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‘I think she wants to be expelled,’ Nancy said softly. ‘I almost wish they had found me out. I would love to go home to Devonshire.’
‘Don’t be sad. We have a treat tonight.’
‘Not another ball at the dance studio?’
Tamara giggled. ‘No, on the contrary. Miss Maughfling loves opera and she has been given tickets for the performance at the opera house this evening.’
‘I used to help the wardrobe mistress to mend costumes when I was living in London,’ Nancy mused. ‘Being backstage was very exciting. I was reminded of that time with Patricia when Jedidiah brought me home on his butcher’s cart last evening.’
‘No talking, young ladies.’ Miss Sharp pointed a baton at them. ‘You should be practising with the rest of the class. Never mind what happens to Miss Smythe. She has gone too far this time.’
Nancy and Tamara exchanged glances but they did not argue. It was not until they were released from class at midday, that Nancy went to their room and found Eleanora sitting on her bed, pale-faced but defiant, while her maid, Jessie, worked feverishly packing Eleanora’s belongings.
‘I’m being sent home, Nancy.’
‘I’m sorry, Eleanora, but what did you expect? You spent the night with Jack at his lodgings. I don’t think anyone could get away with that.’
‘He wants to marry me.’
‘That’s good, isn’t it?’
‘Not really. Papa wants me to marry the Earl of Woodley.’
‘But you are in love with Jack.’
‘Jack is a baronet with a relatively small income. If I marry Woodley I will be a countess and live in a huge country mansion with servants and a carriage of my own. I’ll live a life of luxury.’
‘Is that so bad?’
‘Not in itself, but Woodley is old. He must be nearly sixty, which is older than my papa.’
‘Is he a widower?’
‘Yes, and he only has daughters. If I can produce a son the boy will inherit the estate and the family fortune. If I marry Jack we will be poor by comparison.’
‘I’m sorry, Eleanora. It must be a hard choice, but if it were me I’d choose love over money and title.’
‘Well, you are not me. In any case, you made a fool of Gervase last evening. I doubt if he will ever speak to you again.’
‘That suits me very well. I was mad to agree to accompany you all. Gervase is good-looking and charming, but he is not a nice man.’
Eleanora threw back her head and laughed. ‘That’s what makes him so attractive, my dear. You need to be careful because I saw how you looked at him. He only has to crook his finger and you will go running to him. Mark my words.’
‘Never!’ Nancy said firmly. ‘I’ve learned my lesson.’
‘Be careful, that’s all I can say. I know Gervase well, and you are too good for him, Nancy. Remember that.’
‘If that’s what you think, why did you allow Jack to invite him to the ball last evening?’
Eleanora shrugged. ‘Gervase heard me mention your name in passing, and he said he knew you. Jack thought that the ball at the dance studio would be amusing.’
‘Did Gervase know that he was to be my partner?’
‘Of course he did. He said he was looking forward to seeing you again. What is the matter, Nancy?’
‘I don’t understand why Gervase wanted to see me. He upset everyone at Rockwood with unrepeatable accusations against members of the family who were not there to defend themselves.’
‘Gervase loves to shock. It’s his most amusing trait, providing one is not the victim. Anyway, I’m ready to go, Nancy. It’s been nice knowing you and I don’t say that of anyone else here – apart from Tamara, of course. Look after her, Nancy. She’s a fragile flower.’
