The weather was overcast, without snow but blustery. Catherine spoke briefly to the gathered household staff from the grand staircase that spiralled down to the hall. She gave final instructions to the housekeeper, granted the butler’s wish for a holiday, promised a bonus to the underservants and apologised for her abrupt departure. Then, leaning on Lydia’s arm, she descended the stairs in as regal a fashion as she could manage.
They did not get very far that day. Not only were they exhausted, but there was also some confusion about which way to go. Catherine wanted to take the most direct route through Bristol and on across the Severn. She was feeling most unwell, and Lydia agreed with her that it seemed unwise to spend extra days on the road. However, the coachman and the Welsh gardener
