A.N: I only just occurred to me that I haven't done a disclaimer yet! This is a work of fan-fiction using the world of Cranford that belongs to Elizabeth Gaskell and adapted by Heidi Thomas. I claim no ownership of the characters or the world of Cranford.
Two days later and Edward had had well and truly enough of Miss Pole. The woman would not stop talking, or fussing over him, or gossiping about the other women in the village; she even went as far to pry into the private lives of the servants at Hanbury! It was proving to be a stressful experience and he longed for the quiet company Miss Galindo provided, at least then he could begin to mentally absorb his trauma and not worry over the staff being harassed. That was harsh Eddie. It was, in truth. Miss Pole was probably bored out of her mind by now. Edward spent most of the day sleeping or reading and as such was not the best company, but he was wounded and s he did not see the need to play host and provide entertainment for Miss Pole. If Edward was honest with himself, and he prided himself on his honesty, he missed Miss Galindo. He missed her and was profoundly confused by it. They had never really spoken to each other outside the bounds of professionalism, except for your outburst he thought snidely; in fact he did not really know anything about who Miss Galindo was when all doors were closed and everyone else had gone home for the evening... He sat up straighter; that was it! He would wait until Miss Galindo came by to see him, surely she had to, and he would make a concerted effort to acquaint himself with the real Miss Galindo, not the character she played in the public eye. Now all that was left was to plan what he would say, but he needed to know Miss Galindo's movements. His eyes shifted over to Miss Pole who was humming and embroidering in the rocking chair in the corner. She would know. "Miss Pole?"
"Oh! Mr. Carter! Was there something you needed? More blankets perhaps? Something to eat or drink? More reading material? That Dickens fellow you have been reading recently is hardly appropriate, why the other ladies in the village would be scandalised if they saw you reading that! Let me pick out something for you."
Edward grimaced, he rather liked Dickens actually, but it would not do to be diverted from his purpose. "No thank you Miss Pole. I was wondering if you knew of Miss Galindo's whereabouts? I assume she is busy with her millinery, however I need to see her... to discuss estate business." There, that should put off any gossiping.
"Mr. Carter did you not know? Miss Galindo left for London this morning for a house party on behalf of Lady Ludlow."
"To London?" He stuttered.
"Yes, Mr. Carter to London. I believe she is staying with a close friend of Lady Ludlow's, a Lady Huntington? Yes that sounds correct. By any means, Miss Galindo will be away from Cranford for sometime. I do hope she enjoys herself; London has so much to offer. Perhaps she will even meet a young man to marry" she tittered.
Edward did not like that. He was profoundly against the notion of Miss Galindo meeting any man, young or otherwise with romantic intentions. I want to be that man.
In the background Miss Pole was still chatting away, "of course, if it is about the estate, you could always send a letter. If you sent it today it would probably be there when she arrives."
"An inspired idea Miss Pole. Would you be so kind as to retrieve some writing implements for me? I have much to discuss with Miss Galindo."
As Miss Pole left the room, Edward was left with his thoughts. To London? When Lady Ludlow had said she sent Miss Galindo away he though she meant back to Cranford and away from the estate. London may as well be another world away. But he had to make this better; Miss Galindo had to come home. She had to come back to him.
A.N: A short chapter this time, but I felt Mr. Carter needed to have a moment to come to his senses. Things will get moving again in the next chapter. As always please feel free to review or follow the story if you would like to. All the best!
