“As do I,” Christiana murmured.

“I’m not looking forward to the ride back to town though.”

“I’m sorry about this, Suzie,” Christiana said. “I know you cannot welcome this delay. Perhaps you and Daniel should continue on to Gretna Green and leave us to deal with this other business.”

“As if we would,” Suzette said dryly and shook her head as they started down the stairs. “No, this is more urgent. We have some time yet. If things drag on and it’s necessary, Daniel and I can travel through the night, stopping only to change horses. We could make the journey to Gretna in a couple days that way and be back just as quickly. So as long as we do not delay much more than a week we should be able to make the two-week deadline Father was given.”

“Thank you,” Christiana murmured and wondered if Suzette’s marrying Daniel was even necessary anymore. Richard had said he’d make up for what his brother had done. Did that include paying off the gambling debt? He hadn’t said so specifically, and he also hadn’t said anything to suggest Suzette and Daniel needn’t marry to gain the dower and pay the debt, but things had been a bit chaotic and confusing since the night of the ball . Perhaps he just hadn’t had the chance to say anything. Or even think about it really. She would have to broach the subject with him the first chance she got just to be sure, Christiana decided. She didn’t wish to see Suzette forced into marriage, even if on her own terms, if there was no need.

“Wait for me!” Lisa cried out, suddenly appearing at the top of the stairs behind them. “I don’t know where the dining room is.”

Suzette and Christiana paused, smiling at their younger sister as she rushed down to join them and then the trio headed up the hall to the dining room.

Christiana had expected Richard and the other men to be there, entertaining the pastor when they arrived, so was a bit surprised to find Reverend Bertrand standing all by himself, peering out a window when they entered.

“Sorry we took so long,” Christiana murmured as she glanced back up the empty hall in search of her husband.

“Not at all ,” the pastor said at once, beaming at them as he turned from the window. “You are all three well worth the wait.” Moving toward the table, he began to pullout a chair and suggested, “Shall we sit down? I believe the meal is ready and the servants were merely waiting for your arrival to serve.”

Christiana felt her eyes narrow at the words. “What about the men?”

“Ah.” Reverend Bertrand, pulled out a second chair and moved on to do the same with a third before saying, “They wished me to explain that they felt they could travel more swiftly with just the one carriage and thought you might be more comfortable waiting here with your maids while they dealt with matters in town.”