Page 9 of Lady Fiona's Tall, Dark Folly
"Perhaps. But I've gone over all the regular guests and not one inspires me. You?"
Mary pressed her lips together. "My usual problem."
"Shall I start my sermon?" Fifi pushed up her little spectacles and gaily challenged her.
"No. I know it by heart."
Mary was very picky about men. Fifi often thought her too much so. Yet she questioned if Mary bore some man a secret passion. "I think you need a new interest. A Highlander."
"I canna decipher the brogue."
"Ha! How about an Army man! Someone who's been to France and Belgium and—"
Mary winced. "I don't want to talk about the war."
"I don't blame you." Fifi sighed.
They rode in silence for awhile.
"I'm glad we weren't joined by any more passengers this morning." Fifi shifted as the conveyance creaked and groaned over the road east. "Odd, don't you think, that so few are traveling?"
"It's a short distance from Bath to Chippenham. I'd say most would take the trip in their own carriages."
Fifi touched a fingertip to the fraying leather upholstery. "As would we if I still owned mine and yours didn't need repair."
"Your Aunt and Uncle Courtland will welcome us no matter how we arrive. They always do each year."
Mary's aged carriage had broken an axel and her groom had not had time to repair the vehicle before today's journey.
Fifi had to settle matters between them before they arrived at the party. "Without any delay, let me say this about Esme. Ahem. Well. Yes. To be fair, Esme is not so rabid to rise in society that she would wed a man she didn't care for. And Northington deserves to be loved."
Mary grinned. "Oh, my dear, you deserve it too."
"And you," Fifi added, happy that was said, and now cheerful to the core. She removed her glasses, tucked them in her reticule and rubbed the bridge of her nose.
"Ahh, well!" Mary waved away Fifi's belief. "I don't think there is anyone for me."
"You have much to share with a man. Besides, for this party, you promised me you would flirt."
The coach lurched to one side.
Fifi grabbed the leather pull.
"What's happen—?" Mary slid against Fifi.
The coach shivered and shook.
Fifi thrust out her leg and a pain like a knife sliced up her calf. Her foot...
Welles fell forward onto Mary. "Milady!"
Horses neighed and snorted.
The conveyance swayed one way, throwing them about, then it shuddered...and stilled.
Fifi tried to move...but she could not. Her foot was jammed.
The coach rocked.
