It was at that moment that the coachman arrived, carrying Elmore's two enormous travel bags. Elmore probably took much more than he needed, especially given that this house had everything a house needed, but he was unwilling to part with his favorite suite or his books, even for a few nights.
“Thank you,” Elmore said kindly, “the doorman has offered to take my things upstairs, so you are relieved.”
The coachman sighed, relief filling his every movement. It was true that they had been on the road for so long, and Elmore was embarrassed to admit that he hadn't realized just how difficult it must have been for his staff. While Elmore had been inside his carriage, the coachman had been outside and unprotected against the elements, and the poor man must have been tired.
It was a split decision, really, for Elmore to say, “perhaps we will break for dinner. Something simple tonight, I think. It will give the maids time to get the house in proper order. It will be ready by the time I return tonight, yes?”
The doorman offered a nervous smile. “Of course, my Lord.”
“Good, then I believe I will take some time in the dining room to sort out my notes for Mr. Washam's meeting — assuming the dining room is habitable?”
“The dining room is just fine, My Lord.”
“Excellent.”
In truth, Elmore didn't have much to prepare at all. He had never attended one of these meetings before, nor met most of the other attendees in person, but it seemed only sensible to have an idea of what might be discussed. Having always loved botany, even as a child, he was growing excited at the prospect of the chance to talk with experts.
He made his way to the dining room without delay, and was grateful to see that it was, at least, tidy. As Elmore didn't live here all year round, it was easy to imagine the place falling into disrepair in his absence — but other than a fine layer of dust over the oak cabinets, everything was perfectly in order.
He'd have to point out the dust to one of the maids; but if they hadn't been expecting him, he wasn't going to blame them for such a small oversight.
Elmore spent a while with his thoughts, scribbling the odd note onto a piece of parchment as he went. He wanted insight into his own garden, of course, and how his gardeners could improve it. The purpose of this meeting was tolearn,to embrace new knowledge and impart his own; because it was all very well and good to learn from books and studies, but the best way to grow was by learning from other people.
And if Mr. Washam had invited him, then he obviously thought that Elmore was important to this discussion; something that he honestly hadn’t expected, given how new he was to this botany thing. His mother had always thought him silly, for his interest in nature; now here he was, included in a meeting with some of the greatest botanists in England, and perhaps even some from further afield.
Eventually, however, dinner was served and Elmore had to put away his pen and ink. It was disappointing; until the scent of rich roast beef wafted over, and Elmore realized just how hungry he had been this entire time.
He ate quickly, perhaps more so than usual, in his eagerness to visit Mr. Washam. Had he been with family, or hosting for friends, Elmore would have looked forward to a several-course meal; yet having asked for something simple, tonight he didn't even bother with dessert.
As soon as he was finished eating, Elmore freshened up, fixed his hair, and then he was ready to leave again.
He met the coachman by the entrance, which was an enormous and hollow space leading to the outside steps. It wasn't nearly as grand as his main home, which was made of grey and silver marble, but it was still an impressive space that allowed his voice to echo as he called to the coachman.
“Are you refreshed?” he asked, “I require you to take me to Mr. Washam on Cherrywood Street. It isn't far, I don't think, so the journey won't be too taxing.”
Despite the tired look in the coachman's eyes, he only smiled in agreement. “Whatever you need, my Lord. Allow me a few minutes to ready the horses.”
“Of course.”
The coachman scurried off down the long road, where the carriage and horses already waited. He was nothing if not prepared, that coachman, and for that Elmore was grateful.
The doorman was, of course, standing dutifully by the door as usual. Elmore turned to him now and said, “do ensure the house is ready when I return. I understand that you weren't expecting me, but I would like to sleep on a fresh bed tonight and know that I will wake up tomorrow knowing that everything is in order.”
The doorman gave a quick nod that didn't hide his nerves, and attempted to smile. “Yes, my Lord. I will inform the maids to be as thorough and quick as possible.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it…?” Elmore realized now that he didn't know the man's name, nor that of his new coachman. “Sorry, I don't believe I know what to call you.”
“Thomas, sir.”
“Then thank you, Thomas.”
He gave another of those awkward little nods; then the coachman appeared again, and it was time to depart.
Elmore and the coachman wandered back towards the carriage together. Several long moments dragged on, before Elmore said, “I do apologize, but I don't know your name. I was so looking forward to this meeting, that I believe I focused on it too much — it was rude of me not to make more of an effort.”
The man shrugged awkwardly. “It's no trouble, My Lord. I'm only your coachman, it's no concern of yours.”
“It is, though — you've taken me all the way to London, haven't even complained when I asked you to take me out again.” Elmore frowned at that.