Rebecca's Refusal by Amanda Grange Page B

them.
    Charles, too, was pleased to discover that Biddy had arrived. Once she had rested he questioned her closely on the condition of the roads, which were now open again after a lessening in the severity of the weather.
    If the mail has got through, then a private coach should be able to get through as well,' said Charles. We won't have Joshua with us here in London for much longer, I fear.'
    His words proved to be prophetic. That afternoon Joshua called to make his farewells.
    You're leaving us tomorrow, then?' asked Charles, when Joshua had told them of his plans.
    Yes.'
    Although she had been expecting it, Rebecca, for some reason, felt her heart sink.
    Joshua went on. 'Now the roads are passable there is nothing else to keep me here.'
    He glanced at Rebecca as he said it and then looked away again.
    The thought crossed Rebecca's mind that, had she accepted his hand, there would have been something to keep him in London: preparations for their wedding.
    But of course, she had not.
    It won't be an easy journey, even now,' said Charles, pursing his lips. The roads are still very bad in places. Miss Biddulph has been telling us all about it.'
    'Even so, I mean to leave first thing in the morning. My work here is done, and I'm eager to take over the running of the mill.'
    We shall miss you,' said Hetty, kissing him on the cheek.
    It's been good of you to put up with me for so long,' Joshua smiled.
    'Nonsense!' declared Hetty. It hasn't been long enough! We have hardly seen anything of you this last week. But you will be in London again before long, I hope?'
    That depends,' said Joshua. 1 will have to see how things go.'
    Well, you know you are always welcome here,' remarked Hetty warmly.
    Joshua took his leave of Hetty and then turned to Rebecca. 'Rebecca,' he said, formally taking his leave of her.
    'Joshua,' she replied equally formally as he bowed over her hand.
    Your parting will not be of such a long duration,' Hetty remarked innocently, 'for you will be seeing each other again before long.' She smiled artlessly up at Joshua. 'Rebecca will be returning to Cheshire next week, and that of course is very near the mill.'
    Rebecca felt Joshua's eyes rove over her face, but there was nothing burning in his glance. Instead, his manner was cool and distant. Until we next meet, then,' he said.
    And with that he was gone.
    * * * *
    The rest of Rebecca's visit passed quickly. She was determined to enjoy herself, and to make the most of her time with Hetty and Charles in the capital.
    Miss Biddulph had by now completely recovered from her illness, and Rebecca was glad that Biddy would be able to accompany them on their outings. It was for this reason that Rebecca had asked her old governess to act as her companion on the long journey, knowing that Biddy would enjoy herself in London, visiting to the elegant shops and interesting museums, once they arrived.
    With the weather a little improved Rebecca, Biddy and Hetty embarked on a number of shopping trips. Cousin Louisa, unable to travel to London herself because of her rheumatism, had given Rebecca a list of commissions, and these commissions Rebecca now set about fulfilling. She enjoyed purchasing the lengths of silk and muslin her cousin had asked for, as well as slippers and bonnets and a host of smaller items that bore the stamp of London instead of the less modish stamp of the provinces.
    In this way the final week of Rebecca's visit passed, and before long it was time for her, too, to leave.
    You hardly seem to have been here two minutes,' said Hetty regretfully as she kissed Rebecca goodbye. 'Next time, you must come for longer.'
    If Louisa is fit to travel, I will,' Rebecca promised, returning Hetty's embrace. 1 did not like to leave her too long on her own this time.'
    Charles gave her his hand and wished her a safe journey. 'And remember, you are welcome here any time,' he said.
    Thank you,' smiled Rebecca.
    Hetty and Charles bade Miss Biddulph farewell, and hoped she