he lives with his family in Rochester, at Waverly Hall. Our fathers went to school together,” Caroline said.

“And?” Aunt Hazel asked.

Molly chimed in with what Caroline had read to her from his letters. “He has a brother, he’s well educated, and he enjoys long walks.”

“He’s the heir, and I met him once, when we went to Rochester last summer,” Caroline said.

“Not much to go on,” Mrs. Merriwether said. “But maybe that’s for the better.”

Caroline’s mother waved a hand. “Oh, more than enough. We encouraged this exchange of letters between them so they could become acquainted.”

“Exchanging letters!” Aunt Hazel’s hand flew to her chest.

Mrs. Darby turned to her sister. “We’ve read all the letters, Hazel. I assure you nothing untoward has been going on.”

“I’m glad you’re taking proper precautions. But corresponding with a man at Caroline’s age…” Aunt Hazel shook her head, clearly doubting her sister’s wisdom in this decision.

Molly met Caroline’s gaze and had to stifle her laughter. Mr. Clarke wasn’t what Molly would call verbose, and most of the letters had been more like notes. She hoped for Caroline’s sake he was more engaging in person.

“When are we leaving?” Molly asked. She drank the only bit of tea that hadn’t spilled and picked up her scone.

Mrs. Merriwether checked the clock. “As soon as your trunks are stowed.”

Aunt Hazel rose and addressed the room at large. “Do the young ladies have clear expectations as to their behavior once we arrive at Waverly Hall?”

Since nobody looked quite sure who should answer, Molly did. “We’re to act with the utmost decorum, not laugh, nor sing, nor draw unnecessary attention to ourselves. Caroline will meet with Mr. Clarke as his schedule allows, and otherwise the two of us will amuse ourselves.”

Mrs. Merriwether widened her eyes at Molly, her usual way of reminding her she was talking too much. Molly set to eating her scone.

“Make yourselves available to Mrs. Clarke,” Mrs. Darby said. “She’ll no doubt enjoy having two young ladies to look after. And of course she’ll appreciate another woman in the house, Hazel.”

Aunt Hazel inclined her head just as a footman entered the room to announce that the carriage was ready.

Molly put her half eaten scone back on the tea tray and reached for Caroline’s hand, smiling. “Finally,” she mouthed silently.

Hours later, Molly slumped in her seat as the carriage trundled down the road. The beginning of the journey had been full of laughter, talk and excitement, but now all three women resembled wilted flowers. Caroline rested her chin in her hand, staring blankly out the window; Aunt Hazel had fallen asleep three villages ago.

Molly smiled as she watched the countryside speed by. She’d been yearning to get away from home for two reasons. The first was her mother. The older Molly got, the more critical her mother became. Or had she always acted thus but Molly hadn’t noticed? She’d taken to muttering about any perceived fault of Molly’s she could find—commenting on her clothes, her decorum, her hobbies—or lack thereof. It would be refreshing to be away from that for at least a little while. The second reason was that going with Caroline allowed her to delay her Season for another year. Going into town for the Season would have been almost bearable with Caroline to share it with, but alone? She didn’t want to think about it.

Molly shifted in her seat, vainly attempting to stretch properly without standing up. She caught sight of torchlight up ahead and prodded Caroline’s foot with hers. “Look. I think we’re coming to the village.”

Caroline turned away from the window. “Should we wake Auntie?”

Aunt Hazel had sunk down into her seat, arms crossed and hat askew.

“Not yet. We’ll make sure we’re stopping first.”

Before long the carriage slowed and they pulled into the courtyard of The Blue Swan Inn. There was no need to wake Aunt Hazel, for the carriage lurched to a halt, knocking their bags to the floor.

Aunt Hazel’s eyes flew open as both hands went to her hat. “Oh!”

“We’re here, Auntie,” Caroline said unnecessarily.

Aunt Hazel rubbed the sleep from her eyes, grimacing.

Within moments the coachman opened the door. Molly gratefully accepted his hand and jumped to the ground, followed by Caroline. Ignoring Aunt Hazel’s reprimand, Molly walked in a circle, stretching her legs. Aunt Hazel exited the carriage and marched inside, the young ladies in her wake.

In the entryway they were greeted by the scent of a warm supper and a jaunty tune coming from the common room. Molly started toward the door, but Aunt Hazel grabbed her sleeve, peering into the room as though it might be full of vipers. “We’ll settle into our chamber and have supper in our own parlor. There’s no need to fraternize with other travelers.”

“But Aunt Hazel—” Molly began, but was silenced by a stern look. Her shoulders sagged. The first night of their journey and they’d be holed up in the bedchamber with Aunt Hazel? But then again, she would have to sleep eventually. There was no reason why she and Caroline shouldn’t sneak down here on their own later.

Aunt Hazel spoke to the innkeeper, Mr. Plant, who escorted them to their suite of rooms.

“Here we are,” he said, holding the door open.

A fire burned in the grate of a comfortable sitting room furnished with a brown sofa, desk, and an oak dining set. Two open doors on opposite sides of the room offered glimpses into the bedchambers.

“See to our luggage and bring our supper in, please,” Aunt Hazel said. “We will be retiring early.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Mr. Plant said and ducked out.

Molly strolled about the sitting room and peeked into the bedchamber she’d be sharing with Caroline. “It’s a nice inn. Have you stayed here before, Aunt Hazel?”

“Yes, a number of times. It’s a reputable establishment, and they always save me one of their best rooms if they know I’m coming.”

“I didn’t know you travel often enough to have a favorite inn, Auntie,” Caroline said.

Aunt Hazel removed her hat and gloves. “One does need to get around from time to time.”

A rap came on the door, and two young men came in carrying their luggage. After they deposited the trunks, Aunt Hazel went into her bedchamber.

Molly followed Caroline to their room. Two beds, draped with patchwork quilts, sat beneath windows overlooking the stables. She pulled the curtains closed. “I hoped to go to the common room for supper. Did you hear the music?”

Caroline opened her trunk. “Yes, and I knew you’d want to go, but we hardly can without a chaperone.”

Molly sat in a chair beside her bed, mulling over the best way to suggest sneaking down. She looked up, about to speak, but Caroline was watching her with arms crossed, shaking her head.

“Oh, Caroline, it would be such fun! Your aunt won’t even know we’re gone.”

Caroline pulled her nightgown out of the trunk and put it next to her pillow. “Certainly not. We’ll stay here and retire early, as Auntie said. We’re supposed to leave tomorrow right after breakfast.”

“We needn’t stay downstairs for long. We’ll go down after she’s asleep, have a glass of wine, and come right back.”

“No.” She sighed heavily. “The truth is, Molly, I’m so nervous about tomorrow, and I can’t bear the thought of sneaking around the inn tonight and all it entails. I need to rest and settle my nerves.”

Molly’s plans were forgotten at once. She crossed the room and put an arm about Caroline’s shoulders. “There’s no need to feel nervous. He’ll love you.”

“I don’t want to think about Mr. Clarke tonight. I want to eat supper, perhaps play cards, and go to sleep early.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of adventures during our trip. Come, let’s go see if supper’s arrived. After we’ve eaten I’ll read to you from that book of poetry you like.”

Caroline gave Molly’s hand a squeeze. “Thank you for understanding.”

After supper Molly read to Caroline until she fell asleep, but it was a long time before she could settle her own thoughts. She wondered what Waverly was like and if the Clarkes would be pleasant company. What acquaintances might they make in Rochester, and would they be close enough to walk into town to visit the shops? Molly sat beside the moonlit window and pondered the trip until she could barely keep her eyes open. She climbed into bed with her book, but fell asleep before finishing one page.

​

                                     Chapter Two

 

When Molly woke the next morning, she rose and crossed the room to look out the window. The sun, higher in the sky than she’d expected, shined over the grass and dandelions surrounding the stable.

After brushing her wavy, dark brown hair and changing into a deep blue traveling dress that matched her eyes almost perfectly, she shook Caroline awake. “I hope your aunt ordered breakfast. I’m famished.”

“Not yet, Molly. It’s so early.” Caroline buried her face in the pillow.

“It’s almost eight. I thought Aunt Hazel would have woken us by now.”

“Perhaps she changed her mind about when to leave,” came Caroline’s muffled reply. “Waverly is only two hours from here.”

Molly nudged Caroline over and sat on the bed. “Good, I had enough of the carriage yesterday. We could have made it last night if we’d pressed on.”

Caroline rolled over and propped herself up on one elbow. “I wouldn’t have wanted to arrive after hours on the road. I’d have looked a fright. What would Mr. Clarke have thought?”

“He would have been happy to see you, no matter what you looked like. Is he handsome?”

“It’s hard to recall. We met a year ago, and he’ll have changed. I know I have,” Caroline said.

“A shame you don’t have a miniature of him.”

“It wouldn’t have been appropriate unless we were betrothed.”

Molly tilted her head. “But it’s all arranged, isn’t it?”

“Not exactly. Father said he thinks we’ll ‘get on,’ but nothing’s settled.”

“He must like the Clarkes if he wants you to visit their son before you even have a chance to meet other gentlemen.”

“Since he and Mr. Clarke’s father are old friends, I suppose it seemed a logical conclusion when they realized they had children of a marriageable age. But if it doesn’t work out with Mr. Clarke, at least I can go into town with you for the Season.” Caroline threw back the covers and stretched her arms over her head, yawning.

“That would be wonderful,” Molly said wistfully. “But for your sake, I hope you do like Mr. Clarke.”

“So do I.” Caroline prodded Molly off the bed and crossed the room to her trunk.

Molly checked her watch. “You’d better dress quickly. Aunt Hazel is probably pacing the parlor, waiting for us.”

But she wasn’t.

“Auntie?” Caroline called, looking around the dark room.

“She must be asleep. Or packing?” Molly pulled back the curtains and sunlight flooded the empty parlor.

“It’s unlike her to be late for anything. She’s usually up at dawn.”

“Perhaps she went to the common room and we should meet her there,” Molly suggested hopefully, already starting for the door.

“No. She must be asleep. We’ll have to go in.” Caroline knocked on Aunt Hazel’s door. “Auntie?”

No answer.

Caroline pushed the door open quietly, Molly right behind her. As soon as they entered the pitch-black room, Molly tripped over a trunk and bumped into Caroline, who squealed.

Aunt Hazel’s feeble voice came out of the darkness. “Who is it?”

“It’s us. You’ve overslept. Oh, I can’t see a thing!” Molly said as Caroline drew the curtains.

“Oh,” Aunt Hazel whispered, covering her eyes. “Oh, it’s too bright. Too bright.”

“Auntie!” Caroline cried.

Aunt Hazel put her hands over her ears.

Molly approached the bed. “What’s wrong?”

“I feel most unwell.” Aunt Hazel’s complexion matched the white nightgown buttoned up to her chin.

Caroline sat on the edge of the bed, took her hand, and felt her forehead. “You aren’t feverish.”

“Perhaps you ate something that didn’t agree with you,” Molly said.

Aunt Hazel closed her eyes and nodded.

“But we all ate the same thing,” Caroline said.

“Did you feel unwell yesterday?” Molly asked.

Aunt Hazel slowly turned her head to face Molly. “I thought it was from being in the carriage.”

“The first thing is to summon the innkeeper,” Molly said. “He must know of a doctor in town who can help.”

“I don’t need a doctor.” She pushed her blankets away but made no attempt to get up.

“At the very least, we should order breakfast. You might feel better after you’ve eaten,” Caroline said.

Aunt Hazel placed her hands protectively over her stomach. “I don’t think I could.”

“Tea?” Molly suggested.

“I’d like tea,” Aunt Hazel whispered, pulling the blankets up to her nose.

Molly went into the parlor to ring for the maid, who arrived within moments.

“Good morning,” the maid said.

“Good morning. My friend’s aunt isn’t feeling well. We’d like a tea tray, and breakfast. Is there a doctor in town?”

“Oh, yes, he’s right down the road. I’ll go to the kitchen and order your food, then send Tommy off for the doctor.” Without another word she hurried down the hall.

Molly went back to Aunt Hazel’s room and leaned against the doorframe while Caroline sat beside the bed, wiping her aunt’s forehead with a cloth. This was a conundrum. Should Molly send a message to Waverly Hall to say they weren’t coming? Get a message to Mrs. Darby or her own mother? Speak to the innkeeper about staying on another few days? Caroline wouldn’t want to delay the trip, but there wasn’t much else they could do. The best course of action might be to bundle Aunt Hazel up, get her into the carriage, and go home. But then Caroline wouldn’t meet Mr. Clarke, and any hope of forming an attachment would be lost. She let out a heavy sigh.

Aunt Hazel looked up at the sound. “Tea?” she whispered.

“Soon, Aunt Hazel. We’ll be back in a few moments.” Molly gestured to Caroline, and they went into the parlor. “This is a fine kettle of fish.”

“What are we to do?” Caroline asked, twisting the top button of her blouse as she paced in circles around the coffee table.

Molly sat on the sofa. “We’ll know more after the doctor’s seen her. Poor Aunt Hazel.”

“I hope it’s nothing serious.”

“I’m sure it isn’t. She’ll feel better after tea, and then we’ll help her get dressed.”

A moan came from Aunt Hazel’s bedchamber.

Caroline fell into the seat beside Molly. “Oh, what will Mr. Clarke and his parents think when we don’t arrive this morning? I’ll appear inconsiderate and unpunctual.”

Molly patted Caroline’s shoulder. “Everyone knows travel is full of delays. They’ll assume something happened to the carriage.”

“I hope you’re right. This won’t make a good first impression, which Mother tells me is most important.”

“They’ll understand, especially once they get a look at your aunt.”

Caroline glanced at the open bedchamber door and leaned in closer. “Do you think we should still bring her to Waverly?”

“What else can we do?” Molly asked. “If we don’t go, you can’t meet Mr. Clarke.”

“I want to meet him, but I don’t know if Auntie can travel. Perhaps after a rest? We could stay here one more night.”

“That’s what I was thinking. Tomorrow, if she’s feeling better, we’ll continue. If not…” Molly raised her hands.

Caroline sank deeper into the sofa cushions. “If not, we go home.”

“No,” a voice croaked. Aunt Hazel stood just inside the parlor, clinging to the doorframe. “Must get to Waverly Hall. You must meet Ben—Ben—” She sneezed. “Benedict.”

Molly and Caroline leapt to their feet.

“Auntie!” Caroline cried, putting an arm around her.

Molly rushed over and took Aunt Hazel’s arm. “You should be in bed.”

She shook her head weakly. “Must pack…”

Caroline and Molly exchanged exasperated looks and helped her back to bed just as a knock came on the door.

“I’ll get it,” Molly said and left Caroline to tuck Aunt Hazel in.

She opened the door and the maid came in with the tea, followed by a young man carrying a heavily laden breakfast tray. As they left, a gray-haired man who could only be the doctor strode in.

“I’m Doctor Kellow. I hear you’re feeling unwell?”

“I’m Miss Merriwether. I’m not ill, it’s my friend’s aunt.” She poured out a cup of tea for Aunt Hazel and led Doctor Kellow to the bedchamber.

When Aunt Hazel saw him, she tugged the blankets up to her ears and tried to tuck her curls into her sleeping cap.

The doctor set his bag down and peered at Aunt Hazel. “What are your complaints?”

Aunt Hazel looked to Caroline, who addressed the doctor. “She has a headache and is fatigued. She’s been sneezing a bit.”

“Her stomach is bothering her,” Molly said as she handed Aunt Hazel the tea.

“I see. Well, why don’t you young ladies wait in the next room while I examine her.” As they left he added, “Oh, what’s my patient’s name?”

Aunt Hazel coughed.

“Miss Hazel Osgood,” Caroline said.

“Very good. I’ll call you when we’re finished,” the doctor said.

Aunt Hazel gestured to the door.

“Of course, we’ll leave it open,” Molly assured her.

She followed Caroline into the parlor, where breakfast awaited. They didn’t speak for some time, instead giving their attention to the porridge, bacon, coffee, and rolls with fresh butter.

“Should we send a message to Waverly?” Molly asked, refreshed and fortified after eating.

“Yes, but first we’ll see what the doctor says. We’ll either be arriving tomorrow or not at all.”

Molly reached for Caroline’s hand. “Whatever happens, Mr. Clarke will understand. And perhaps we could come back here soon.”

“It’s a shame my parents couldn’t have come with us, but Father’s busy with the estate and Mother insists she can’t travel until Mary’s had her baby.”

“When will that be?” It seemed to Molly that one of Caroline’s four sisters was always recovering from a birth, about to give birth or caring for a newborn. It was a wonder Mrs. Darby had left home at all in the last seven years. Molly had seen her own mother gazing longingly at the babies and knew she hoped for a gaggle of grandchildren one day. It was lucky for Molly that her brothers were older and Michael was already married, otherwise Mrs. Merriwether probably would have tried to marry her off at the ripe age of fifteen.

“Mary’s due next week, but it’s her first, so I expect the baby will be late.”

“Perhaps your mother will come after the baby’s born.” Molly finished the last of her coffee and set the cup down.

“She’ll want to stay with Mary for at least a month. My father would have come if possible, to keep an eye on the situation.” Caroline lowered her voice though they were alone in the room. “He’s heard unsavory rumors about Mr. Clarke’s brother.”

Molly leaned toward her, eyes alight. “What sort of rumors?”

“Oh, the usual sort. No maiden safe when he’s in the vicinity.”

Molly gasped. “You mean he’s a rogue?”

“No! If he were, my father wouldn’t even consider allowing me to marry into the family. Let’s just say, as Father hears it, no lady is immune to his charms.”

Molly was now more anxious than ever to reach Rochester. She’d like to see this brother of Mr. Clarke’s with her own eyes. She didn’t admit this to Caroline, however. “Well,” she said, “we’ll be quite safe from whatever charm he casts on us. You’re there to meet his brother, and I’ve been explicitly told not to ‘entangle’ myself with any gentlemen until my Season starts. I have no idea who my mother thinks I could become entangled with, though. We’re only going for a visit, not a house party or a ball.”

“I’ll give Mr. Clarke’s brother a wide berth, and of course we’ll have chaperones to see that he behaves. Three, I hope.” Caroline cast her eyes toward Aunt Hazel’s bedchamber.

They sat in silence, trying to make out the doctor’s words in the next room, but it was impossible. Finally, he came out.

Caroline rose. “How is she, Doctor? What do you think is wrong?”

“Not to worry,” Doctor Kellow said with a smile. “Your aunt is suffering from a cold and has a touch of a delicate stomach.”

“What can we do for her? When will she feel better?” Molly asked.

“It’s hard to say. A week, if she takes good care. She’ll need rest and the usual remedies for such an ailment.”

Molly’s stomach sank as she met Caroline’s eyes. A week!

Caroline stepped forward. “We’re on our way to Rochester. Is it possible for us to take her home?”

“Where do you live?” Doctor Kellow asked.

“Hartford,” Molly said.

“Oh, that’s too far for Miss Osgood just now. I wouldn’t even suggest taking her to Rochester in her condition. In my experience, it will get worse before it gets better.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Caroline said. “We’ll discuss our plans and decide what’s best to be done.”

“If I might make a suggestion—You could stay here for another few days, and I’d be happy to check on Miss Osgood daily.”

“That may be our only choice.” Molly glanced at Caroline, who had her eyes on the floor. Oh, dear. She knew that expression. Molly hurried Doctor Kellow to the door. “Thank you. We’ll send word of our plans.”

Caroline looked up as soon as the door closed behind him. “Oh, Molly! How long we’ve waited, and now…now…” She burst into tears.

Molly took her arm and led her to the sofa. “Here, have some tea.” She poured out a cup and added Caroline’s three sugars.

Caroline took one sip and set the cup on a side table. “To get so far, and now this. I don’t blame Auntie, but, oh, how vexing!”

“I have an idea.” Molly met Caroline’s teary eyes.

Caroline raised her hands and let them fall into her lap. “Oh, Molly. Not another one of your schemes.”

“Just listen. We’ll stay for the week, if the room is available, and send a message for Mr. Clarke to visit you here at the inn.”

Caroline wiped her eyes, sniffling. “That—that might work. It won’t be the same as staying at Waverly, but I can see him and speak to him.”

“It will all work out, you’ll see,” Molly said, patting Caroline’s knee.

They went into Aunt Hazel’s room to tell her their plan.

Aunt Hazel’s eyes swam with tears. “I’m so sorry, my darling.” Molly and Caroline exchanged a glance. Darling? Aunt Hazel hadn’t called Caroline that for fifteen years.

“Don’t be sorry, Auntie. You can’t help being sick. I’ll still be able to meet Mr. Clarke.”

Aunt Hazel nodded and blew her nose.

Molly took her hand. “We’ll take good care of you, Aunt Hazel. I’ll read to you and make tea for you, and when you’re feeling better we’ll take a stroll around the village.”

Aunt Hazel wiped her eyes. “Oh, you are a sweet girl, little Molly.”

Molly put a hand over her mouth to hold back a giggle. Just then a knock came on the door.

Caroline went to answer and returned in a moment with Doctor Kellow and Mrs. Plant, the innkeeper’s wife.

Mrs. Plant stood at the end of Aunt Hazel’s bed, looking like a round red hen fussing over her clutch of eggs. “Oh, Miss Osgood, the doctor’s told me you’re feeling poorly and need to change your plans. But I’ve an idea that will help the young ladies continue on to Rochester.”

Molly’s spirits lifted. Could there really be a way for them to go?

“What is it?” Caroline asked.

“Your aunt can stay here, and I’ll keep a good eye on her, with my maids’ assistance. We’ve known Miss Osgood for years and welcome the chance to care for her.”

Aunt Hazel sniffled.

“I’ll stop by twice a day to check on her,” Doctor Kellow said. “No harm will come to her, you may rely on that.”

Mrs. Plant nodded. “She’ll be in good hands. Doctor Kellow’s a wonder, he is.”

“I’m not sure. I don’t feel right leaving her alone in this state,” Caroline said.

Aunt Hazel held out a hand to Caroline, who went to her side.

“Please go, dear Caroline. As I told you, I’ve been here before. Mrs. Plant and Doctor Kellow will look after me just as well as if I were back at home.” She turned away to cough, covering her mouth with a handkerchief.

“You won’t be lonely?” Caroline asked.

“Goodness, no,” Mrs. Plant cut in. “Between me, the maids, and the doctor, she’ll hardly have a moment’s peace.”

“Would you be able to send us messages, updating us on Aunt Hazel’s condition?” Molly asked Doctor Kellow.

“Yes, daily, if you’d like. When she’s fit to travel, I’ll escort her to Waverly Hall.”

Caroline looked down at her aunt. “If you’re certain…?”

“I am, sweetling. Don’t worry. But do apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Clarke for your late arrival and tell them I’ll be along when I can.” Her eyelids began to droop.

On their way out of Aunt Hazel’s room, Caroline turned to Mrs. Plant. “Thank you very much for helping.”

“We appreciate it more than you know,” Molly added.

“Oh, it’s no bother, no bother at all,” Mrs. Plant said. “I’ll tell the stables to have your carriage made ready, and someone will be along to gather your luggage within the hour.” She hurried from the room.

“Good day. I’ll be in touch.” Doctor Kellow tipped his hat to them and followed Mrs. Plant down the hall, whistling.

Molly closed the door and leaned her back against it. “What a morning!”

“Afternoon, now,” Caroline said. “We’d better pack our things. Do you think we should send a message to Waverly?”

“No, we’re only going to be a few hours late. But you should write to your mother. She’ll want to know about Aunt Hazel.”

“You’re right.” Caroline crossed the room to the desk. “What should I say?”

“Assure her that Aunt Hazel will join us at Waverly Hall in a couple of days. Well, it might be more than a couple of days, but leave that part out.”

Once their luggage had been taken away, Molly and Caroline went to Aunt Hazel’s room to say goodbye.

“Auntie?” Caroline whispered.

Aunt Hazel’s eyelids fluttered open.

“We’re leaving now,” Caroline said. “Let Mrs. Plant know if you need anything, and send word if you want us to come back.”

“There’ll be no need for that, my pet. Enjoy yourselves, and remem—” She broke off, coughing. After Molly helped her take a sip of tea she continued. “Remember what I’ve taught you about strange men. Don’t speak to anyone you don’t know.”

Molly patted Aunt Hazel’s hand. “Don’t fret. We’ll remember.”

“Goodbye, my starlings,” she whispered before drifting off to sleep.

Caroline and Molly tiptoed from the room.

“Sweetling, starlings? What’s come over her?” Molly asked as she pulled her gloves on.

“I don’t know, but it’s sweet. It reminds me of when we were children and she played with us in the garden nearly every day. Well, shall we go?”

Molly didn’t need to answer. After spending the morning thinking the journey wouldn’t happen, she couldn’t get back into that stuffy carriage fast enough.