“Won’t miss a nightgown, dash it! Better give her a shawl too.”
“If I do, will you promise never to tell Mama I had the least knowledge of this shocking business?”
“Promise anything!” said Freddy recklessly.
“Oh, very well, then!” Meg said, and went back into the drawing-room to invite Olivia to go upstairs with her to her bedchamber.
Some little time later, Freddy handed Miss Broughty into a hackney-coach, directed the coachman to drive to the Golden Cross, and took his seat beside his charge. At their feet reposed a modest valise, and over one arm Miss Broughty carried a folded shawl. Her cheeks were delicately flushed, her eyes were softly sparkling, and she appeared to be floating in some pleasurable dream. She was recalled by Freddy’s voice, addressing her, and turned towards him with a start. “Oh, I beg your pardon! I was not attending!”
“Just wanted to be sure all was right,” said Freddy. “M’sister give you everything you should have?”
“Oh, yes, she was so very kind, and she packed the bag with her own hands! I was quite overcome!”
“Did it herself, did she? Then I’ll lay a monkey she forgot something!”
“No, I am sure she did not! Only fancy! She would have me take such a pretty dress, to wear when I reach Paris, because she says this one I have on will be sadly crushed by the journey!”
A gleam of hope shone in Mr. Standen’s eye. “The lilac one?” he asked.