To Portsmouth

—-

The carriage rolled along the coast towards Portsmouth. A small community had formed there, of freemen and women from all over the world. Some, from Antigua, like Georgianna's mother and others from Africa, Jamaica, Saint Domingue…. Charlotte, Alexander, and Georgianna discussed what they knew of such places; they seemed exotic and far away compared to the sedate rolling hills of southern England. Georgianna knew more from personal experience and laughed good-naturedly as she answered questions and generally gave the others the benefit of her knowledge. Eventually their cultural lesson ended and they all began to discuss what Xander knew of the Portsmouth community.

The drive from Sanditon to Portsmouth was about 31 miles, and would take them about two and a half or three hours each way. Then they would be in the city and have to make their way to the area of town where their connections might be able to inform them about Georgianna's mother. In total, it would probably take them the full day to complete their journey, discuss their goals with the locals, and return home. Alexander looked over at the curve of Charlotte's cheek as she smiled at her friend and thought that not even 12 hours of time spent with her was enough.

Xander was impressed with Charlotte's knowledge of Geography and her curiosity about the world. He was only slightly better read than she was- he was several years her senior and had traveled in wider circles than she had. It was impressive how well she had informed herself about the world. Miss Lamb leaned her head against the window and it seemed that she let the rocking of the carriage lull her to sleep. He would have some time for a more intimate conversation with Miss Heywood. He dared not to call her Charlotte, he reminded himself to be proper with her. If he were to win her trust, he could not fail to treat her with the utmost respect.

"Miss Heywood, " he started, "How do you think we might best approach people to ask about Miss Lamb's mother?"

"Mr. Colbourne, I think the best approach is simply to be honest, forthright, kind, and respectful. In short, we show our hosts our truest and best selves. If they do not trust us, we will have made our strongest effort."

He smiled crookedly, his eyes warm. "Indeed, Miss Heywood. That is wise. I am wondering if there is some sort of personal connection we can make with this gentleman, Mr. Bridgewater."

"Perhaps if you tell me a bit more about him. What do you know?"

"Hmmm. He came from Antigua. He has some education. He is a farrier by trade."

"It seems fortuitous that we both possess such a facility with horses. Perhaps we can make a connection through discussion of our mutual love for them."