The Colonel's Spinster - Audrey Harrison Page 0,63

whilst I travel to the mill? I’ve been thinking about the plans Mr. Bamber would like to implement, and in my chamber this morning, I wrote down some suggestions. I was hoping to go through them over breakfast, but he managed to avoid me,” Mr. Huxley said with a smile.

“I am sure you must be his long-lost son for you do seem to be like two peas in a pod where business is concerned. He is going to miss you when you are gone,” Prudence said. “Of course, I will remain with Anne. It would be my pleasure.”

“Thank you. I shall check on her before I leave.”

“I hope you are able to organise something sooner rather than later. I had not realised the situation was so bad. That is what comes of spending weeks removed from the real world.”

Mr. Huxley smiled as he cut up a thick slice of ham. “I think Lady Catherine prefers not to have the outside world intrude as much as possible. Ever.”

“She is going to have her equilibrium upset then whilst travelling abroad. Or, should I say you will have much to bear?”

“As employers go, she isn’t too bad,” Mr. Huxley admitted.

“Really? I doubt I could work for her.”

“Oh, I don’t know. You managed a few weeks without exploding.”

Prudence laughed. “I did. I must have more forbearance than I give myself credit for. I admire you for being in her employ for ten years.”

“I had bright spots in my day,” Mr. Huxley said, a flush tinging his cheeks.

“Yes. You did, I suppose. You are both very lucky to have each other. I wish you all the happiness in the world.”

“Thank you.”

Chapter 21

A commotion downstairs brought Prudence out of Anne’s chamber a few hours after breakfast. She could hear Mr. Huxley’s voice in the hall, and he sounded agitated.

Quickly descending the stairs, she saw that the usually calm gentleman was flushed and a little wild eyed.

“Mr. Huxley, whatever is wrong? Are you ill?”

“Miss Bamber, please excuse my early return. I tried to reach the mills to see your father, but we just couldn’t get the carriage through. I have never seen anything like it before in my life! There are people everywhere! It’s like a swarm moving through the streets. No vehicles are moving. Not into the city anyway,” Mr. Huxley said in a rush.

Prudence’s heart started to pound but she kept her expression bland. “You poor thing. Why don’t you go to Anne, and I shall have some tea sent to you? I am sure the crowds will disperse soon enough.”

“But Mr. Bamber ― ”

“Papa will be safe enough behind the mill gates. No one will breach those,” Prudence assured him.

“I did not like being forced to turn around, but I was putting the horses and coachman at risk,” Mr. Huxley said. It was clear he was shaken and upset at what he had seen and felt that he had abandoned the man who had given him so much.

“Please. You took the right course of action. Go to Anne. She will be wondering what is amiss, because I left her chamber in a hurry when I heard your entrance. Do not worry about Papa or the mill.”

Prudence waited until Mr. Huxley had disappeared up the stairs and was out of sight. She turned to the butler.

“Miss Prudence,” he warned, knowing full well the direction her thoughts were headed.

Prudence smiled despite feeling desperate to reach her father. “I know the cut-throughs and the side streets. I shall travel on horseback.”

“Mr. Bamber would flog me if I allowed you to leave the safety of the house to venture into goodness knows what,” the butler said.

Shoulders sagging, Prudence sighed. “It isn’t fair. You know I would not be able to leave the house in all conscience, although Papa would not dream of flogging anyone, a matter you are fully aware of. It is cruel to make me feel guilty at the possibility.”

“He might,” came the deadpan response.

“Pfft,” Prudence responded. “If you could send refreshments up to Lady Anne’s chamber, that would be appreciated. I will not disturb them. I think Mr. Huxley will only feel guilty if he sees me. I shall read in my chamber.”

The butler narrowed his eyes at Prudence, but she smiled sweetly at him and retraced her steps upstairs.

When the loyal servant entered Anne’s chamber with a tray laden with tea and delicacies, Prudence ran quietly back downstairs. Yes, she had gone to her chamber, but only to dress herself in her riding habit.

Veering