A Regency Catastrophy

Chapter 2

Shock. His words snap into me like an electric jolt. Husband? Guide me? Who is he and who is he talking about? 

He uses my moment of temporary stillness to gently pull me towards the door. "We will discuss this further during dinner. Make sure you are prepared by tomorrow morning. My carriage will leave at 10. Now I have work to do." I finally come to my senses but he closes the door before I can get a sound out of my open mouth. I stare at the closed door for a full 10 seconds.

When he called me to his study this morning I believed it to be happy news of another scheme we could try out to get back to the future. I could never have imagined such a strange conversation as just occurred. 

In a daze, I slowly walk through the magnificent halls filled with dark wooden furniture and big paintings of the most beautiful countryside to the garden. I believe I need some fresh air. The sunlight blinds me somewhat after having left the darker study. Even though it's only February, the sun is trying very hard to make us believe spring is here. Grey skies and sudden gusts of strong wind might be more matched with my emotions right now, but we'll take sunshine instead.

I stride, almost run, across the big lawn towards a secluded, walled flower garden. There, in the corner, is my favourite spot. It's in the sun, but I never tan anyways. I used to be such a laughing stock for my pale complexion with the frequent appearance of pimples in the middle of summer. Now, it doesn't matter, I guess.

What am I going to do? I never realised it until now, but this place has sort of become a new home to me. It's beautiful and comfortable, but most importantly, secluded and safe. No judging looks, whispered comments or forced conversations. I'd had enough of those in my own time. Oh God, if I was already ill-adjusted to my own time...

A small cough interrupts my thoughts. Mrs. Marion, the housekeeper, approaches. She looks so stern in her greyish dress with those big dangling keys attached to the belt. The only thing betraying her are her eyes. Though they are as grey as her dress, they are also kind and warm. "Everything allright, Miss Montfort?"

"Yes, Mrs. Marion, quite allright, thank you." 

"If it's allright with you Miss Montfort, Mrs. Lewis would like to discuss with you what you would like to take on your journey to eat and whether you would like to take some preserves or stews with you for at school. She worries about the food there, though I believe your school will offer decent enough food if Lord Montfort chose it."

"To be honest, Mrs. Marion, the food there is the least of my worries."

"Yes, I suppose, but I think Mrs. Lewis and some of the other servants would be grateful for the chance to say goodbye just the same."

Surprised, I look up. "They would?"

"Of course Miss Montfort. And should you be sitting in the sun, like this? I'm sure you have quite a lot to do before tomorrow as well."

"I guess so. I'm afraid my legs refuse to budge from this place though." I offer up a half smile. 

"Ah, Miss Montfort, all will be well, I promise. After all, it will only be for a year. And I'm sure Lord Montfort would take you home immediately if you were truly unhappy there. Lets walk a bit so the sun doesn't ruin your complexion. Come."

I slowly stand up and link my arm through hers. "A year there, followed by a season in London, followed by... I'm not sure I can do this. No, I will convince Lord Montfort this is not the best course of action during dinner. I'm certain I'll be able to talk him out of such a preposterous, impulsive idea."

"Are you sure it is an impulsive idea? Perhaps he had something like this in mind for you all along."

I look at her in complete consternation. "No, that can't be. He helped with all my ideas to return home and even offered some new ones himself that we could try out."