"Absolutely certain. If I hadn't slept quite so long I would have relieved you earlier. You're a butler, Farris, not a driver. We appreciate your stepping into the job, but there's no reason why the burden can't be shared. Besides, I quite like to drive a carriage."

There was such a little boy tone in her brother's voice that Tamara could not help chuckling softly. It was true, actually. Ever since he had been a small boy, William had dogged the various drivers in the family's employ to let him take the reins. It wasn't only courtesy that prompted him now. There was still a bit of the boy in him.

Doctor Nichols was shaken from his reverie by the slowing of the carriage. He turned to gaze at Tamara but then addressed himself to William.

"Must we stop?"