Mrs Scryven had prepared a hamper of food and drink for their journey, and Maria had brought warm blankets and pillows down into the main hall in case the weather was cold, or the inns where they would break their journey were not warm or comfortable enough. There had been some discussion between Lucy and her mother as to whether either Janey or Lizzie should accompany them also, and indeed Isobel had voiced the opinion that either of them would in fact be of more use than Sarah. Then John had announced his intention of escorting them, and there wasn’t room for anyone else in the carriage, and Lucy had stated quite firmly that Sarah should come with them. ‘You’ll love it, Sarah, once you’re there, I know you will, and you can still come to the parties and watch the fun even if you can’t join in.’ Lucy was a little unsure of what Sarah’s position would be in someone else’s household, but declared that they needn’t worry about it and that it would be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.
