Free Holiday in Bath by Laura Matthews Page B

companion. “Not with a heavy hand, Cranford. She’s spirited and she resents being told what to do. If you explain why something is wrong, she is much more willing to listen. Will you remember that?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “Thank you. I won’t keep you longer. My two most precious treasures are in your care, and I know you will justify my faith in you. God bless you, my boy.”
    If Lord Chessels had once in his life addressed himself in such a way to his son, Cranford could have forgotten all the verbal and physical abuse he had suffered under that tyrant. Pushing aside his regrets, he shook hands now with Trelenny’s father as he said, “I’m honored by your trust, Mr. Storwood, and I’ll do my best to see that the ladies enjoy themselves and have no worries. Take care of yourself, sir.”
    Not until Cranford had called a halt for refreshments in Burton, and he was overseeing the unharnessing of the horses and instructing that a new team be ready in an hour, did he remember the pouch that Trelenny had thrust upon him before their departure. He pulled it out now and counted fifteen guineas before replacing it in his pocket, surprised that she, too, apparently wished him to be her banker for the trip. As he entered the inn he was directed to a private parlor where he found her alone.
    “Mama is just washing off some of the dust, Cranford. I have ordered a plate of meats and cheese, with some bread and tea. Will that do?”
    “Certainly. One would think you have been traveling all your life,” he teased her.
    “It’s not so very difficult, but Mama is a bit blue devilled, you see, and I didn't want her to have the bother.”
    Cranford jingled the pouch in his pocket, smiling. “I think you are wise to have me look after your allowance, Trelenny. I’ll take care not to lose it.”
    Her brows drew together in a frown and she shook her head firmly. “No, that is money to pay for our posting charges. I know how you are situated, and this trip was my idea, so I am responsible for the extra expense to you. Papa will have given you money for our lodging, of course, but he thinks you intended to go to Bath and would have had that expense yourself. At least, I suppose that is how he would view the matter. I haven’t enough to pay for your lodging in Bath, as I have to have some money for fripperies or Mama will wonder what I have done with my allowance, but I shall be able to repay you at Christmas."
    One point in her whole recitation stood out in his mind above all the others. His angry eyes raked her face. “How do you know my circumstances?”
    “Why, I heard Papa tell Mama years ago. Lord Chessels bragged of it, I think, but Papa was very upset and called it a dastardly thing to do. And I agree!”
    “It is no concern of yours, Trelenny, and I don’t want your money, or need it, for that matter.” He set the pouch down on the table with a thump as Mrs. Storwood entered.
    “Ah, Cranford. I hope you plan to ride in with us this afternoon, for your father’s carriage is admirably sprung. Didn’t you think so, Trelenny? My dear, you should not leave your money sitting about. It’s not that I don’t trust the servants (though it is a public inn and one can never be too careful), but you might forget it when we leave. Why don’t you have Cranford keep it for you? That would be safest of all, I think.”
    “Yes, I will have Cranford keep it,” Trelenny said with a demure glance in his direction. “You won’t mind, will you, Cranford?”
    “No.” He pocketed the pouch once again, but after he had seated her mother and come around to hold a chair for her, he murmured in her ear, “It is your money. When you want it, just ask me for it.”
    Trelenny effected not to hear him but began to pour the tea, which had already arrived. “Would you prefer beer or wine, Cranford? I didn’t know, so I just ordered the tea. Oh, good, here are the meat and cheese. I don’t know how one can develop such an appetite simply