The Colonel's Spinster - Audrey Harrison Page 0,62
speak for an hour at a time without needing to rest.
Prudence let Mr. Huxley spend as much time with Anne as he could. Mr. Bamber had not pursued the fact that Mr. Huxley was supposed to be working for him now. They had all been convinced that one way or another he would marry Anne and as a result have no need for a reference.
Climbing into the carriage, which had been brought out of the stable yard in the mill, Prudence looked around her, not in fear so much as wariness. “I’ve never felt an unease like it,” she admitted.
“No. The poor harvest has driven prices up to ridiculous levels. I can’t employ any more than I do already, but there are soldiers and sailors aplenty no longer needed and desperate for work, which just is not there,” Mr. Bamber said. He was unusually serious. “We have been pushing for some support from the government, but all they are bothered about is themselves and their aristocratic friends. The poor labourers who are soon going to be starving to death are of little consequence.”
“Can we do nothing to help?”
“I am employing more than I should and keeping wages at a reasonable level, although many of my fellow owners have reduced wages. I am trying to work out how to feed the workers during the day, so that at least they will have full bellies whilst they’re working. The last thing I need is for deaths to increase because they faint on the machinery!”
Prudence shuddered. Accidents did occasionally happen, and it was hard to bear when a worker was killed. It often had resounding consequences for the whole family of the victim.
“If there is anything I can do, just let me know. Now that Mr. Huxley spends his time with Anne, I am able to help,” Prudence said.
“I shall be speaking to Huxley. He has a sharp brain, and I think among the three of us we can sort something out quickly. I have already spoken to the foremen and told them of my intentions.”
“Good. Hopefully, we can come up with something that will help.”
The journey home was uneventful, and on arrival at the house, Prudence immediately went to check on Anne. She was awake and smiled to see her cousin enter her chamber.
“What? No Mr. Huxley?” Prudence asked in surprise.
“I asked him to leave the last time I needed to sleep. I made him promise he would go for a walk in the gardens. He has been with me for so much of each day, I am worried about him finding it tedious, spending so much time with me in a sick room,” Anne admitted.
“I would be very surprised if he thought that. He is the man you are to marry. If he can’t stand a few days of inactivity, it is a sad state of affairs.”
There had been a long discussion when Fitzwilliam’s letter had arrived saying that Lady Catherine had undergone a change of heart and would now approve a marriage between Anne and Mr. Huxley. Fitzwilliam had outlined his suggestion to his aunt about them not returning immediately to Rosings and Anne had been brought to tears by the fact she was going to marry the man she loved and spend time travelling.
Anne smiled at Prudence’s words. “I know I shall be a drain on his patience.”
“As he has known you these last ten years, I doubt that very much. Have confidence in yourself, Anne. You are lovely.”
“You are very kind. I wish I could take you with us on our trip. Would you not like to see France and perhaps Italy, if I can persuade Mama to travel a little further?”
“I thank you for your invitation, but no. I doubt Lady Catherine could tolerate my tendency to impertinence for long periods of time. I will promise to come and visit you when you return to England.”
“I shall keep you to your word.”
“And who knows, you might have caught the travel bug and return to visit me here, but with less adventure, next time,” Prudence teased.
“Definitely nicer inns and clean, warm sheets next time,” Anne said, with a grimace.
“Yes. When one is running away from home, it is advisable to plan ahead first.”
“Believe me, I have learned my lesson.”
“Good.”
*
The following morning Prudence entered the breakfast room to find Mr. Huxley seated alone.
“Has my father left for the mills already?” she asked in surprise.
“Yes. A while ago, apparently. I was wondering if you would mind being with Anne today