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‘We’ll see about that, shall we?’ Hester’s implacable expression was not encouraging.
‘Yes, we will. I’ll go now, Hester.’ He sauntered off at a leisurely pace.
‘That boy will be the death of me,’ Hester said grimly. ‘The future of Rockwood Castle will be in his hands – heaven help us!’
‘Don’t be too hard on him.’ Nancy rose to her feet. ‘Tommy will be a credit to the family.’
‘You and he were always thick as thieves when you were growing up.’
Nancy smiled. ‘Yes, we got into all sorts of scrapes, most of which we managed to keep from you and Rosie.’
‘You thought I didn’t know, but I know everything that goes on in the castle and the village.’
Nancy eyed her thoughtfully. ‘Did you know Gervase North’s parents?’
‘I wouldn’t say I knew them, but their mansion outside Exeter is where I first went into service with Gervase North’s grandparents. His mother and father inherited the property when the old couple passed away.’
‘So Gervase would have been born there?’
‘Yes, I suppose so. I had left long before then.’
‘Was that where you had the problem with the butler?’
Hester laughed. ‘That’s one way of putting it, but yes. Tobias was the result of that unfortunate incident, although now I know him I am glad it happened.’
‘Will Tobias visit you here when his ship is in port?’
‘He’s promised that he will see me as often as possible. We have so many years to catch up on.’
‘You must be so proud of him, Hester.’
‘I am indeed. Anyway, I haven’t got time to stand and chat. I hope Rosie comes home soon. I’m too old to keep an eye on the schoolroom and the nursery.’
‘But Hester, Jennet looks after the children, and Louise comes in every day to give them lessons.’
Hester rolled her eyes. ‘But I am responsible for the running of the household. I want to hand everything back to Rosie in good order.’
‘Let me do something to help.’
‘No. I can manage on my own. I was brought up to work hard and nothing changes.’ With a martyred sigh, Hester marched off in the direction of the kitchen.
Nancy stood for a moment, frowning. An idea had come to her. She might just be able to prove Gervase’s real identity one way or the other, and in doing so she might also gain a clue as to her own. She went in search of Tommy.
Chapter Twenty-One
‘I thought the old man was going to have a fit when I told him I’d been sent down,’ Tommy said, grinning. ‘But he actually laughed and said he wasn’t surprised. He’d been expecting it and it was only a matter of time. Anyway, he said I didn’t need a degree to manage the estate. He is only too happy to have me at home and he wants to pass on all the knowledge he’s learned since he left the army.’
Nancy clutched Tommy’s arm as they walked slowly towards the village church. ‘That’s wonderful news. With Louise and Walter turning up unexpectedly yesterday, as well as Patsy, who somehow managed to escape from the house, I didn’t have a chance to ask you what your papa said.’
‘Poor Patsy. She isn’t the sort of person to sit quietly at home.’
‘Leo is being very strict with her until the baby is born, but she’s going mad being shut up in the house. If we find out anything we could call on her at home and let her know. Although I haven’t told her everything as yet.’
‘We’re here,’ Tommy said, coming to a halt outside the lich-gate. ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’
‘Gervase was born at Heathleigh Hall in this village. His birth should be recorded in the parish records, and maybe mine, too, if what Gervase said was true. Although I’m not sure I believe him.’
‘There’s only one way to find out.’ Tommy leaned forward to unlatch the gate and ushered Nancy into the churchyard. They found the verger in the vestry and he was only too pleased to show off the meticulously kept parish register. Without much difficulty they found the entry for Gervase North’s baptism, noting his date of birth and the names of both parents, Francis and Elizabeth North, with the address of Heathleigh Hall. However, when it came to finding anything concerning Nancy, there was nothing.
