Page 72 of The Best of Friends
“Then, for heaven’s sake,” Mother said, “stop acting as if you do.”
“You will be going to Anglesey, Daria,” Father said. “This is not up for debate. It never has been.”
“How long—How long have you been planning to send me there?”
“Aunt Theodosia wants you there,” Mother said. “We cannot afford to disregard her wishes.”
“What do you mean?”
Mother ruffled up at the question. “It is not your place to interrogate us, Daria.”
“Theodosia is expecting you.” Father’s posture was rigid. His jaw was tensely set. “We will not keep her waiting any longer.”
Great-Aunt Theodosia had always been dictatorial and a somewhat miserable person to spend time with, but she hadn’t, as far as Daria knew, ever had this strong of a claim on Father and Mother’s fealty.
“Why are you so afraid of upsetting her?”
“Enough, Daria.” Father’s harsh words snapped like a crack of thunder. “You are going to Anglesey even if we have to tie you to the traveling carriage.”
Never, even in the midst of his often unkind words, had her father issued an actual threat until now. And his eyes were angry enough for her to believe this was not an idle one.
“What will Great-Aunt Theodosia expect me to do when I arrive in Anglesey?”
“Whatever she tells you to do.” Mother spoke quickly and firmly. “Do not make her unhappy.”
That did not bode well at all.
“When am I meant to depart London?” Daria desperately tried to keep her mind focused despite the whirlwind of thoughts fighting for her attention.
“The day after tomorrow.” Father rose. He gave his waistcoat a quick tug, then straightened the sleeves of his jacket. “That should be ample time for you to gather whatever you mean to take with you.” He walked out of the room.
Mother remained behind only a moment longer. “Do see if you can procure a coat while you are out.”
“One cannot possibly be made on such short notice.”
With a shrug, Mother followed Father’s path from the room. “Do what you must.”
Do what you must.
Her parents were sending her to live at the mercy of someone they seemed to be a little afraid of.
What you must.
Daria knew she was not the cleverest of people, but she had an idea. A desperate idea.
You must.
Careful not to cross paths with her parents, she returned quickly to her bedchamber and closed the door behind her.
In the bottom of the wardrobe was a small portmanteau. Daria snatched it out. Struggling to pull air through her petrified lungs, she filled the bag with a couple changes of smallclothes, shifts, her purple day dress, one ballgown, her dancing slippers, a hairbrush, and pins. She snatched up her reticule and placed inside the few coins she had, all the while watching her bedchamber door for any sign of her parents, listening for the sound of footsteps.
Do what you must.
Her next “must” was escaping the house without anyone realizing what she was doing. She draped a shawl over her arm and hand holding her bag. Doing so helped disguise her bundle. Her parents would surely stop her if they discovered her intentions.“If we have to tie you to the traveling carriage...”Her freedom was on the line, and she did not take that lightly. Luck was on her side. She not only managed to leave the house undetected, but she also found a hackney within a short distance.
She gave the driver directions, then sat still as stone as she felt the conveyance rattle into motion. She could hardly breathe even as she put distance between herself and her parents’ house.
There was every possibility this risky escape could still go horribly wrong. Perhaps she ought not to have taken such a chance. But what did she have to lose, really? All that was likely to happen should her flight be discovered was being sent to Anglesey immediately rather than in a few days.
