by Aria Norton
I shall wake her up as soon as we enter London, I know that she will want to observe the goings-on.
Nash settled back in his seat and took up his new favourite hobby- watching Freddi.
***
Freddi was flabbergasted by the sheer noise of London. She had come to the city once or twice many years ago, but only to a specific area. She had never seen the London that was before her now.
“This is… much.”
“Did you not say that you have been to London before?”
"A small part of it, yes, but I do not remember seeing it as it is now. I feel quite overcome by all the sights and smells."
Nash laughed. “Just a day or two and you will grow accustomed to it. Mind you, you will always miss the peace of Alfriston.”
She might have to think twice about building a business here, but what other choice did she have? Nash claimed that it would be the perfect place to start her business, but it would take some time to adjust to the city. The carriage stopped on a busy street, and seconds later, the driver opened the door.
“Here we are, sir. Where should I leave your luggage?”
“Right here, my good fellow. Many thanks for your service.”
The driver put the two bags to the side, tipping his hat before climbing back onto the carriage. Freddi immediately went to Nash's side, sticking close to him. The bustling crowd put her on edge, as she was not used to seeing this many people all at once. Some looked to be on a mission as they hurried past, and others were strolling as though they had all the time in the world.
“Please, follow me,” said Nash. “There is a place up ahead where we can find lodging.”
Freddi wanted to grab his hand and hang on tight, but that would not be proper. She had to resign herself to keeping one hand on the luggage as Nash carried their bags to their destination. A couple of minutes had passed, and yet they had not slowed down.
“Nash, where is the place? Is it much further?”
“Just around the corner. I apologise that I could not have the driver leave us any closer to the inn, but there is a restriction on certain carriages, or rather, a specific carriage. Our driver is a bit notorious in these areas, but overall he is a good fellow.”
Freddi gasped. “Is he a criminal?”
"Do not be so surprised, he is only a petty thief, or at least he used to be. He is a reformed man."
“How are you so sure of this? Our luggage was far from us, there is no knowing what he has taken.”
Nash did not seem bothered that a criminal had driven them from Alfriston all the way to London. What if he had led them to bandits? That would have been the end of them. What a minute, how does he know that the man is or was a criminal?
“Where do you know him from?”
“I do not know him.”
Gobsmacked, she stopped walking. “Then how can you say that he is a criminal? That is not a good thing of you to imply or claim of anyone, Nash. Frankly, I find it rather despicable.”
He smiled wryly. "Precisely, but you were quick to believe me. Is it not amusing how a rumour can start? I imagine it was the same for your situation. The town's people were ready to believe a false rumour without any evidence, but when I stated that I had lied about it, you jumped to his defence. I believe the same will happen for you."
“Are you trying to teach me a lesson?”
“Did it work?”
Freddi only harrumphed. He must not think that he will talk himself into my good books so easily.
“There it is, the Rose Inn. It is run by a woman named Rose, her late husband opened it for her. Just as well because he kicked the bucket three years later.”
The minute he entered the inn, a pretty middle-aged woman with red hair came running towards him.
“Nash! Is it you? Aren't you a sight for sore eyes! What are you doing out of France? And who is this lovely woman with you?”
Freddi could feel a hint of jealousy as the woman spoke to Nash. They appear to know each other quite well, but he claims that he has not been to London in many years. Is he lying to me? Freddi stepped in front of Nash, holding her hand out.
“Miss Frederica Dunn, how do you do? I am Nash's fiancée.”
Now, what had possessed her to say that? What a fool I am! We do not have a chaperone with us, she must think this highly improper.
“Fiancée?” the woman replied. “You don't say. When did this good news come about?”
Freddi looked helplessly at Nash, who was only smiling. He looks like the cat that just got the cream or a big fat piece of trout.
“Nash, when did we get engaged?” she whispered.
"Uh, just recently," he said loudly. "We are here to do some shopping for our upcoming nuptials."
“Oh?” The woman looked behind them. “Where is your chaperone? Surely you are not here alone?”
I knew it! I shall sew my mouth together the next time I have an urge to stake a claim on Nash.
“She has turned into a shop. I have only escorted Freddi a short way as she is tired from the long carriage ride. Is it possible to have two rooms, Miss Rose? I am sure that Freddi would like to freshen up.”
“You know that I will always have room for you, dear Nash.”
I do not like how she refers to him as 'dear Nash' and is she not a widow? Why does Nash address her as Miss Rose? Since when do we have a chaperone?
“Wonderful. Please, show us the way.”
Miss Rose collected two keys from behind the front desk and headed down a passage, and then up a flight of stairs. She stopped at a door and unlocked it.
“This is the first room, and right next door to it is the second room. By the way, it has a connecting door.”
A connecting door? Surely that was not proper? Freddi waited for Nash to object, but he said not a word. Miss Rose unlocked the second door, pushing it.
“This is a slightly more feminine room, I think that Miss Freddi will appreciate it.”
When did I give her the right to use my name? She should call me Miss Dunn.
“Thank you, Rose. I shall come downstairs to settle any formalities.”
The woman nodded, wriggling her fingers until she disappeared out the door.
“Is everything to your liking, Freddi?”
No! Who is this woman to you? “Yes, thank you.”
“Good. I need to step out for a bit, I shall return in an hour or so.”
Freddi wanted to demand to know where he would be for so long, but her pride held her back. Well, if he wishes to spend time with that woman, that is hardly my problem. We are only pretending to be betrothed, he is free to pursue whoever he wants.
“Yes,” she smiled tightly. “I shall see you when you return.”
As soon as he left, Freddi counted to thirty before emitting a low-pitched scream. Frustration tormented her. She had half a mind to march right after him and drag him back to his room, but that was the insane half of her. Instead, she decided to remove her shoes and lie down. Even sitting, it had been an exhausting journey, and she was glad for a clean room and a bed. Freddi placed her head on the pillow, thinking to have a little nap.
“Just twenty minutes...”
Freddi sat up straight in bed, her heart hammering. She looked around the room, quickly remembering that she had come here with Nash. Speaking of which, where was he? Two raps on the door drew her attention.
“Freddi? Please open this door.”
Nash! She flew off the bed, flinging the door open to see that another older woman stood by Nash's side. Another woman? This one is not as pretty as Miss Rose.
“Yes?”
“Freddi, this is Mrs Edwina Tallman, your chaperone.”
My chaperone? How has he managed to organise one at such short notice?
“How do you do, Miss Dunn,” the woman said.
“Uh, good, I am good. How are you, Mrs Tallman?”
“Always excellent. Lord Salisbury has told me of your upcoming nuptials, congratulations to the both of you
.”
“Thank you,” said Nash. “Would you like to enter the room? I am sure that some tea would do you well.”
The woman grinned, showing one missing tooth. “You have read my mind, Lord Salisbury. If it will not be too much trouble, I would like a pot of tea sent up to the room.”
Nash nodded. “I shall have one of the inn's servants bring it to you.”
“Thank you, what a lovely gentleman you are.”
Nash left them, but she wished that he could have stayed to further explain what she was to do with the woman. I have never been in the position of needing a chaperone, what do I say to her?
Nothing that would reveal their secret and be exposed.
“Mrs Tallman, would you like to take a seat?”
“Don't mind if I do, Miss Dunn. My knees are not what they used to be.”
Does Nash expect her to sleep in my room? I have never had to share a bedroom with anyone, this will surely be a learning experience. Much like her time with Nash. Freddi was learning a lot about him, but thankfully the old Nash shone through brightly. He is still my Nash below his mature appearance, thank goodness for that.
Chapter 11
Freddi groaned as she awakened, her eyes stinging from a lack of sleep. What was that tapping sound coming from nearby? Rubbing her eyes, she looked to the door, but there was no sound coming from that direction.
“Goodness, I must be losing my mind. I can hear it, but where is it coming from?”
She tried to get up to investigate but fell back onto the sofa with a little yelp. What have I done to deserve such pain? Rubbing her lower back, she winced at the pain, suspecting it came from her upright position for most of the night. Never in her life had she experienced such an uncomfortable night of sleep. Freddi had given up her bed to Mrs Tallman as it seemed like the right thing to do.
Right for her, but my back is protesting from my good nature.
Why had Nash not organised a separate room for the woman? Or at least had another bed put in her room!
“No, no, another bed would not have done, I can do without Mrs Tallman's snores.”
The woman's snores were the type that vibrated through one's body and assaulted the ears, arresting the listener's sleep.
After keeping me awake by talking to me for much of the night, she easily fell asleep while I had to deal with her snoring. I cannot go through another night like this again.
“Freddi? Are you awake?”
“Nash?”
That was definitely his voice, but where was it coming from? Freddi squinted against the bit of sunlight that had made its way into the room, finding slivers of space between the curtains. This is one day when I am not sublimely happy with the sunshine. Now I know what a drunken person must feel first thing in the morning.
“Freddi!”
“For goodness sake, Nash, where are you?”
"Here, by the connecting door. I must speak with you."
Freddi came fully awake. The connecting door! For some reason she felt herself grow warm, and a brief glance in the mirror on the opposite wall gave evidence to her shyness. My cheeks are positively pink! Why did that woman have to provide us with these two rooms specifically? Realisation dawned on her.
No wonder he had Mrs Tallman sleep in my room, he was protecting my honour.
Thank goodness for his quick thinking! Had anyone discovered that they were an engaged couple with an adjoining door, it would have set tongues going. But why did the woman do that? Miss Rose should have known the inappropriateness of the room arrangement. Nash should be knocking at the front door, not this one, but I cannot ignore him. Freddi looked to Mrs Tallman, but the woman was still sound asleep.
“Freddi?”
“Hush, I am coming.”
She quickly threw on a gown, the garment effectively covering her from neck to past her ankles. Still, Freddi took a shawl and placed that about her shoulders as well. Creeping to the door, she wondered if it was unlocked, and if so, who carried the keys. She twisted the handle, hearing the click. It is open. Oddly, I never thought to try it last night. Turning it the rest of the way, she opened it to reveal a fully dressed Nash. Well, it looks as though he had a fantastic night's sleep while I resemble a haggard woman.
“What is it?” she hissed. “Why are you calling me through this door?”
“Mrs Tallman is with you, I did not think that it would matter.”
The woman let off a mighty snore, drawing their attention to the bed.
“You had to listen to that the whole night?”
Freddi lifted an eyebrow. “Is it any wonder why I look as I do?”
“Even tired, you are still beautiful, Freddi.”
She warmed at the compliment, but her lack of sleep did not make her the most appreciative of women at that moment.
“Flattery will get you nowhere, Lord Salisbury. Why have you called me? Are you going somewhere? I see that you are already dressed.”
“Yes, but you are going with me. If we are to play the part of the engaged couple convincingly, then it is important to look the part. You are my fiancée, Freddi, and I the son of a Marquis, we must find you something that denotes my status, or people may begin to suspect us.”
In other words, her clothing was not acceptable. Freddi felt a little offence at his words, but she could not blame him. She knew that she had nothing that communicated that she was about to marry a titled man; all of her dresses were simple and modest, more for working and leisure.
“Very well, give me some time to prepare myself. I shall wake up Mrs Tallman as well, as she will have to come with us.”
“Someone will come with some water for your bath, and I shall meet you downstairs in an hour.”
Freddi nodded, closing the door soon after. London society will come to know me as his fiancée, this is a dangerous game that we are playing. She would be lying if she denied the thrill she felt for their pretence.
***
Freddi looked at the beautiful dresses being shown her, but every time she would ask for the price, Nash refused to tell her. I am confident that these dresses are expensive, they certainly look and feel it. Where is Nash getting the money to pay for them? He does not yet have his inheritance, surely he cannot have much money?
“Is there any dress in particular that you like, Freddi? You must try them on while we are here so the seamstress can make adjustments where needed.”
“Yes, my dear,” added Mrs Tallman. “You are soon to be the wife of Lord Salisbury, Baron of Salisbury- you must look the part. Come, I shall help you into one of the dresses.”
They were pushing her to choose one, but she felt uncomfortable doing so. This is all a farce, and yet Nash is willing to pay a considerable amount of money to have me look the part. What will I do with the dresses when we return to our respective lives? Do I return the dresses?