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‘You’ll have to ask Mama, but you’re very welcome as far as I’m concerned.’
Tamara’s hand flew to cover her mouth. ‘Oh, Nancy. I’ve forgotten poor Annie. I left her at the Academy with all my things.’
‘Don’t worry. If your aunt says you may stay here, Freddie and I will go to the Academy and collect Annie and your baggage. Perhaps you’d better ask Mrs Fitzallen first.’
‘Mama will probably agree,’ Baldwin said confidently. ‘She loves to spike Uncle Hubert’s guns whenever she gets the opportunity. Anyway, if you’ll excuse me, ladies, I’m already late for my appointment. I’ll send the maid to fetch Mama if you would like to wait here.’ He picked up his top hat and gloves. ‘I’ll see you later, Tamara.’ He left the room, closing the door behind him.
‘Do you get on well with your aunt?’ Nancy asked anxiously.
‘Yes, I think so. We’ve never had cross words if that’s what you mean. I don’t know whether she would approve of me marrying William. She might feel the same as Papa.’
They lapsed into silence, apart from the occasional sniff from Tamara and the incessant ticking of the brass clock on the mantelshelf. Minutes later the door opened and a woman dressed in deep mourning glided into the room. She took one look at Tamara and pulled up a chair.
‘Tell me all about it, my dear. I can see that you’re upset, but first you must introduce me to your friend.’
Nancy could see that Tamara was struggling with a fresh bout of tears and she bobbed a curtsey. ‘How do you do, ma’am. I’m Nancy Sunday and I was at Miss Maughfling’s Academy with Tamara.’
‘I suppose this is all about that nice young man who works for my brother-in-law.’ Mrs Fitzallen laid her hand on Tamara’s shoulder. ‘Tell me what’s happened, my dear.’
Words tumbled from Tamara’s lips, punctuated by sobs, and occasionally Mrs Fitzallen looked to Nancy for translation.
‘Well, there’s a pickle for you,’ Mrs Fitzallen said slowly when Tamara finished speaking.
‘Might she stay here for a while?’ Nancy asked boldly. ‘Just until the matter is settled.’
‘Yes, of course she may. There’s no question of that. I will give my brother-in-law a stern talking-to for handling the affair so badly.’
‘I won’t marry Sir Dudley,’ Tamara cried passionately. ‘I don’t care what Papa says or does.’
‘My husband died five years ago and I still wear full mourning,’ Mrs Fitzallen said sadly. ‘If you truly love this young man, I think every attempt should be made to make the match possible, but your papa is not an easy man to persuade.’
‘But you will help me, Aunt Flora?’
‘Indeed I will. But practical things first. We must send for your things.’
‘My maid is still at the Academy, Aunt Flora.’
‘She’s welcome here, too. I’ve forgone the luxury of a lady’s maid since my husband passed away, but it would be handy to have someone to care for me as well as you.’
‘Freddie and I will go to the Academy now, Tamara,’ Nancy said hastily. ‘We’ll bring Annie and your things, but if we should cross paths with your papa, what shall I say?’
Mrs Fitzallen rose to her feet. ‘You may tell my brother-in-law that his daughter is safe with me in Doughty Street and I want a word with him.’
Freddie was waiting patiently with the horse and brougham. He climbed down from the box to help Nancy into the carriage.
‘Tamara needs her things from the Academy and her maid, Annie. Would you mind, Freddie?’
‘Of course not. I’m glad she has somewhere to stay.’ Freddie held onto her hand rather longer than necessary. ‘This isn’t how I imagined our day out would be, Nancy.’
She laughed. ‘Nor I. I’m sorry if I’ve ruined it for you, Freddie.’
‘On the contrary – it’s been an adventure.’
‘Unfortunately I’ll have to return to John Adam Street when we’ve delivered Tamara’s things to Doughty Street.’
‘I’m not going to let you get away so easily.’ He raised her hand to his lips, meeting her gaze with a genuine smile. ‘There’s always tomorrow, Nancy.’
Chapter Nine
