It is the Year of Our Lord 1760, and the roads leading to and from London be the most perilous for any traveller. Hounslow Heath being a favourite haunt of the highwayman and footpad. Folly indeed, for the unwary to wander alone. And London be a very wicked place, so it hath been told, with whores, beggars and cutpurses on every street corner...
The journey of Lady Emily Arundel and her daughter Annabelle had been an uneventful one so far.
"And when we arrive at Mablethorpe Hall, be sure to show your appreciation to Lord Barrington-Smythe. His son William, wishes to seek your hand in marriage," Lady Emily began.
"Yes Mother," her daughter replied, with a distinct lack of enthusiasm.
"...His estate comprises over a hundred acres of land..."
"Well, hark at at that!"
"...owns several horses related to Whistlejacket..."
Annabelle struggled to contain a sigh.
"...properties in the colonies..."
"How glorious, Mother."
"...knows a clutch of fashionable London society in beautiful silk suits and powdered wigs attended by almost equally well appointed valets! Whom are accompanied by gorgeous ladies in even more elaborate wigs and dresses in the latest Paris fashions..."
The corpulent gentleman sat opposite them in the coach was Lord Bracewell, an old and dear friend of Lady Emily. He grinned at Annabelle, sensing her discomfort.
"Your Ladyship, it may please you to know, that we are but a mile from our journey's end." And thank heaven for that, Bracewell thought to himself, now feeling the great need of a chamber pot after drinking an excess of ale. He adjusted his periwig.
"Erm, perhaps an opportunity at this gathering for a...f...er, you know...eh?" He gestured something and Lady Emily quickly tapped his leg with her foot.
"Ssh. Manners, Cuthbert! Later, perhaps..."
At that moment the coach lurched as it hit a particularly large pothole. This stretch of road was notoriously bad.
Suddenly, the coach shuddered to an uncomfortable halt and the horses squealed. Other hooves could be heard alongside.
"Stand and deliver!"
"Oh dear God!" Lord Bracewell exclaimed, crossing himself. "I fear we are about to be robbed!"
The masked stranger yelled at the coachman. "Throw down your weapons my bonny boy, or I'll spill your guts on the road!"
There was the sound of muskets hitting the ground.