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‘Freddie is a friend. We’ve been searching for you.’
‘I’m not going back to the Academy, and I’m not going home either.’
Freddie produced a clean white cotton handkerchief and passed it to Nancy.
‘Don’t cry, Tamara,’ Nancy said, mopping away her friend’s tears. ‘We’re not going to make you do anything you don’t wish to do. Just tell us exactly what your papa said.’
‘He’s arranged it all. He’s announced my engagement to Sir Dudley Cholmondeley and the first of the banns will be called next week.’
Nancy exchanged worried glances with Freddie. ‘What can we do for her? How can we help?’
Freddie kneeled on the ground beside Tamara. ‘Is there anywhere you could go where you would feel safe?’
‘My cousin Baldwin lives in Doughty Street. He might help.’
‘Wait here and I’ll fetch my carriage. We’ll take you to your cousin. That’s a start.’ Freddie stood up. ‘Will you be all right here, Nancy?’
She smiled. ‘Of course, we will. You go, Freddie, and please hurry.’
‘I’ll be back before you know it.’ Freddie rushed off, leaving Nancy to comfort Tamara, who was clearly terrified of her father, and worried about what he might do to William. Nancy did her best to soothe Tamara’s fears, but it took some time, and Nancy breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the carriage, only this time Freddie was on the driver’s seat. He drew the horse to a halt and leaped to the ground. ‘Let’s get you inside, Tamara, and you, Nancy.’
She waited until Tamara was seated. ‘Where’s the coachman?’
‘I sent him home in a cab. The fewer people who know about this the better. But don’t worry,’ Freddie added, grinning, ‘I’m used to handling the reins.’
‘But you’ll be seen driving your own vehicle, Freddie. Won’t tongues wag?’
‘Everyone thinks I’m a bit eccentric because I’m a countryman at heart and I don’t conform to their idea of what an earl’s son should be. They won’t think it strange at all.’
Nancy climbed into the brougham and sat down beside Tamara. ‘Don’t be afraid. I’m sure we can work things out between us. You told me before that Baldwin is a nice man.’
‘Yes, I had hopes that you and he might make a match. I’m very fond of Baldwin, but I think you’ve already found your heart’s desire.’
‘Do you mean Freddie?’ Nancy turned away as she felt a blush flooding her cheeks. ‘I’ve only just met him. I like him, of course, who would not? But we hardly know each other.’
‘I knew at once when I first met William,’ Tamara said dreamily. ‘If I can’t marry him, I won’t marry anyone, least of all Sir Dudley.’
‘Don’t upset yourself again. I’m sure we can make your papa understand, given time.’
‘I hope Baldwin is at home. I don’t know what I’ll do if he is out or, worse still, away on a visit.’
The maid who opened the door in Doughty Street told them that Mr Fitzallen was at home, although he was about to leave for an appointment. Tamara insisted that she wanted to see him and, somewhat reluctantly, the maid showed Nancy and Tamara into the parlour, leaving Freddie to wait outside with the brougham. Baldwin stood in front of a wall mirror, admiring his reflection as he set his top hat on at a rakish angle. However, the moment he saw Tamara’s distress he abandoned his hat and rushed to her side.
‘You’d better sit down and tell me what’s wrong,’ he said anxiously. ‘Please take a seat also, Miss …?’
‘This is my good friend Nancy Sunday, Baldwin.’ Tamara sank down on the crimson-velvet upholstered sofa. ‘I don’t know what I would have done if she hadn’t found me in the park.’ She buried her face in Freddie’s already sodden hanky.
‘What is she talking about, Miss Sunday?’ Baldwin’s brown eyes were wide with concern.
‘You’d better explain, Tamara,’ Nancy said firmly. ‘Tell your cousin about William and the man your papa wants you to marry.’
Baldwin looked from one to the other. ‘Are you talking about William Russell, my uncle’s head clerk? I’ve met him once or twice. He seems like a decent enough fellow.’
‘He is a fine man, Baldwin. I love him, but Papa insists that I must marry an old man. A rich old man. I’d rather jump off London Bridge and drown in the Thames.’
‘Steady on, old girl. There’s no need to be so dramatic.’
‘I can’t go home, Baldwin. May I stay here with you and Aunt Flora?’
