I considered Annabelle's suggestion of the ladies boarding house.  Actually, considering there were nay many options for lodging, I smiled softly at her.  Her face as filled with excitement and I found it contagious.  My smile widened.  With a nod I agreed.  "I shall be pleased to take a room at this boarding house of yours.  Now as for our bags, I fear the burden is is too much for us."  Mr. Avant had heard our conversation and politely spoke up.  "My son can fetch a wagon and tend to your luggage.."  he glanced around "...is it here?"  Annabelle stepped toward him "Oh no sir.  It is at the dressmaker's shop, where I work.  I took them there for safe keeping."  He nodded in approval of Annabelle's idea.  "I'll send my son there.  You two can ride on the wagon if you would like.  Nothing fancy but it will save the time it will take to walk to the boarding house."  Mr. Avant's suggestion gave me an idea.  "Would you mind if your son took us to the Cobb's stable outside of town.  My driver was taken there after he was found injured on the road.  I would like to see to his condition."  Mr Avant frowned.  "I had heard about that.  It's a terrible thing.  Sure, my son can drop the luggage off at the boarding house then take you out to old man Cobb's.  He and his family are good people.  You will be welcome there."  As we spoke with Mr. Avant, his wife had left the parlor.  As Mr. Avant was giving directions to his son when she reappeared with two cloth covered parcels in her hands.  "Now you ladies take this"  she gave Annabelle and me each a parcel.  "There are some scones, jam and apples.  A little something to tide you over."  I was warmed by Mrs. Avant's kindness.  Annabelle gave her a kiss on the cheek and thanked her.  I bowed my head realized that this humble family were so generous to a stranger in their village.  I would remember this kindness and return the gesture one day.<br/><br/>After saying our farewell to the Avant's, Annabelle and I were on the back of the wagon bouncing on a wooden seat that had me wishing the village had smoother roads.  We rolled through town at a slow pace of the donkey pulling us.  Our journey took us past the burned blacksmith shop with red embers still glowing.  The cart slowed as we passed the tavern as a group of five men crossed the road in such an intoxicated state it was a wonder they were standing upright.  Soon enough we came to a stop in front of a two story stone structure.  Bright color flowers filled boxes at the windows on the first and second floor.  Entwined willow formed a wreath and was merrily adorned with blue bows.  The house was a charming sight and my worries of where I would rest my head this eve faded.   The young boy Tom helped Annabelle and me off of the wagon and began removing luggage as I walked along the cobbled path to the front door.  Before I reached it the door opened and a petite, round woman with salt and pepper hair stepped out on the porch.  She gave me a curtsy as I stopped before her and I smiled softly.  "I've brought Lady Erina to stay the evening."  The older woman looked at me and gave a nod.  "Welcome Lady Erina.  My home is modest but it is safe and you will find good company here."  My gaze roamed over the sweet scented wisteria vining on a trellis, rockers with soft pillows just calling one to sit and linger over conversation and tea.  My attention returned to the owner.  Annabelle completed the introduction.  "Lady Erina, this is Mrs. McIntosh."  She curtsied again.  "Mrs. McIntosh I am so pleased to meet you and grateful to be staying in your lovely home."  She blushed at my words and noticed Tom Avant struggling with our luggage.  She ushered him inside and showed him what rooms to put the luggage in.  Although we still had to visit the Cobb's stable it would be rude to rush off.  Annabelle and I had tea in the front parlor and Tom happily ate a plate of Mrs. McIntosh's fresh made ginger snaps.  We spoke of the fire at the blacksmith and when she learned of our visit to my driver she had heard of the event and lamented at how decent folks were not safe these days.<br/><br/>Soon enough Annabelle and I found ourselves back on the wagon and to my displeasure the condition of the road only worsened the farther we got out of the village.  I shifted on the hard seat to try and get comfortable.  Annabelle pointed to a rambling wooden structure that was surrounded with paddocks dotted with horses.  As we approached a man in his 50's and a younger man looking to be in his early 20's came out of the main house ten yards from the stable.  "Hello Tom" said the older man with a smile.  Tom pulled the wagon to a stop and the man patted the donkey's neck.  He looked at me and Annabelle with a quizzical expression.  "Hello Mr. Cobb"  Tom said with a tip of his straw hat.  He looked at the younger man who seemed quite interested in Annabelle. "Howdy Jed" Tom added.  Tom turned on the front seat and pointed his thumb over his shoulder toward us.  "This here is Lady Erina a stranger in town and Annabelle from the dressmaker's shop."  I bit back a smile at Tom's casual introduction and Mr. Cobb gave Tom a disapproving look before turning his attention to the ladies.  "Well to what do I owe this pleasure?"  I hesitated as I felt dread at what I might find out about the driver.  In a soft voice I explained, "Mr Cobb, I understand my driver is here, recovering after being injured.  I came to see as to his condition."  Mr. Cobb's expression turned somber.  "Your driver, well he's in a bad way.  A little better than yesterday but it looks like he will survive."  I released a sigh "May I see him?" I asked.  Mr. Cobb nodded lifted his hand to help me down.  "Of course.  My wife she knows the ways of healing and has been looking after him."  Standing in front of the stable I looked around and could see the buildings were remarkable well cared for and the horses in the paddocks were fine specimens.  As Mr. Cobb led us toward the house, we passed the barn with the doors wide open.  I saw inside stacks of hay, tack and farm equipment all very tidy and in order.  A woman in her 40's stood on the porch of the house.  She had dark hair and a plain but kind face.  She smiled shyly as Annabelle and I approached.  "My Dear, this is Lady Erina and Annabelle.  The Lady has come to see to our patient."  Her eyes widened as she curtsied.  "This is my wife, Marie.  And this is my son Jed."  Smiling at Marie I stepped toward her.  "I understand the driver has survived due to your compassion for taking a stranger in and your skill as a healer.  I am most grateful to you and Mr. Cobb for the kindness you have shown."  Marie seemed uncomfortable at the praise she received.  "I am happy we came upon him when we did.  I will show you to him."  I turned to Annabelle.  Seeing the bashful glances between her and Jed I smiled.  "Annabelle, why do you not visit with the Cobb's while I see to my driver.  I shall not be long."  She agreed and I followed Marie down a hallway and into a small bedroom.<br/><br/>"I'll leave you to visit" said Marie before stepping out of the room and closing the door behind her.  The sight of my driver made me catch my breath.  His head was bandaged from where he received blows from the attacker.  One eye was black and swollen shut and his lip was cut and swollen.  He rested with his eyes closed but as I approached this bedside one eye opened.  I could tell he recognized me and he tried to move.  Holding my hand out to gently touch his arm my head shook slowly.  "No, please do not move.  It is important that you rest and recover.  I had been so worried about you and was told by the guard in the village that you might be here.  When I was told what had become of you I was so very worried."  I pulled a chair to the side of the bed and sat on the edge.  His voice was soft and raspy.  "I never saw him.  He came at me from behind and struck me with a solid metal pipe."  My hand went to my chest as it tightened, hearing the horrific details of his attack.  "And my horses were stolen."  I could see how agitated he was.  "Please do not preoccupy your mind with this.  I shall replace your horses.  Perhaps Mr. Cobb has horses available.  They are of fine stock.  And I will pay for your care while you stay here."  I could tell my words gave the driver comfort.  "What matters is that you get well.  So you must not worry about anything."  I was unsure if the Cobb's were literate.  Before I left the room, I had the driver tell me an address where I could send a letter to and explain his situation.  I was certain his family would be worried.  His lids blinked slowly and I knew he was tired.  Rising from the chair I again touched his arm lightly, "You just rest and you will be right as rain soon."  He gave a faint smile as he closed his eyes and appeared to drift to sleep.