Mary’s faith was unwavering. Ned would not desert her. No plan of his could ever fail. There was but one, last, small piece of business which still troubled her. ‘Books dear, where will you be sitting on the journey, do you suppose?’

She had long dreamed of being alone in that carriage with her future husband: thundering north in his arms. The stuff of romance! A memory to share through a long, married lifetime! An outspoken maid with a loathing of travel might prove somewhat dampening. On the other hand, two days on the back with the boxman did seem rather cruel …

Booker shot her a look of pure outrage. ‘I shall be right in the middle of you two, thank you very much. You are still an unmarried lady, madam, may I remind you? It falls to me – and me alone – to protect your good reputation.’

‘I fear it is a bit late for that!’ Mary laughed and shivered with delight at her new wickedness.

She looked up Horse Guards and down Birdcage Walk, while her mind did the arithmetic. It must by now be four after nine … So one minute to go until the time he had promised her … Silently, Mary counted the seconds … reached five … He could not – he would not – let her down now …

And, at that very moment – as if out of nowhere – a coach-and-six came suddenly careering towards them. The two women froze; each groped for the hand of the other and squeezed it.

‘Is it him?’ Booker whispered.

‘Surely—’ Mary could barely breathe.

‘Good heaven above – do you not see? It could be anyone – lover or bandit!’

And there they were, two ladies at night – alone and unguarded.

‘Oh, Lord,’ the maid muttered, in terror. ‘Oh, foolish child, what have you done to us?’

The driver pulled on the reins, drew up, jumped down to the pavement: raised his hat in respect.

‘Daniel?’ Mary fell back in astonishment. ‘Is it?’ She gasped. ‘It is! Dear Daniel, of Mersham-le Hatch!’

‘Daniel of Chawton now, my love.’ Ned was beside her, taking her hand from her maid’s. ‘He was not easy to find. But I am delighted to report that Daniel has kindly agreed to work for us from now on.’

Us … They were now us … And he had gone to all that trouble on her behalf … Oh, Mary could swoon into this fine gentleman’s arms.

But he was holding out the door, ushering the ladies into their seats. Booker took up her position in the middle – solid as a brick wall. Ned slapped on the carriage, cried: ‘Gretna Green!’ and they set off in haste.

CHAPTER XXXV

That night, Fanny slept remarkably well. It was gone eight o’clock when a shaft of golden spring sunlight fell on her pillow and roused her. She opened her eyes, noted that she felt quite refreshed and recalled the events of the previous evening.