“Spot on, unless you care to add a generous tip, lady,” the man replied, winking at Margaret as he closed the folding wooden doors over their legs, before leaping up onto the box behind them and urging his horse into action.

The wind bit at their faces, for the hansom cab was only partially enclosed, but Margaret leaned forward, eager to catch her first glimpse of what she knew enough to call downtown New York. “I can’t believe we’re actually here. I know you are a seasoned traveller, but until we set sail, Ireland was the furthest afield I’ve ever been.”

“There is nothing like travel for broadening one’s mind.” Aunt Marion grimaced. “A dreadful platitude, but true nonetheless, provided one is happy to embrace the experience, of course. You would not believe the number of people I came across in the diplomatic service who put all their efforts into recreating a little patch of England. You must know the type, for your father mingles with ambassadors and high-ranking officials. They are the ones least likely to learn the local lingo or customs. Don’t get me wrong now; there were plenty others like my dear Alexander, who made every effort to adapt, but some—” She broke off, shaking her head. “Such people, I fear, gain little from their foreign travels save continual bouts of homesickness and occasional bouts of the scours.”

“Well, I intend to throw myself into life here with gusto.”

“I am sure you will,” Aunt Marion said, patting her hand. “You will be homesick, there’s no avoiding it, but the trick is not to wallow in it. And remember that you are not alone, for I am by your side.”

“Thank you, Aunt Marion.” Margaret leaned over, surprising her with a kiss on the cheek. “For everything. I am so glad you are here with me.”

“Please, I beg you, let’s dispense with the aunt. We are to be friends and accomplices, not guardian and ward. I am very glad to have been given the opportunity to accompany you, my dear. Since I lost Alexander, my life has been rather dull, I must confess. I, too, am eagerly anticipating pastures new, you know, even if only for a limited period, and I freely admit that I am also looking forward to enjoying a bit of luxury. I am reliably informed that our accommodation incorporates something called a vertical railroad to convey us to our rooms. I hope it is of sturdy construction. I am rather looking forward to trying it out.”

New York Times, Tuesday, 7 January 1868

New York Times, Tuesday, 7 January 1868

NEW YORK WELCOMES AN ARISTOCRATIC ARRIVAL