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Freddie’s blue eyes were alight with sympathy and he laid his hand on hers as it rested on the table. ‘Why do you say that, Nancy?’
‘I’m not a Carey. I was a foundling, left on the steps of the orphanage when I was a few days old. I don’t know who I really am, Freddie.’
‘I’d say that was a bit of an advantage, Nancy. You can make up your family history to be whoever you w-w-wish. You don’t have to put up with tiresome aunts and uncles.’
Nancy smiled. ‘I suppose you’re right, and I really shouldn’t complain. Rosie and Patsy have been like sisters to me and the rest of the family have been very kind.’ Nancy looked up at the sound of Felicia’s angry voice.
‘Nancy, what are you doing in here? You should have waited for me—’ Felicia broke off, having just noticed Freddie, who was partially hidden by the bulk of a woman wearing a diaphanous Tyrian purple gown with a headdress decorated with ostrich feathers.
Freddie rose to his feet before Felicia had time to say anything further. ‘I do apologise, M-Mrs d-de Marney. It’s my f-fault entirely.’
Felicia’s angry frown was wiped away by a smile. ‘That’s quite all right, my lord. I was worried when I couldn’t find Nancy, that’s all.’
‘I hope you will join us, ma’am. I can recommend the dressed lobster or—’
Felicia held up her hand. ‘Too kind, my lord, but I will eat later. Your papa has asked me to sing and I need Nancy to accompany me.’
‘We have a full orchestra, Mrs de Marney. I am sure th-they w-would be honoured to accompany you.’
‘No, my lord, I need Nancy. We have rehearsed together and she knows exactly what I like.’
‘Of course, ma’am.’ Nancy rose to her feet. ‘I’ll come immediately. You will excuse me, Freddie?’
He jumped to his feet. ‘Of course I w-will.’
Gervase emerged from the shadow of the purple lady. ‘Ashton, why are you skulking in here? Some of us have been doing our duty on the dance floor, old man.’
Nancy did not wait to hear Freddie’s reply as she hurried after Felicia.
‘You need to be careful, my girl,’ Felicia said angrily. ‘Viscount Ashton is so far above you that you would be reaching for the moon if you think you have a conquest there.’
‘I don’t, ma’am. I was simply enjoying his company. I doubt if I will ever see him again after tonight.’
‘And another thing, Gervase North is amusing but he’s penniless. You would do better to avoid him also. Don’t forget you are working for me now, Nancy. I will sing “Sempre libera” from La Traviata. We’ve practised that often enough.’
‘Very well, ma’am.’
‘Are you sure you can accompany without the sheet music?’
‘I know it off by heart, Mrs de Marney. It’s one of my favourites.’
‘It’s a little different from the drinking songs you used to play at Leo Wilder’s public house, but you are talented, Nancy. I grant you that. Come now. Let’s make ourselves ready to perform.’
Nancy followed Felicia to an anteroom where Lady Dorrington’s maid was ready with a hare’s foot and powder, at Felicia’s request, and a small pot of rouge to tint her cheeks and lips. Nancy stood by waiting for Felicia to make her way onto the middle of the dance floor, having been announced by Lord Dorrington himself. A grand piano had been manoeuvred into position and Nancy sat down on the stool, flexing her fingers as she waited for Felicia to make a short speech announcing her choice of aria. A ripple of appreciation echoed round the huge ballroom and Felicia signalled to Nancy to play the introduction. Out of the corner of her eye, Nancy could see Freddie standing next to Gervase. She resisted the temptation to smile at Freddie and concentrated all her attention on the music.
Felicia was undoubtedly a brilliant performer. Her voice was true and clear with a wide range and a depth of emotion that could make her audience laugh or cry as she chose. Nancy knew the aria well and she played faultlessly. When the final note died away there was a moment of silence and then a burst of applause and shouts of ‘Brava, brava.’
Lord Dorrington strolled up to Felicia, arms outstretched. He kissed her on both cheeks and thanked her lavishly. The guests milled onto the dance floor, clamouring to give the diva their thanks and best wishes. Nancy went to join Gervase, who was standing with Claude. There was no sign of Freddie.
‘Freddie’s mama spirited him away,’ Gervase said, grinning. ‘I don’t think she approved of him paying too much attention to you, Nancy.’
‘I’m sure that wasn’t the case.’ Claude slipped his arm around Nancy’s shoulders. ‘Any young man would be lucky to have such a lovely partner for the evening. You played magnificently, Nancy. Of course, my darling Felicia will get all the plaudits, but you deserve a vote of thanks too.’
Nancy managed a smile. Suddenly she felt exhausted. The events of the evening had moved so fast that she was feeling quite disorientated.
‘They’re striking up a waltz,’ Gervase said lazily. ‘I claim you for this dance, Miss Sunday. After all, you have rather neglected me all evening.’
‘That’s right. You two young people enjoy the rest of the evening. I’m going to join the gentlemen in the smoking room. Lord Dorrington was generous enough to hand me a very fine cigar.’ Claude wandered off, leaving Nancy little alternative but to allow Gervase to lead her back onto the dance floor.
