‘No, I don’t.’
‘But Knotte overheard him.’
‘I think he must’ve heard Wordsworth talking about his illegitimate daughter, Caroline. She lives in France, but the family are in contact with her and her mother and support her when they can. As you can imagine, communications are not helped by the war.’
‘Did you find that out from Wordsworth’s autobiographical poem?’
Jacob shook his head. ‘It’s clear there’s something hidden in the poem, but it’s coded. There’s a long part that doesn’t seem to fit the rest about lovers who are separated. The clues are there for those who pay attention.’ Then he grinned. ‘But I have to confess Dorothy told me. I’m not that clever. They’re not ashamed of the connection; they merely do not want it bandied about. Wordsworth has more than his fair share of enemies.’
Dora thought about that for a moment. ‘That poem– it’s dangerous, isn’t it? Full of mysteries when it seems so innocent.’
‘All the best poetry is. If you understand a poem at one reading, then it’s not great, merely entertaining.’
‘Says you.’
‘Says me.’ He toyed with her hair. ‘Will you marry me, Dora?’
She snuggled closer. ‘I told you. I’m thinking about it.’
‘I’m going to keep on asking.’
‘And I’ll keep on thinking. But thank you for asking.’
‘You don’t mind?’
‘No, I find I don’t.’
‘That’s encouraging.’
‘But I will say that I find that I love you most desperately. If Lady Alice does try to carry you off, I might have to challenge her to a duel.’
He laughed in delight. ‘My money is on you. I gave the lady hercongéthis morning.’ Dora smiled and kissed his chest in approval. ‘When did you realise you loved me? That’s what I’m interested in.’
There seemed no point hiding it from him, not now she’d admitted so much. ‘I’ve known for a while, but I decided I would tell you when you rescued me and told me that I should be using my frog’s legs and arms.’
‘That was the comment that settled it?’
‘I decided if you could be so absurd when saving my life, then you were the man for me.’
‘Misfits who fit?’
‘Exactly.’
* * *
It was suspiciously quiet in the house when Dora got up late the next morning. The tarn was a blue droplet of heaven, the grass emerald-green, the hills at their most enticing, every fold and field full of golden promise. It felt almost as if they were on holiday, Dora realised– finally.
Bolstered by this thought, Dora went into the kitchen to make Jacob and Ruby some breakfast. She found a note for her on the table.
Dearest Dora,
You will probably laugh when you know where I have gone– and I must smile myself when I think of your surprise. As you read this, I will be heading south to take up my position as Viscount Sandys’ mistress. You need not fear– he does this fully aware that I am keeping my child with me. He has promised he will look after the baby, will find her a situation when she grows up, and that we will want for nothing. He will be her godpapa and have a second family where he can be himself, not the viscount. Unlike you, I will certainly insist on servants and a cook– but each to her own.
I cannot part without thanking you for taking me in– and for promising to care for me and the child. You might not believe it, but I do have my pride. I never intended to take advantage of your generosity. Fortunately, fate has brought another solution my way. I will return the clothes I’ve borrowed as soon as I have a new wardrobe– this is my first priority as you might imagine as none of them will suit my new position. I aim to be the leader of the demi-monde before too long.
I will send my address to you when I’m established– it is likely to be in Marylebone as dear Arthur already has a house there and I’ll see if it will do. I will understand if you do not feel it appropriate to visit me considering the difficulties you have had with the viscount, but I will always welcome your company.
Your affectionate friend,
Ruby Plum
Dora put the letter down. That was… awkward.
Jacob came into the kitchen, tousled and still yawning.
She passed him the letter. ‘There’s been a development– and I fear it’s my fault. Do you still want to marry me?’
