“Famous! Go where you are known, and let the news of your wanting a chaise for midnight spread all over the countryside within three hours!”
He checked. “I had not thought of that! The devil! This means I must go into Bristol, and I can ill spare the time, with so much to attend to.”
“Nothing of the sort!” said Pen, jumping up. “Now I will be helpful indeed! I will drive to Keynsham with you, and I will order the chaise.”
His brow cleared. “Oh Pen, will you? But Sir Richard! Will he not object, do you think? Of course, I would take every care of you, but—”
“No, no, he will not object, I assure you! I shall not tell him anything about it,” said Pen ingenuously.
“But that would not be right! And I should not wish to do anything—”
“I will leave a message for him with the landlord,” promised Pen. “Did you walk into the village, or have you a carriage here?”
“Oh, I drove in! The gig is in the yard now. I confess, if you feel it would not be wrong of you to go with me, I should be glad of your help.”
“Only wait while I get my hat!” Pen said, and darted off in search of it.