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impatient as Sarah did her hair, for she was eager to be on the way. There was a delay while Aurelia searched for a missing brooch, and it was after eleven before they began the final part of their journey.

Chapter 4
    Caroline’s first view of Woburn Square was as the sun was setting.
    â€œOh, how lovely it is!” she exclaimed. “Do look, Amelia. There is a garden and trees; it does not seem as if we are in the city at all. But the houses are all of stone—and so alike—so different from the timber we are accustomed to in Lancashire. I cannot wait to explore London!”
    â€œYes, indeed, my love,” said Aurelia. “We must engage a respectable guide who will take us on a tour of the more interesting parts of the metropolis. We need not even leave the comfort of our carriage.”
    Caroline smiled but did not reply. She was already stepping out of the carriage with the help of a footman. At the door she was met by a tall, rather imposing man.
    â€œMiss Chessington?” he asked with a bow.
    â€œYes, I am Caroline Chessington.”
    â€œI am Briggs, butler to Mr. and Mrs. Hardy. I am pleased to be of service to you during your stay in Woburn Square.”
    â€œThank you, Briggs.” She introduced Aurelia and went inside.
    Woburn Square, one of the streets in close proximity to Russell Square, the largest square in London, was an area of newly built houses, too new to be either of historical interest or fashionable. It seemed, at first glance, to be more elegant than Caroline had expected or desired. The house she had rented was a comfortable stone dwelling built in the current style made fashionable by John Nash: light and airy, with perfectly proportioned rooms. Mr. and Mrs. Hardy had furnished it with simplicity and taste in the newly popular Regency style. Everything about it seemed new. It was so different from Brampton, where almost everything was centuries old and different styles mixed happily together in a cluttered, comfortable way. Caroline was struck by the almost modest size and style of the furniture in comparison with the massive, heavily carved pieces at Brampton. She did not, however, inspect the entire house, because she was tired from the journey. After an early dinner, she retired, promising herself to arise early the next day.
    Caroline awakened the next morning eager to begin her explorations. Sarah brought her morning chocolate and pulled back the curtains.
    â€œIt’s a pretty day. Miss Caroline,” she said. “Did you sleep well?”
    â€œSplendidly!” said Caroline. “Sarah, has my cousin come downstairs yet?”
    Knowing what prompted the inquiry, Sarah averted her gaze and said, “No, miss. Miss Peakirk has not yet awakened. I believe she was quite tired from the journey.”
    â€œAh,” said Caroline, “then perhaps I should not dawdle in bed, but dress and be on my way. I shall wear the brown wool walking dress with the matching coat,”
    â€œVery good, Miss Caroline,” was all Sarah replied, but she was pleased that her mistress intended to escape before her cousin awakened. “Always fussing and bothering Miss Caroline as if she were her mother and not a poor relation as depends on Miss Caroline’s generosity,” Sarah had told her sister once when she’d visited her on her half-day.
    Caroline had provided herself with a guidebook and had marked several places that she most wanted to see. When she was served in the breakfast parlor, she asked Briggs about the best way to get to the British Museum and St. Paul’s.
    â€œFor you know, Briggs, this is my first trip to London and I wish to see all the places of interest.”
    Briggs smiled in a fatherly way, for Caroline had charmed him, as she invariably did all servants.
    â€œThe British Museum is nearby, miss, but I would suggest that you take the carriage, all the same,” said Briggs. “If you wish, I shall have it sent