Suzette missed her older sister. She was also a touch worried because, while she and Lisa had been writing Chrissy regularly, they hadn’t received responses. That hadn’t concerned them too much at first. They understood that Chrissy would have many changes to adjust to and no doubt had a busy, exciting life in London now with little time for correspondence. But as the time had lengthened with still no response, they’d begun to fret, so it had been a relief that their father would have this opportunity to check on her.

However, their father hadn’t returned at week’s end with tales of Christiana’s well-being and happiness. He hadn’t returned at all. Neither had there been a message from him. After two such weeks, Suzette had sent a letter inquiring after his well-being and asking what word he had of Christiana. At the three-week point without an answer, she’d sent another message, along with one from Lisa. When they’d reached the month point with still no word, Suzette hadn’t been able to stand the worry and strain of wondering anymore. It was starting to seem like London was swallowing up her family members one at a time. She’d decided she would follow their father to town and find out what was happening. It hadn’t been very surprising when Lisa had insisted on accompanying her.

The two had set out, taking along their maids and four footmen to ward off any highwaymen who might see them as easy pickings. It appeared to have worked; they’d arrived in London unaccosted and would soon arrive at the family townhouse. Hopefully, they would also soon learn what was going on.

“If he is not there, we shall find out where he is,” Suzette finally answered, and was glad Lisa didn’t then question her as to how they would manage that because she really had no idea. This was the first time either of them had visited London and she hadn’t a clue what to expect. So far it wasn’t very impressive. It seemed a world of endless buildings all crowding together under a thickening cloud of sea-coal smoke which she assumed was from so many hearths being lit this cold morning. Suzette preferred the quiet, tranquil life in the country where she was able to at least see the sky.