Free A Royal Bennet by Melanie Schertz Page A

woman. My work is not
dishonorable, and there is no taint on my money. All I
wished to do was purchase some food. Is it too much
for a working man to purchase a meal?”
    “In this establishment it is. Now, be off. I will not
tolerate you any longer.” Mrs Barkow walked back
inside the inn, praying they were convincing enough
to allow her husband and the ladies to escape out the
back. She had noticed four men watching from across
the street, one of which came from the side of the inn
and joined the others.
    Abraham continued to fuss about until he finally
made his way down the street, in the opposite
direction from his wagon. He had performed this sort
of ruse before, and he was more than willing to walk a
few extra blocks to protect those he was rescuing.
    Nearly an hour later, Abraham was able to meet
with his wagon. The ladies were covered completely,
and would remain so until they reached Bluecoat
school. After shaking hands with Mr Barkow, and
apologizing for the scene he made outside the inn,
Abraham picked up the reins and urged his horses to
walk.
~~ ** ~~
    Pulling to a stop near the rear of the “H” shaped
building, Abraham was met by his friend, Jenny, who
worked as a scullery maid, along with her sister,
Ruby. The sisters had been rescued by Abraham and
his friends two years prior, and they had vowed to do
what they could to aid others.
    “Jenny, let us take the young ladies inside before I
introduce them to you. It is best that as few people as
possible know they are here.” Abraham suggested.
    Elizabeth and Lucy were kept covered up, hiding
their identities as much as possible. They were led
inside the building, and down into the basement.
Once they were inside a small bedchamber, and the
door closed behind them, introductions were made.
    “Jenny and Ruby Walker, this is Miss Elizabeth
Bennet and Miss Lucy, pardon, I do not remember her
last name.” He turned his attention towards
Elizabeth.
    “Her name is Lucy Winters.” Elizabeth looked at
the young Negro ladies. “It is a pleasure to meet you
both. I cannot begin to thank you for assisting us.”
    “I must admit, I was surprised with Abraham’s
request to assist white folk. But he stated that there is
some in other places of the world who be wantin’ a
pretty white lady to do their biddin’.” Jenny stated.
“Guess it dunno madder what color the skin, there be
those who would sell ya.”
    “It has been an experience I will never forget. I am
from a small estate in Hertfordshire, and, to be
honest, I have never spoken with someone of dark
skin before.”
    Ruby laughed. “I wish I had a penny for ev’ry time
one o’ the chilluns asks bout our skin color. I been
tellin’ them I was baked too long in God’s oven.”
    Elizabeth found the young ladies to be sweet
natured. They did not seem frightened of white
people, and used humor in the same manner that
Elizabeth did to make others feel comfortable.
“And what do the children say in response?” She
asked Ruby.
    “They’s eyes grow wide, and most act as they
believe. It does no good to figures out why we be
different, we just is. Be good they see different sorts
though, and learn we is all just people, nottin’ evil or
scary ‘bout the color we is. The evil and scary is on
the inside.”
    “I agree with you there. After all we have endured
since leaving London, I can agree with your words.
The men who kidnapped us were evil, inside.”
“You be hungry?” Jenny asked.
    “No, Mrs Barkow was quite generous. She even
gave us some food to bring with us.” Elizabeth
motioned to the bag in her hand.
    Jenny motioned to a small bed in the corner of the
room. “Forgive us, you and Lucy will need share a
bed. My sister and me will share my bed.”
“I am extremely grateful for your generosity.
There is nothing to forgive.”
     
~~ ** ~~
    Darcy arrived at the inn, only to learn he had
missed Elizabeth. Mrs Barkow was polite to him, and,
at first, denied any knowledge of