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‘I had to come and see you, Patsy. I have something to tell you, but it must be kept secret for a while. Don’t even tell Leo.’
Patsy dropped the embroidery hoop, her eyes alight with interest. ‘Go on, do.’
Nancy took off her cape and gloves and laid them tidily on the sofa as she sat down. ‘I’ve just come from the orphanage where I was raised until the vicar and his wife took me on as one of their servants.’
‘Oh, Nancy. Do you think that was a good idea? They didn’t know whose child you were then, so I doubt if things will have changed in the last nineteen years.’
‘That’s where you’re wrong. I went with Tommy, but Freddie joined us. He seemed to sense that the matron wasn’t telling us the truth and he went back inside to speak to her privately.’
‘Don’t tell me she knew all along?’
‘She had kept the swaddling cloth that was wrapped around the baby. It had a crest embroidered in one corner and she thought it might be worth something to someone one day.’
‘Let me guess. That someone was Freddie, who bribed her to give it to him.’
‘Yes, that’s exactly what happened.’
‘Go on, don’t keep me in suspense. Whose crest is it?’
‘The Greystone family. It corroborates the story that we gathered from the midwife, Mrs Betts. She remembered delivering Lady Greystone of a baby girl shortly before the poor lady committed suicide.’
‘How tragic – but that doesn’t mean it was you, Nancy.’
‘That’s only half the story. Gervase said that he was a child of six or seven when Sir Oliver visited his home in the early hours of Sunday morning at the end of March. The sound of someone hammering on the door had awakened him, and he peeped over the banisters to see his father talking to Sir Oliver, who handed him a tiny squalling bundle. Next morning there was no sign of the baby and Gervase’s mother cried all day. She was a devoted churchgoer but that Sunday she remained at home. It all sounds far-fetched, but I believe him, and his story confirms what Mrs Betts told me.’
Patricia stared at her open-mouthed. ‘Goodness gracious, Nancy. I can hardly believe it. You are a Greystone! You were related to me by marriage when we were together in London.’
‘So you believe the story?’
‘Why would I not? You were always different, but in a good way, Nancy. I think Hester sensed it from the moment you came into our home, but she saw you as something of a threat, which I don’t understand.’
‘Neither do I,’ Nancy said sadly. ‘I’m in two minds whether to tell everyone. In fact, I’ve told Tommy and Freddie not to say a word until I’ve had time to think.’
‘My dear, it’s up to you. I’ll do whatever you say. Although if Gervase knows or is suspicious it might be difficult to keep the truth from others.’
‘Gervase thinks he is Sir Oliver’s son. He’s convinced that he’s the true heir to Greystone.’
Patricia frowned. ‘I know little about the laws of primogeniture, but I believe if the estate is entailed, Gervase would have prior claim as he is the only existing male heir. Even if you are Sir Oliver’s daughter, you would not inherit the estate. It seems that Gervase does have a claim on Greystone.’
‘You were married to Sir Michael. Didn’t you discuss whether or not the estate was entailed?’
‘It never occurred to me, Nancy. I had no intention of producing sons and daughters at that time.’ Patricia smiled and patted her swollen belly. ‘Today I would think differently. However, the only way to find out is for us to visit Sir Michael’s solicitor, Gilbert Selly. He has chambers in Lincoln’s Inn.’
Nancy sighed. ‘But I can’t go on my own, Patsy. He wouldn’t be inclined to tell me anything and Leo won’t allow you to travel to London.’
‘Leo will do as I say.’ Patricia rose to her feet. ‘I’ve humoured him so far, but this is something that I need to do for you, as well as for Christina and Sylvia. I know they fell out with me when I married their papa, but we were good friends at one time. Besides which, this is your future we’re talking about, and I detest Gervase North. To have him living as master of Greystone Park and our near neighbour would be truly awful.’
‘But Leo will try to stop you from travelling, Patsy.’
‘When I make up my mind to do something there is no one in this world who can prevent it. You of all people should know that, Nancy. Tomorrow, you and I will go to Exeter and catch the London-bound train.’
‘If you are sure, Patsy.’
‘I am absolutely certain. We will sort this problem out once and for all.’
Chapter Twenty-Three
It was noon next day when Nancy and Patricia finally arrived at Gilbert Selly’s chambers in Lincoln’s Inn. Nancy was still amazed that they had managed to get away so easily, but they had left very early that morning. Patricia had left a message with Fletcher, instructing her to keep her departure a secret for as long as possible, and Nancy had crept out of the castle without telling anyone where she was going. She had left a note for Tommy, placing it in Tilly’s hand, explaining briefly why the trip to London was absolutely necessary. She felt like a naughty schoolgirl as they alighted from the hansom cab outside Selly’s chambers, but Patricia was apparently in her element. The pallor had gone from her cheeks, leaving her flushed and her eyes sparkling with excitement.
