Upon stepping off the little schooner that had transported him to the lovely port in Calais, Hastings breathed a heavy sigh of relief at being on solid land and of being in the warming sun of France. So different from the weather that drained his spirits that surrounded his school. He ordered his possession to be transported to the home of cousins who were putting him up for the summer. He walked around Calais, taking in the sights and sounds of the quaint little town, and thinking of the excellent fun to be had when he had reunited with his school chums. Flirting with pretty French girls, riding in the glorious sun, and the shopping! He reminded himself that he must write to Percy and announce his arrival when he settled into his home away from home.
Several minutes* later Planchette descended the stairs supporting a tearful Laurel, Henri brought Laurel her shawl and helped her fit it in place. The whole ordeal had been very distressing for the poor girl. It was in this state that that charming exquisite Edward Timothy Hastings entered the Shoppe of M. Planchette in the hopes of being fitted by one of the finest tailors in all of France. Quite before he fully realized the situation he had enter, Hastings broke out with, "I say! A most excellent day to you all! I must meet with the excellent M. Planchette!"
Planchette looked the young Englishman over, he was grateful that he knew English well enough to understand the heavily accented youngster. "Greetings, milor. I am Jean-Paul Planchette, but I fear you have come at a most awkward moment," he said and cast a quick glance at Laurel. "I most humbly beg your pardon.�
Hastings noticed the pretty young woman with the tear stained face that who had Planchette's arm around her. Beneath the tears, the lady was exquisite and Hastings felt an overwhelming urge to give whoever brought her to tears a sound thrashing. "Beg Pardon!" Hastings said, slightly embarrassed to have interrupted such an awkward moment. "Alas, dear lady, why such tears? One so beautiful as yourself should never have need to cry!"
"Forgive me, milor!" Laurel said, her pale cheeks now blushing in embarrassment.
"Lud love ya! There's no need to apologize, midear!" Hastings laughed, trying to cheer her. "I hate to see a lady in despair. Is there anything I can do?"
"Thank you, messieur!" Planchette interjected. "She has received some bad news, milor. Forgive me, but I was about to take her home. I will be back later this afternoon or we can schedule an appointment, messieur." "A delay is fine, my good Planchette. I'm told your skills are worth the wait," Hastings smiled. "But, I say, my lady! Tell me if there is any way I can be of assistance. I stand here as your humble servant! What matter of news would made those eyes red and bring tears to those lovely cheeks?"
"Thank you for your kindness, milor," Laurel said in a trembling voice. "But a very dear friend has taken a dreadful turn, and I have heard that a kind and noble lady of my acquaintance has stricken by a series of terrible tragedies. Your offer is appreciated, but I fear that there is little that you can do."
"My condolences, milady," Hastings said, and took her cold trembling hand and kissed the fingertips. "But you must never underestimate an Englishman. A noble woman, you say? Perhaps I may be acquainted with her, pray what is her name?"
Laurel cast a questioning glance at Planchette, then turned back to Hastings. "L-Lady Emilie Spencer, sister to Lady Blakeney."
"Lud! I am acquainted with her nephew! Perhaps I can be of help!" Hastings smiled. "I had planned on writing Percy, but perhaps I can stop by. I promise, dear lady, if there is a way to relieve her ladyship of her melancholy, I shall endeavor to do so."
Laurel gave Planchette another hesitant glance, "Thank you, messieur."
"Beg pardon! I've yet to introduce myself!" Hastings bowed deeply. "Lord Edward Timothy Hastings, at your service! and you are?"
"Laurel... Claudette Laurel deClaireville... but most people call me Laurel..." Laurel replied.
"Your servant!" Hastings said why another smile, then to Planchette. "By your leave, I shall return this afternoon for a fitting. And tomorrow I shall pay my respects to the Blakeney household."
Planchette nodded, "As you wish, milor." Hastings held the door open for the pair to exit, waited as Planchette locked up his shop, and followed them to the stable where he helped Laurel mounted behind Planchette. Planchette transported Laurel home, set her to bed, and paid his respects to Mdm de Claireville, telling her a much abridged version of the events that had occurred to his delivery boy. Afterwards, he rode back to his business and customers.
Hastings watched Planchette and Laurel ride away, a sighed. Little Laurel was certainly a delight to the eyes and Hastings could see how men could refuse her nothing. He wondered what was transpiring in the Blakeney household, he quickly located an available quill and paper and wrote a brief note.
Percy-
I have had the splendid good fortune to spend the summer as a guest of my cousins here in France. Andrew Ffoulkes and his family will also be arriving shortly. Hopefully we can resume some of our school adventures on this side of the pond! By your leave, I intend to pay my respect on your household on the morrow.
Lord Edward Timothy Hastings
For a small amount Hastings paid to have it delivered immediately. Hastings grinned, an opportunity to see his friend and impress a lovely lady, his luck was with him.
