"How does this miracle manifest itself, Percival?" asked Genevieve, even though she knew the real answer. She inwardly cursed that she had not left a mark on the odious Lordship's face. "Not a scratch, not a mark on his person, truly wondrous," replied Percival, with his conviction as to the veracity of the report clear in his voice. Stand and Deliver - Part 2 by Alys

"Thank you Bessie, that smells wonderful," Genevieve said as she sat down for breakfast the next morning, wearing a simple, high waist morning dress and her chestnut wig.

"Nothing like freshly baked bread Miss Genevieve," replied Bessie, as she finished setting the food on the table.

"You must have risen very early to make this Bessie?" enquired Genevieve.

"It's nothing, Miss Genevieve, after yesterday I thought you deserved a treat, you were very late home," responded Bessie.

"You sound just like my poor Mama used to, rest her soul," chuckled Genevieve," but I know that you do not mean it as a rebuke. I did what I felt I had to do Bessie"

"Yes, Miss Genevieve, but it was a dangerous gesture, you could have been apprehended and then what might have happened?"

Genevieve took a slice of bread, spread some strawberry preserve on it and ate a small piece.

"Bessie please will you sit down with me and take a cup of tea with me," requested Genevieve.

"Miss, that is not my place," replied Bessie, formally.

"Please, I need to explain something to you," responded Genevieve.

"As you wish, Miss Genevieve."

Bessie sat down next to the Lady of the house and poured herself a small cup of tea. Her mostly grey hair and heavily lined face showed evidence of a lifetime of toil, but also some joy etched in the laughter lines around her lips.

Genevieve finished her piece of bread and smiled at her loyal housekeeper.

"Bessie when I bought you and your Malcolm from slavery on the Gold Coast I promised you that I would always ensure your well being," she said speaking softly.

"Yes, Miss Genevieve."

"You know that the two of you have repaid any debt you might feel you owe me, for freeing you, many times over. So, as I have promised I have made appropriate provision. In the event of something unfortunate happening to me you will not want for a home or an income."

"Thank you Miss Genevieve, you are too kind," responded Bessie.

"My legal representative in Bath, Mr Tollit, has the official documentation ready and if the worst does happen you are to go to see him, taking all your legal papers, I hope this plan will ease your mind Bessie," Genevieve concluded, touching Bessie's hand gently to emphasise her point.

Before Bessie could reply there was a loud knock on the door outside. The housekeeper moved quickly to establish the identity of the unexpected visitor. There was the sounds of a brief conversation with a man, clearly someone of standing from the reassured tone that Genevieve heard. She smiled as she recognised the voice, if not the exact words.

"Miss Genevieve, Captain Wilcox requests admission, what will you have me say?" Bessie asked on her return.

"I would ask you to invite him in, but please let me have a moment to seat myself in a more appropriate way," said Genevieve getting up quickly from the dining table and sitting in a comfortable chair in the far corner of the room, near to the fireplace.

Captain Wilcox of the Somerset County Yeomanry strode vigorously across the room towards Genevieve. He took her proffered right hand and delicately brought his lips to touch it, he lingered a little while with her hand in his.

"Captain Wilcox, won't you join me," said Genevieve, indicating a chair nearby," to what do we owe the pleasure of your company?"

"Yes, thankyou," responded Captain Wilcox," but you know that there is no need to be so formal with me, Genevieve"

"I am so sorry Percival, it's just that I wasn't sure if this was a business or personal visit"

"Well there is a business element. I have the disturbing news that there is a determined band of highwaymen operating in these parts," he said with a very serious tone.

"Really? That is extremely unsettling. Pray tell how has this come about," stated Genevieve.

"It is a sorry tale for poor Lord Parsimon," began Percival.

"Please do inform me what tragedy has been visited on the noble Lord?" asked Genevieve, wondering how the official version of events differed from the one she knew to be true.

"Yes, dear Genevieve it is nothing short of a tragedy, and not just for his Lordship, but also for the rest of the educated class in Somerset. Last night as his coach was speeding to Bath, on urgent business, his party was attacked by a number of determined highwaymen. Being so dark, with almost no moonlight he is uncertain of the exact size of the attacking group. His Lordship fought bravely but despite his valour he was forced to yield his purses" explained the Captain.

Genevieve was finding it hard to suppress her laughter at such a ludicrous exaggeration, she coughed to relieve some of the internal tension.

"That is indeed rather a frightening tale," she responded," no doubt Lord Parsimon is still recuperating from his injuries after such a tremendous conflict?"

"That is indeed the miraculous aspect of the whole incident, it really is a silver lining to the dark cloud," responded Percival.

"How does this miracle manifest itself, Percival?" asked Genevieve, even though she knew the real answer. She inwardly cursed that she had not left a mark on the odious Lordship's face.

"Not a scratch, not a mark on his person, truly wondrous," replied the Percival, with his conviction as to the veracity of the report clear in his voice.

"I am grateful to you for this warning, I will consider such dangers in my future travels," responded Genevieve, hoping that Percival's visit would be as short as possible, since she had a number to tasks to complete before sun fall.

"That is why I am visiting all the establishments in the area, with my troop, to make residents of this district aware of the threat to their livelihoods" continued Percival.

"You did not say that you were here with your troop. Oh I feel that I have not shown the proper hospitality to you and your men. I will instruct Bessie and Malcolm to provide refreshments for your company," said Genevieve, reaching for her silver bell to summon her housekeeper.

Percival put a hand on hers to stop her ringing.

"Wait there is no need, we have already been adequately supplied by your two servants, more than adequately in many respects. Those two are really a wonder," he stated.

Genevieve relaxed in her chair and agreed with Percival's opinion of Bessie and Malcolm. The conversation became more normal as they exchanged news about the members of their circle in various parts of Bath and the surrounding countryside. In a short while Percival had turned the discussion to the Autumn ball, he once again asked Genevieve to accompany him. She prevaricated but promised an answer within the week. She sighed to herself how he was proving a much more obstinate suitor than all the others who generally given up after a year or two, once they realised that Genevieve had no intention of marrying.

Finally the ordeal of the visit was over as Percival realised, from the room clock striking eleven, that he had to move on to complete the remainder of his visits. He bade Genevieve farewell with another delicate kiss on her hand and then strode out to collect his soldiers together.

As soon as the door was closed, after Percival's departure, Genevieve rushed to her bedroom. She knew she would have to hurry to complete everything in the shorter period she had left.

Removing her wig, and replacing it delicately on its stand, she let her own dark hair fall, then she put it into a quick pony tail. She removed her dress and put on the male waistcoat, breeches and jacket that was stored at the back of her wardrobe, to avoid a casual inspection.

She moved over to the chest at the foot of her bed and, after taking the key from its hiding place, opened it. She quickly located the purses, she had taken the night before, and after removing about half their contents and putting it in a new purse, she replaced the originals in the chest.

The clock struck half past eleven, she knew that she had to rush so she ran down the stairs, almost crashing into Bessie at the bottom.

"Miss Genevieve, I am so sorry for being in your way," said Bessie contritely.

"Don't worry Bessie, it is I who is at fault," responded Genevieve.

"Miss Genevieve I have your saddlebag, made up with the necessary items," explained Bessie, as she handed over Genevieve's leather saddlebag.

"Thank you, Bessie, you are a real treasure," Genevieve said smiling at her housekeeper," but I regret that I must leave you for the few days that we talked about."

"Yes of course, give my regards to your aunt, I hope she gets better soon," commented Bessie.

"I'm sure she will," responded Genevieve, with a grin on her face.

As usual Malcolm had worked his wizardry with Genevieve's horse, and after less than twelve hours of rest he looked like he had a lot of energy.

"Thank you Malcolm, you are wonderful," said Genevieve, smiling at her handyman," have a good few days, I shall return, I hope, on Sunday."

Genevieve made rapid progress across the open fields, riding her horse, Prince. She had placed a male hat on her head hoping to confuse people about her true gender.

After a short while she had reached the outskirts of a large wood. As Prince carried her through the mixture of large mature trees and forest glades, she reflected how glad she would be to get rid of the stolen money. The sun peaked out from a hole in a grey cloud. It felt so wonderful to be alive. Prince pushed his way through the last of the trees.

"Stop right there and get off your horse!" came the command from in front of her.

Genevieve looked up to see two of the Captain's troop pointing their flint lock muskets at her.