The Duchess out of Time

XXXIV

"Here we are your ladyship" Mrs. Wilson smiled as she unlocked the door and pushed it open. Walking inside Liz smiled at the sight of the large four-poster bed. There were rich burgundy drapes tied to the posts and a matching bedspread. The fireplace in the corner wasn't lit but there was a large armchair in front of it with a thick fur rug. A divider was in the other corner with a large tub hidden behind it to provide privacy. It was a wealthy room and Liz could only guess who would take up residence.

"Thank you Mrs. Wilson" She smiled looking at the bed fondly.

"I will have Angelica prepare the bath and bring up a warm meal for you your ladyship" She curtsied as Liz sudden felt the temperature in the room grow warmer. Glancing over at the fireplace she hadn't even noticed that Angelica had lit a fire. She had been so quick and quiet like a mouse as she scurried out the door to do her mistress's bidding.

"Thank you" Liz appreciated again before she was left to the privacy of her room. Sinking into the large armchair Liz let herself sigh in relief. The roaring fire was hypnotising, as Liz couldn't tear her eyes away from it.

"My lady?" A timid voice whispered as Liz felt a nudge on her arm. Jumping Liz hadn't even realised she had fallen asleep as she gazed upon the young maid before her.

"I'm sorry I startled you your ladyship" She apologised her voice shaking, as she had never been in the presence of nobility before.

"I must have fallen asleep. Thank you Angelica" Liz smiled trying to ease the anxiety of the young woman before her. Liz noticed a tray had been brought up with a bowl of steaming soup, fresh bread and sliced chicken. She could also smell the faint scent of roses as she could see the steam rising from behind the divider. Angelica kindly assisted in undoing Liz's dress before she curtsied and left her to her privacy. Letting the dress drop from her body, Liz was happy to peel off her boots and breeches. She pulled out the dagger from her boot and tucked it under her pillow for safekeeping before she turned towards the bath.

Sinking into the warm tub that was filled with rose petals Liz couldn't help but groan in pleasure. Her aching muscles began to relax as she lay back. How she had missed having a bath. Dipping her head back she began to scrub every inch of dirt from her body and hair. Closing her eyes she allowed herself to wash away all her worries for the night. Just for tonight she wasn't the Duchess in the year 1760, she was just plain Liz, enjoying a rose petal bath.

Meanwhile downstairs in the tavern next door the men were silently sitting at a table, drink in hand as they toasted to their fallen brothers. It was a sombre corner of the lively tavern but everyone around them was too drunk to take notice. Or most likely they didn't care. Silently they drank as a barmaid came around and refilled their empty goblets.

"Where's Higgs?" Pablo asked as the men all looked towards Pierre.

"He's settling business before he sets out to Madam Lafontaine" He informed them as they all nodded in understanding and went back to their drinking.

Up in the privacy of his own room Higgs was hunched over his desk with his quill in hand. As he signed the letter he sealed it in wax just as a knock came to the door. Calling them in a young head poked around the door as Higgs waved him inside. Pulling out several coins from his pouch that he had collected from Mr. Wilson he placed them in the boys hands. He gave him strict and precise instructions before he nodded and disappeared out of his room. Higgs watched him from his window as he mounted his horse and disappeared into the night.

Chewing down a few bites of bread, Higgs wiped the exhaustion from his face before he set out. It was well into the night, lampposts were lit as the only source of the light as Higgs walked down the familiar streets. None of the local prostitutes bothered to flirt with Higgs. He never payed them any attention during this time off let alone when he walked like a man on a mission. He finally reached his destination as he knocked on the closed door. He repeatedly knocked against the door as a pair of feet came running downstairs in anger.