The sea pitched their ship mercilessly and as a result they were both seasick. By the time that they had docked at Dover, Luella was very worried about the Countess – she was almost delirious. “I think we had better stay in Dover tonight and forget about trying to make for Hastings,” she said, as two sailors helped her aunt down the gangplank. “No, we must press on. I am well enough to withstand a carriage ride.” Luella regarded her ashen face with concern. Although her aunt was hardly in her dotage, she had never seen her look so frail. It was as if she had aged overnight. The sailors quickly found them a carriage that sported a team of fast horses and made certain that she was comfortable before they bade farewell. “What kind gentlemen,” murmured the Countess, as Luella tucked blankets around her knees. Outside it promised to be another fine July day, but the Countess was shivering and needed the extra warmth.
