To Love An Earl

Genres: Historical Romance; Victorian Romance

Synopsis

One of the worst snow storms in over a decade hits England. What's the worst that could happen?

Lady Jane Blackmont finds herself stranded at the Earl of Norwood's estate. Not looking for love of any fashion, she finds herself falling for a neighbor and one of her brother's friends.

The Earl of Norwood rescues the young woman after her carriage careens off the road. Right in front of his estate. Norwood's been unlucky in love, but finds himself intrigued with the smart and talented Lady Jane.

Does he dare open himself up to love?

Life is about to hand the pair more than most young couples have to deal with in a life time. Lady Jane shows Norwood she's up to the challenge.

Release date: February 12, 2021

Publisher: Oliver Heber Books

Print pages: 214

Content advisory: Sizzling scenes

Sample

Chapter One

"Why did my brother pick now for one of his reckless parties?" Lady Jane Blackmont asked.

"You know he needs no reason for what he does," Sara said.

"What?"

"He's a duke, my lady. He needs no reason. The rest of the world is supposed to kowtow to his whims."

"Apparently I'm supposed to play hostess for him. Why he had to pick now is beyond me. Surely he knows there's a storm brewing." Jane's stomach churned as the carriage kept on. "What are we to do if we don't find a coaching inn? Or worse yet, get stuck on the side of the road?"

"I'm sure none of that will happen. We'll reach Blackmont Crest before you know it," her maid said.

"Thanks for your reassurance."

What should have been a four hour carriage ride had turned into seven. Dusk was fast approaching, and they needed to get off the roads.

She pulled back the curtains that had been closed to keep the cold out. "We're almost there," she said.

"How long will we be here?" Sara inquired.

"A fortnight, Henry said."

Jane had never been away in this sort of weather. Her father would have never allowed it. He was gone, the dukedom left to her older brother, who thought everyone's life revolved around him.

"Do you know who's going to be at this house party?" Sara asked.

"His usual friends I'm sure. His letter stated he'd run into an old friend from Eaton recently. I don't remember his name, nor do I care. All of Henry's friend's are rogues in some fashion."

"You never have been one to say no to His Grace, my lady."

Henry was one of her weak spots. He knew it and took full advantage of it now that there was only the two of them. Their parents had been killed in a freak carriage accident five years earlier, leaving Henry with the dukedom and Jane his faithful sister. Until he found a woman to marry, he needed someone to keep some edge of sanity to his ways. At least until he found his duchess to marry. If that'd ever happen.

"I know, but until he finds a wife, someone needs to see he doesn't go to hell."

"There must be some ladies of fine breeding attending if he's asking you to attend," Jane said.

"Who will be attending with their parents, I would hope."

"His Grace would never invite you to one of his stag parties," Sara mused.

Jane released a nervous laugh. "He'll not hear the end of it if he ever invites me to one of those."

"Umhmmm."

Jane was about to close the curtain when one of the horses spooked. The carriage careened over the road. Ice had set in. Could the driver regain control of the team before something awful happened? She tried to breathe and forget how her parents had died. It couldn't happen to her. Jane looked across at Sara, whose face had gone stark white. She was scared beyond words as the carriage swayed, tumbling and landing on its side. She was the last person Jane saw before everything went black.

***

Jane didn't think she'd fainted. She looked around. Everything was covered in white snow, but the white was looking black as night. She felt in front of her and thought she felt the skirt of the dress Sara had been wearing.

It was silent. Everything was silent. No sound of the horses or the coachman. They were situated on the side of the carriage, that much she knew. The door was above her. She needed to get out and get out quickly.

She managed to stand, and with fumbling hands, she managed to get the door open. Now how would she get herself out? She heard nothing except the sound of Sara's breathing.

"Sara! Sara! Are you all right?"

"Yes, my lady. I think I am fine," came the faint reply.

"Do you think you can help lift me up?"

She heard rustling of fabric as her maid tried to reposition herself. "We're going to freeze to death if we don't get out of here," Sara wailed.

"Which is why I need you to help me up. I'm sure William is chasing the team."

As Sara began lifting Jane up through the door of the carriage, Jane noticed a large man standing in silhouette. He had dismounted his stallion and was shaking his head.

"What happened, my lady?"

"I'm not sure. The last thing I remember is one of the horses being spooked and the carriage sliding across the road."

"Are you hurt?" he asked.

"I don't believe so. My maid is still inside. We need to get her out."

He shook his head. "You ladies have no business being out alone in weather like this."

"If you must know, we were on our way to my brother's estate."

"Who's your brother, if I might ask?" he rumbled.

"Henry Blackmont, the Duke of Blackmont."

"Henry's your brother? Well, don't fret. You're not but a few miles from his estate. Though in this storm, you ladies will be better off coming with me. I'm Norwood. My place is just down this road."

Jane stood and stared at him in the falling snow. "Norwood. The Earl of Norwood? I remember you."

"My man and I will help your maid out of the carriage. We'll get you to Norwood Manor. You can spend the night. My man will try and find your man and team, though in this snow, I doubt they'll go far."

Jane pondered her limited options. She knew she had no choice but to go with the earl. "Thank you, my lord," Jane replied.

"As for the carriage, I'm afraid there's nothing that can be done until this storm subsides."

"Can you get word to my brother? I would hate for him to worry needlessly."

"I'll see it is done, though it might have to wait until morning."

She stared at him thoughtfully. It'd been years since she'd seen him. His face was almost unrecognizable. With a hint of a beard, his jaw was chiseled. The beard, she surmised, made him look rugged.

Annoyed and cold, she helped him as he sprung Sara free from the carnage. She remembered why she never cared for him. He was an arrogant arse. Arrogant, condescending, and sanctimonious. That's what he was. What was it about young men who claimed their titles? They were all the same. Her brother, Norwood. It was enough to make her want to scream.

He brought his stallion around and picked her up effortlessly. He deposited her in front of his saddle.

"Is there anything you need?" he asked.

"My trunks, but I doubt that's possible right now."

"Once your team and man have been found, they'll figure a way to get them to my home."

She looked down at him in the fading light of the day. Prominent cheekbones, lush lashes, and full lips she hadn't noticed caught her breath. He was the most handsome, beautiful man she could recall ever meeting.

He mounted the beast, swinging his leg over the saddle. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose."

***

The ride was short, but nonetheless, an awkward silence took over. Jane chose to not say a word. He said his house wasn't far.

"If I may be so bold, what sort of girl goes out in a snow storm?"

Jane glared at him. "It wasn't snowing when we left London."

"Not the best of ideas. I take it your brother beckoned you. He's having another of his famous house parties?"

"He never said. Just asked if I'd come."

Arching a brow, he grinned at her. "And like the dutiful sister, you came. No questions asked."

Exasperated, Jane swore to herself and kept her eyes on what lay ahead.

"Was it something I said, my lady?" He snorted.

"How have you managed to get this far in life?"

"Easy. Probably because I'm an only child, while you are part of what? A half dozen?"

She said nothing, keeping her eyes ahead.

"Your brother brags that he had more siblings than Henry the eighth had wives."

"By two."

"There are eight of you?"

"Yes, and of the eight, I'm the eldest daughter."

"So you said."

"You needn't worry. I assure you they're all quite civilized."

"Tell me about them."

She tightened her grip on the horse's mane as they walked through the snow. "Henry's the oldest, and I'm the oldest daughter. Then comes the twins, Albert and Alice. After that, it's Edward, Daisy. The youngest are Ben and Leo. Twins again. Identical."

"How has your mother managed to stay sane?"

"With the help of nannies and governesses."

"That's a lot of children to have to deal with."

"It is, but she's always managed to give us as much of her time as possible."

"Do they reside here?"

"Yes, and you? Does your mother live with you, my lord?"

"Heavens, no. She stays the winter in London. She comes here in the summer. She lives in the dowager house."

Jane could see the house, even in the dark. It was hard to see, but there were torches lit in the front of the house. "So who lives here right now?"

"Just me."

She sighed. "You're just full of wonderful news aren't you?"

"You asked a question. I answered it. I could have lied, you know."

"But instead, you told me the truth."

He waggled his brows at her. "Don't worry; I won't ravage you or whatever silly thoughts are rolling through that brain of yours. I can assure you I'm harmless."

"Said a rake."

He rumbled with laughter. "I dare say you're not exactly at your best, Lady Jane."

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Wait until we get you inside where you can look at yourself in a looking glass."

"I look a fright? I knew it!"

"I'm afraid it's worse than that. You've most likely broken your nose in the accident. Your eyes are turning black as well."

"Oh, my God!" Jane shrieked. "Why didn't you tell me?" Her fingers were carefully touching her face.

"Tell you what?" He smirked.

"That I've ruined my face."

"I don't think it’s ruined. Banged up, perhaps. You'll be right as rain in a week or two."

He leaned over her from behind. Jane swore she caught a whiff of his cologne. Wintergreen? The touch of his gloved finger on her cheek sent a shocking bolt of electricity straight through her. All the way between her legs. What was that?

He dismounted at the front door of his manor, helping her down. "Thank you," she whispered.

She stood next to him for a moment while he barked orders to servants, sending everyone scurrying.

His man had brought her maid to the front door as well. He talked with the duke before he left in search of her coachman and team. Surely they wouldn't have gone as far as her brother's.

"I imagine you'd like to take a bath and change. My housekeeper, Mrs. Blake, will see that both you and your maid are taken care of."

"Thank you, Your Grace. I appreciate your help."

"No need. I'll see you at dinner then?"

"Perhaps. It'll depend on how I feel." She looked up at him and noticed his eyes were the most unusual shade of brown. Dark, almost black. To match his inky black hair.

Jane felt the awareness that had come between them moments earlier reappear. She had never in her life felt an overpowering need to be next to someone. To touch another person. Instead she rolled her hands into fists.

"I'll make sure some ice is brought upstairs to your room. For your face. It might help."

"Thank you again, my lord."

"Please, call me Norwood."

"Very well. Thank you. Again, Norwood." She smiled, then turned and followed his housekeeper up the stairs. She couldn't bear to look at that perfectly carved body any longer. The feelings that coursed through her body proved she was more than a little attracted to the earl. Men. They certainly were a peculiar bunch.

 

 

 

 

Chapter Two

She'd left her perfume, the scent of oranges and vanilla, on his clothes. Meeting her had brought back memories of other women in his life. Anna Grover, the mysterious one. One who could never truly decide whether she wanted him or more than an earldom had to offer.

He'd made a monumental mistake of falling in love with her. He'd gotten permission from her brother to court her; they had talked about marriage. He should have seen the signs.

He hadn't.

Norwood hadn't thought of that disaster in quite a while. It reminded him to steer clear of women who didn't belong in his world. From the tips of her ruined slippers to the fur hat and cultured way she spoke, she was a peer.

He smiled.

Everything male in him had stood up and taken notice of her. She was Henry's sister, and he'd be wise to continue pretending that she certainly didn't appeal to him. Tomorrow, he would take her back home.

His man, Davis, knocked on the door to his study where he'd been hiding out since bringing the lady into his home.

"Her brother knows she's here."

"Is he to come and get her tomorrow?" Norwood inquired.

"No, His Grace said he'd have someone get her once the storm was over and the roads were passable."

Great, he was stuck with her for the next few days.

"Thanks, Davis. Now go warm yourself up. There's nothing to be done until this storm passes."

The man nodded and left the room, leaving Norwood staring into the hearth and the warmth of the fire.

Now all he had to do was figure out a way to show the lady that he wasn't attracted to her, how to give her a polite brush off while she was a guest in his home. Problem was he didn't see how he could avoid her. Or not be nice to her. She'd already challenged his pledge to avoid women at all costs. How long could he resist her? She was too big a temptation.

***

Jane woke the next morning, her face throbbing. As images from the carriage accident ran through her mind, she knew everything was as it had been when she went to bed. Even her lips felt swollen. Moaning, she forced herself out of the large bed and walked to the next room and took care of her necessities. She wondered where her maid was. Sara was probably not in much better shape than she was. If they'd stayed in London, none of this would have happened. Damn Henry.

Staring in the looking glass, she was appalled by what she saw. Her face was black, blue, and swollen. Even her lips had swelled.

"Good morning, my lady," Sara said from behind her in a monotone. Her maid was almost always cheerful in the morning, but one look at her, and Jane could see why she wasn't.

"Sara, we were both incredibly lucky. Though I completely blame my brother for insisting I travel. Surely he knew a storm was on its way in."

"We were lucky, my lady. I'm afraid we won't be going anywhere. The snow is still coming down."

"Fine. I'd rip Henry's heart out if I saw him right now."

"Are you ready to get dressed?"

"I believe I'd like a bath first. Were they able to retrieve our bags?"

"His man took care of everything, including informing your brother as to where we were."

"He sent his man out in this weather? He's crazier than I thought."

"Perhaps," Sara replied. "What do you think of him?"

"Who?"

"The earl."

"He's arrogant, thinks a lot of himself. Not my type at all." As soon as she said the words, a tingle sprang through her body. No, she was definitely not attracted to the Earl of Norwood, no matter what her body told her.

Sara nodded and wandered off to the bathing chamber, whistling some tune.

Jane followed, hoping the hot water and long soak would help her face somewhat.

She crawled into the steaming tub and sat back and tried to get her mind off what had happened. Her face made her look like some sort of monster from a fairy tale. She sat up and washed her blonde hair, hoping to get some of the filth out of it.

It was still very cold, so she decided on a heavy, brown wool dress. This time, instead of slippers, she pulled on a pair of sturdy boots.

She hadn't eaten since she'd left London. Her stomach was telling her it was past time to eat something. She'd gone straight to bed when she arrived. Too much in shock at what had happened. Some hot tea would help warm her.

Making her way down the hall and descending the stairs, she found the open door to what she surmised to be a breakfast room. There were wonderful smells coming from a sideboard. Sausages, eggs, cheese, toast, and even fruit were lined up waiting. She picked up a plate and began to make her choices.

The footman gave her a startled look as he approached the table with a pot of tea.

"Carriage slid off the road in the snow," she said.

He nodded, but said nothing. He was trained not to react.

"Good morning, Jane."

She turned to find the earl, who looked entirely different without his great coat and hat. He wore a dark brown suit and looked quite dashing. "Good morning, my lord." She said.

"I trust you slept well, in spite of your face?" he asked, before further commenting on it. "Does it hurt?"

"Nothing I cannot live with, my lord. I'm thankful neither I nor my maid were hurt any worse than we were."

"Of course. If you need anything, just ask."

"Thank you, I will, my lord."

"Norwood. Please call me Norwood. My lord makes me feel like I'm my father, which I am not."

"Very well. Norwood."

They sat and ate in silence. Just as well. Jane didn't need to get involved with him or any other man. They'd have to be approved by her brother, and thus far, no one had met his strict code. Better to be a spinster and have her freedom.

But there was business to attend to. She may be his guest, but if her carriage hadn't slipped off the road, she wouldn't be here. Things could have gone worse. Norwood might not have shown up when he did, and she and Sara could have frozen before help arrived.

He must have been reading her mind. Damn him.

"Feel free to make yourself at home. I imagine it might be several days before we can safely return you to your brother's estate."

"I won't get in your way."

She watched him choke back a laugh. She waved her hand. "Go ahead, laugh. I have to admit it is sort of funny. Not the getting my face hurt, but how we ended up meeting again after all these years."

Clearing his throat, he smiled. "Something I certainly won't forget any time soon."

"Nor I. The snow certainly hasn't let up since last night," she said, turning her attention to the window.

"Doesn't look like it's going to let up any time soon."

Jane's tired mind whirled around as she thought out the scenario. It certainly was quieter here. None of her younger siblings around yelling and carrying on. Most of the boys would be at school. Her sisters were there, at the estate.

"I suppose I'll manage here."

There was nothing that demanded her time or presence at home. Only if Henry had his usual, disgusting crew of vultures around. But the governess would make sure her sisters spent their time upstairs and out of harm's way.

Norwood had intrigued her. How lucky to have been brought up an only child. He had had his parents’ undivided attention. Unless, of course, they were like some peers’ parents she knew who never gave their children a second thought. He didn't seem as though he'd been brought up without his parents. She was sure he'd gone away to school. Probably another way her brother and he knew each other.

"I can show you the house when you're finished. I have a well-stocked library and music room."

"Thank you. I'd like that."

She followed him from the breakfast room into the gallery. There were portraits of long gone relatives of the earl's. Jane found one of a man who resembled the earl in the face. With the exception that the man looked slightly older, Jane thought he might be a brother. Brightness from the snow made the room appear lighter than it actually was.

"My father," Norwood said.

"The resemblance is strong."

"Yes, it is. Come, the library is right down the hall."

She followed him down the hall to a door. The scent of leather, ink and paper greeted her. There were three walls filled with books. She stared in awe at the sight.

She turned to head for the furthest wall. It seemed to hold the oldest volumes. As she turned, she nearly ran head on into Norwood.

He reached out to steady her. As he did, Jane caught the scent of his shaving soap. Wintergreen.

"I was curious about the volumes on these shelves. They seem older," she said as he pulled back.

He took a long look at her, his expression never changed. Good thing. If he'd begun laughing at the state of her face, she would have been forced to do something unladylike. Like give him a good thrashing on the shoulder. Those muscular, well-defined shoulders.

She noted his hair was worn in a cue, on the longish side, not cut like most men these days. It reminded her of black ink.

"You seem to like running into things, don't you?" He grinned.

"The carriage was an accident. Couldn't be helped. You deliberately got in my way,” she retorted, annoyed to realize the earl was even more handsome than he'd been the night before.

He was beautiful in a rugged sort of way. He was perfect. Full, sexy lips, brown eyes. Men weren't supposed to be so beautiful and appealing.

Jane remembered her face and how hideous she must look to him. She put her hand up to cover her swollen lips.

"Does it hurt much?" he asked, his voice wrapped with concern and gentle.

"Not too much." She looked up at him. "Are the books in any sort of order?" She had to get the conversation off of herself. She paused to examine some books. A collection of architecture, astronomy, and philosophy. Shakespeare and Keats also graced his shelves.

The words hung in the charged air between them as they stared at each other. Jane found herself quite unable to look away.

"These shelves are old volumes, mainly dealing with architecture, things of that nature."

"And over here?" She pointed toward another book filled wall.

"Sonatas, poetry, works of Shakespeare, that sort of thing."

"So I might find a novel or two there? Perhaps something old, by Keats?"

"It's possible. The other wall contains scientific works. More things that interested my father and grandfather."

"It's quite a collection," she replied.

"Yes. Come, you can pick something out later. Now I'd like to show you the music room."

"I'd love that," she said. Her heart beat wildly when he reached out to guide her from the room.

Damn him, he smiled again. She had to get away, to her brother's.

"Something wrong?"

"No. How far did you say my brother's estate is from here?"

"A good three miles at least. Too far in present conditions," Norwood said with a grin. "I'm afraid you're going to be my house guest for at least the next several days."

"I never said anything about leaving. If you noticed, the snow has yet to let up," she retorted. "You said you live here on your own?"

"Yes. My mother stays in the dowager house when she visits. At the moment, she's in London visiting friends and shopping."

Norwood gestured for Jane to walk toward the door.

"So it's just the two of you?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so now that my father's gone. She keeps herself busy. Sometimes I can hardly keep up with her."

"I couldn't imagine such peace and quiet."

"I'm sure. The times I've been to your brother's it was always bursting with children. Or so it seemed."

"The boys are at school right now. My sisters are there, with the help of a couple nannies and governesses." She laughed. "It's never quiet. I'm surprised Henry tolerates it."

"He has no choice. He's their guardian now."

"That doesn't stop my brother from being naughty. And before you say a word, yes, I know all about his parties. The ones he has when all his siblings are either in London or Bath."

"You know? About the parties?"

"Of course I know. I don't need to attend to understand that they're not something to be held with young children under the same roof."

She wondered if Norwood had ever been invited to one of her brother's risqué get-togethers.

A large black wolfhound came bounding up to them. Excited, he nearly knocked Jane off her feet.

"Simon, down!" Norwood barked He grabbed her arm and kept her from toppling over.

"I'm sorry, he loves people."

Jane burst out laughing, which made her face hurt. "He's a baby still, isn't he?"

"Yes. Not quite full grown, I'm afraid."

Jane had always loved dogs and still was in mourning for her spaniel who'd been her constant companion. She wanted another, but Henry thought small dogs were useless. Maybe one day she'd replace him.

"How many dogs do you have?"

"Four, but Simon seems to be the one who escapes his pen and comes to the house."

"Surely they're not out in this cold?"

"Of course not. They have a very large, and quite warm place to shelter," he replied.

She didn't want to look at him. She didn't want anything to do with this wonderful, handsome man. This was a temporary situation. There was no reason to allow herself to be attracted to Norwood.

However, her body thought differently as she thought about him.

As he turned to send the dog off on its way, Jane tried not to notice the back side of him. It was every bit as well built as the front. Not that she was looking.

 

Chapter Three

"My lord, may I have a word?" Mr. Garner, the butler, said as the two of them reached a closed door.

"Certainly."

He turned to Jane. "I'll be but just a minute. Feel free to make yourself at home," he said, holding the door open.

"Thank you."

Jane stepped into the room. A fire was lit in the fireplace, making the room warmer than the hall had been. A piano sat to one side near large windows. She noted the paper on the walls matched the fabric on the settee and a pair of chairs. All had musical themes to them.

A harp sat covered next to one wall. The drapes were closed to keep the cold weather out. The room was dark, except for the light of the fire.

She neared the piano and found her hands were trembling ever so slightly as she touched the keys. It seemed to be in tune, making her wonder if the master of the house played as well.

She sat down and began to play something she pulled from her memories.

"You may not remember, but we met years ago. You were just a small girl at the time."

"Was it here?"

"It was," he said.

"I'm sorry I don't remember."

"As I said, you were a young girl. You played even then."

"It's something I've always done. Unlike most of my siblings I always have had a love for music. I suppose it's because it came naturally for me."

"Something we share in common, though I will admit I don't play nearly as much as I once did. Please continue."

She tried to put her fingers on the keys but found they were trembling ever so slightly.

"Don't be nervous," he said softly.

He smiled that gorgeous smile of his again, but this time, he actually calmed her nerves.

She began to play, forcing herself to concentrate on the keys in front of her and not let her gaze wander to Norwood. She knew looking at him would distract her.

She played a Bach piece, willing herself through the music. It was one of several she had memorized over the years. She found it soothing and was easily taken into another world music offered. A world where one could lose one’s self.

Finally, she allowed herself to look at Norwood and found him watching her, as though he were hanging on every note she played. Her skin prickled with awareness of him.

He was seated in a chair next to the piano. He was smiling at her as she played. Turning her attention back to the keys, she brought the piece to its conclusion. He was getting under her skin like no other man had.

"You're incredible," he said as she finished the piece.

"Thank you."

He stood. "Will you be all right on your own for a couple of hours? There are some things needing my immediate attention."

"Of course. Even a snowstorm like this can't stop business, can it?"

"Something like that," he replied with a smirk. "Lunch should be ready by the time I'm through. Maybe we can wander outside after."

She laughed. "I'd like that. This time I'll remember to keep my boots on rather than venture out in slippers."

***

Norwood shut the door behind Jane, leaving her in the music room. He returned to his study, where a missive from Jane's brother awaited. He wondered if he should tell her. He'd sent a man to let the duke know his sister was stranded. He'd answered back that he was relieved his sister had found a dry place. The carriage would have to wait until the storm stopped.

He was impressed with her response to her situation. Being stranded at an estate, even if it meant she was alone with him, a man. She wasn't like other women who might take to their beds being forced into a situation such as this.

He glanced down at a packet from one of his businesses. It contained the cargo a new client wanted his shipping business to pick up from a port in France. The shipment would nearly fill his ship, and the money to be paid him was inviting. The client was new and would expand his own business by the different ports the client wished to buy from.

Norwood was willing to take the risk. If things didn't go as planned, he would at least know where he'd made his mistakes, and if this worked, well, things would certainly be better. It would mean hiring more men, purchasing one or more new ships for his foundling fleet. Not just any ships, either. He needed to look into steam ships. They were the way of the future.

His mind went back to the young woman he left in the music room. It'd been a long time since he'd been this attracted to any woman. Anna had been nice enough to look at, though she was stuffy and unwilling to try anything new. Jane, on the other hand, was bold and daring.

Norwood stood up and walked around the room, standing in front of the fire to warm himself. He wanted to get to know her better. Certainly, the weather had blessed him with an opportunity. He needed to use the time wisely. He figured he had two to three days, depending on the storm. The longer the storm lingered, the longer Jane would be forced to remain at his home.

Looking out the window, he saw nothing but white. He couldn't see the trees, much less anything else. The wind was blowing hard, and the snow was coming down at a fast pace. It was fit for neither man nor beast out there.

Which might not be a bad thing when he thought about it. His correspondence was caught up. It couldn't be sent until the weather cleared, and by the looks of it, it would be several days before anyone went anywhere.