five o'clock
It was not the Duke 's wish to proceed further without resting himself and horse ; but being anxious to please Mistress Penwick , he said ` twould be his pleasure to start at her convenience ; whereupon she relaxed her ardour , finding no opposition , and asked him if he thought the weather would permit . He answered that the weather must permit , and that they could easily reach their destination without killing more than three relays . `` Nay , nay , your Grace , if one horse only were to die , I would not permit such hurry ! '' Suffice it ; the Duke had his rest , and being of no mind to remain longer , at five o'clock in a gale of wind and rain set forth . They had but common post-chaises as any squire would have , as these travelled about without drawing the attention that a London coach would . They rattled and slid along at their own convenience on the muddy road , and the postilion were soon reeking with mire thrown from the horses ' feet . For five hours the chaise jostled Constance , until she declared she would go no farther .