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‘But Lady Greystone took her own life,’ Louise said gently. ‘Why would a new mother do that?’
‘She was dying of consumption, and she knew her husband was about to flee to Spain in an attempt to avert a terrible scandal.’ Nancy sighed. ‘It’s a tragic story.’
‘It seems you have conclusive proof,’ Leo said, smiling. ‘Congratulations, Nancy. You deserve to have some luck.’
‘I agree.’ Patricia reached for her husband’s hand and held it to her cheek. ‘When I think what I went through before I met Leo, it makes me thank the stars for allowing our paths to cross.’
‘I just wish that Rosie and Alex were here,’ Nancy said, sighing. ‘I don’t suppose you’ve heard from them, Patsy?’
Patricia shook her head. ‘Not for a week or so. They must be finding it more difficult to secure Trevenor and the business than they thought it would be. I wonder if Rupert Charnley has been able to give them any advice.’
The words had barely left her lips when the door burst open and Tilly entered, clearly agitated.
‘I’m sorry, my lady. They wouldn’t wait.’ She stood aside as two men strode into the dining room.
‘Piers!’ Patricia half rose to her feet, but sank back on her chair.
‘I gather I am to offer you congratulations,’ Piers said smoothly. ‘Tobias has been kind enough to tell me something about what has been happening in my absence.’
‘Tobias. This is a surprise.’ Hester stood up, staring at her son in disbelief. ‘It’s all right, Tilly. Bring two more place settings and tell Cook we have two more for luncheon.’
‘Yes, my lady.’ Tilly backed out of the room, eyeing Piers warily.
‘So you’ve returned from your exploits abroad, Piers,’ Bertie said, drily. ‘I suppose you intend to play the part of the prodigal son?’
‘You know me, Bertie. We landed at Exmouth and intend to travel on to Cornwall later today.’
Patricia gazed at him, shaking her head. ‘This is so like you, Piers Blanchard. You are absent for years and years and then you turn up unannounced and act as if nothing has happened.’
‘Well, you’re here now.’ Walter pushed back his chair and stood up, holding out his hand. ‘You must have some tales to tell after all your experiences in the penal colony, let alone the blockade running.’
Piers shook his hand. ‘Thank you, Walter. Not everyone is so magnanimous.’ He glanced round the astonished faces at the table. ‘You all look so shocked. I am a free man now, not an escaped criminal.’
‘Take a seat everyone,’ Hester said testily. ‘This is supposed to be a civilised family luncheon to celebrate Nancy’s nineteenth birthday.’
‘I’m sorry, Ma. I’ll go to the servants’ quarters if that makes it easier.’ Tobias backed towards the doorway.
‘You’ll do no such thing, Toby,’ Bertie said firmly. ‘You are part of this family whether you like it or not.’
Louise patted an empty chair beside her. ‘Come and sit by me, Tobias.’
‘Thank you, ma’am.’ Tobias glanced anxiously at his mother but she nodded her approval.
Piers pulled up a chair and lowered himself into it. ‘I won’t be stopping long. I gather I’m needed at Trevenor.’
‘You could have returned weeks ago,’ Nancy said crossly. ‘We travelled a long way to beg you to go home where you were desperately needed.’
‘That’s right,’ Leo added. ‘You ignored us when Alex and I tried to persuade you to abandon your gun-running and blockading. What changed you mind?’
Piers shrugged. ‘Maybe I had an attack of conscience.’
‘You were making a fortune out of other people’s misery.’ Patricia gave him a withering look. ‘Shame on you, Piers.’
‘Yes, I’ll admit all my wrongs. You are quite correct, Patsy, as always. However, I plan to atone, if I can. I’m determined to save Trevenor and the clay mine.’
‘How heroic,’ Patricia said sarcastically. ‘You always manage to make yourself look better than you really are, Piers. I’ve no doubt Lady Pentelow will greet you like a returning hero.’
Hester turned to her son. ‘Well, Tobias, this is a lovely surprise. Will you be staying?’
