5 The Plan will Work.

Elizabeth had no intentions of making light of her conversation with Bessie. But, the more she tried to weigh the options, the more she knew that her initial intentions would not yield positive fruit. Thus, she had said to Bessie that she had not thought up any plan.

She knew it would be a foolish move to hide herself in a stack of clothes, or worst still in a box and how big a box would her mother and sister use anyway?

Also, how big is a carriage that she would go unnoticed?

Therefore, Elizabeth tried to be more logical as she had always been predisposed to be, and hoped that there should be another way to journey to Aegremonth.

"In truth, my dear Bessie. I thought I had a plan. But, was it not as a result of some foolish book that I had read? I have decided to become more thoughtful and think carefully about any decision that I would make," Beth said to Bessie.

Bessie understood what her lady meant by her words and even if she was curious to ask her about her initial plan of action, she let go of the pressure to ask Beth about it and focused instead, on the initial purpose of the discussion.

"The time is near when the coachman and the master of the house, your father would make their return. We can find another way." While Bessie decided to deliberate further on the possible plan to come up with, Beth was slowly losing interest in the topic altogether.

'Does it matter if I cannot make it to the ceremony? Perhaps the time is not yet right for me to leave from here, and I might really just have to wait out until a gentleman of this town or the next comes for my price.' she reasoned within herself.

"Bessie, I know you think it best that I should go but now that I think upon the matter, Louisa would be there and is there not one Prince Aldrich who is soon to be king? I have no means to measure up to my sister, and he will surely find attraction with her, and not me. Let us make out today and the morrow, and joke to our hearts content until the rest of the family returns."

"Milady, you speak such forbidden words. Even if you-"

"Even if nothing, Bessie. You are truly kind to me, but I see no enthusiasm to push further. Perhaps father is right. The invitation does not concern me. If we think of it, I am not a legitimate Blythe's daughter. So, they have a point in going without me."

Bessie had a hard time comprehending how her lady's excitement could vanish in an instant. Even if Louisa was more beautiful like her lady believed, to Bessie, Beth had a very admirable personality. She was of minimal doubt that the king-to-be would realize her lady's worth.

"Milady, we will figure out a way. And don't say you have no beauty. The beauty within you is even far more than your physical beauty. I am sure deep down you agree with me. But not to put you up for a competition with your elder sister. I just want you to have the chance to be there, not just for marriage thoughts. But to experience life outside of Griffinwald. Not many maidens get to travel before they marry. Surely, we can do something about this."

Elizabeth stood up, and walked slowly about her room pondering on all Bessie had fed her ears with.

'She might be right. Experience is far more important, and besides I shall not marry yet until I know if I can fall in love and not get hurt.'

Bessie watched her lady prance about, and then as if by magic she thought up a plan.

"An idea. I have an idea, milady!"

Bessie's words caused Beth to turn around impulsively.

"Please share it with me."

"Of course. Mr Graylock mentioned that the kind Lady Osborn required of him to coach her and her daughter, lady Giselle, to the ceremony. Since she does not have a husband, she also burdened Mr Graylock with the job of playing her husband. Both duties for which she would pay him handsomely."

"So, Bessie, you suggest that I should talk to old lady Osborn?"

"No milady. Let me relate it to Mr Graylock. We have formed some acquaintance for some time, and he will know how to get the information across to the kind Lady."

The positivity which sprouted from Bessie's suggestion, overwhelmed Beth so much that she only saw possibilities—endless possibilities. Her eyes glinted gleefully, and it didn't go unnoticed to Bessie who smiled because her lady was happy.

On normal days, Bessie could never spend so much time idly, in her lady's room but because the rest of the family was occupied with preparation for the journey they were soon to make, she was lucky to feel excused and was happier that she had thought up a way to make her lady's expectations possible. But one thing remained and knowing Beth well, she was expecting the question Beth would ask next.

"What shall I wear? I could have taken one of Louisa's gowns, but I am slightly taller than her, and it would definitely show."

Curling her lips into a smile, Bessie replied Elizabeth, "I have thought about it as well, milady. Permit me to go and relay the information to Mr Graylock that you would join the company. The time is short but for my sake, he will do the magic. Also, I will go to the old Mr Lynchfield and make preparation for a beautiful dress that you would wear tomorrow. However, you might have to borrow some of your sister's jewellery because she has so much and one of her shoes. But the others, leave it to me."

After speaking, she waited for Beth to give her the go-ahead and she did. The only problem was if her father returned and requested the services of his housekeeper.

Louisa had finished putting all her required clothing and accessories into a box as well as her mother's. She spared a minute of her time to wonder what Beth was up to but soon waved it aside to focus on her fanciful ideas of Prince Aldrich.

'Mother says I have all it takes to catch his attention. I am sure that I will. Of course, he invited only families with maidens so that he can make a choice for a wife. I already know that I am that wife— her Royal highness, the Queen!'

Soon, the hour came when Mr Blythe returned with the coachman and the carriage. His wife and daughter, Louisa were already set for the journey. With very little convincing, his wife's suggestion had caused him to divorce the initial guilt he felt from causing Beth to stay behind. With everything in order, it was time to set out to Aegremonth.

With the arrival of her father, Elizabeth panicked a bit but was soon relieved when Bessie sneaked in through the back, to meet up with her in her room.

"The plan will work. Mr Graylock assured me they would be leaving twenty minutes behind your family. I think it is a good idea," said Bessie.

"It is better that mother and father would leave first. Now, let us hurry. I perceive that mother would send for you and me any minute now." After ending her speech, Beth turned to admire the beautiful dress that Bessie had rented. She had questions about how much it must have cost her to have it rented. So, she asked.

"No, milady. It cost a few coins. It was easier to have it rented for that cheap because I mentioned your name to Mr Lynchfield," said Bessie.

"Wow! It certainly looks costly. He really is kind," Beth declared and put the dress away before she heard her mother call for her as well as Bessie.

They arrived the living room to see the rest of the family clothed properly for the journey. The coachman remained outside with the carriage.

"Elizabeth," her mother began.

"Yes, mother," Beth replied.

"We might be gone for a couple of days, but be a good girl until we return. And, one more thing, do not bring more beasts into this home while we are away."

"That is not necessary," her husband chipped in but Mrs Blythe scoffed.

Then, she turned to Bessie, "Make sure she does not leave the house. I trust the house would be well-kept while we are away?"

Bessie nodded and that was enough response she needed.

"I will miss you, Isa." Beth called out when the rest of the family had taken their seats in the carriage with their luggage put away, most of which Mr Blythe considered quite unnecessary. But he could never cause his wife to reconsider the subject as far as she had made up her mind on what to do.

"Thank you, Beth. I will be sure to tell you all about my meeting with Prince Aldrich," said Louisa.

The carriage wheeled off.

After which, Bessie shut the door with Elizabeth behind her and they went on with their initial arrangements.

Few minutes later, Elizabeth bade Bessie goodbye after receiving a couple of hugs and kisses from her. It would be the first time she would be apart from Bessie for a day, but she looked forward to what awaited her in Aegremonth.

______________________________________

📚 Hi guys! Thank you for reading. Please support my work of creation by gifting me your Powerstones❤