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‘We will have to return to Rockwood for Christmas,’ Felicia said tearfully. ‘But I forbid you to tell anyone the real reason. We will say that the doctor has ordered me to rest.’
‘Everyone will understand.’ Claude eyed her warily. ‘Don’t upset yourself, my dear.’
‘I want you to check with New York, Claude. We could sail for America as soon as possible in the New Year if you succeed in getting a booking.’
‘Milan is a possibility, Felicia. New York have not made any definite offers.’
‘Then make sure they do, Claude. You are my manager as well as my husband. Do I have to do everything myself?’
Nancy could see a full-scale row brewing, but fortunately Rawlings arrived with a decanter of sherry and three glasses, followed by Violet with the cold compress and a bottle of sal volatile.
Nancy chose the interruption to make her escape and she went to her room. It was a few short weeks until the end of the season, and then a pantomime would take the stage at the opera house. She had been looking forward to a brief visit to Rockwood, but now with the sudden change in Felicia’s fortunes, it looked as if their return home might be permanent. The upheaval could not have come at a worse time. Nancy was beginning to enjoy being in London and getting to know Freddie, not that there could ever be anything romantic between them. Nancy was well aware of her own unsuitability to marry into the aristocracy. She did not need Gervase to keep reminding her of her uncertain origins and probable illegitimacy. She changed out of her day clothes into something more suitable to wear to the theatre. Although there was little she could do, Felicia expected her to be there, ready to run errands or to fetch coffee in between acts. As she dressed, Nancy thought of Tamara, whose future was even more uncertain than her own. If Mr Fitzallen could not be persuaded to accept the fact that his daughter was in love with William Russell, there was little anyone could do to help the star-crossed lovers.
An hour later, with Felicia fortified by several glasses of sherry and the application of the cold compress, Nancy accompanied them to the opera house. Claude stayed in the dressing room with his wife while she applied her stage makeup and her costume, and Nancy kept Felicia supplied with cups of coffee and a glass of seltzer for the headache brought on by drinking sherry on an empty stomach. Then there were messages that Felicia liked to send to her leading man and anyone else who came to mind, including Mrs Lake, the wardrobe mistress. During the interval Nancy had just collected a garment from Wardrobe that had been mended after it had split at the seams, when she almost collided with someone in the dimly lit, narrow passageway.
‘Nancy, is that you?’
‘Freddie. What are you doing backstage?’
‘Looking for you, of course. I had to bribe the doorkeeper to let me in.’
‘I’m not surprised. Is anything wrong?’
‘On the contrary, I just wanted to see you.’
Nancy laughed. ‘We saw each other yesterday.’
‘I know, and I intended to visit you this morning, but I had arrangements to make.’
‘Arrangements? That sounds exciting.’
‘I had to make sure that Mama hadn’t invited all and sundry to our country estate for the festive season.’ Freddie produced a sealed letter from his pocket. ‘It’s addressed to Mr and Mrs de Marney and Miss Nancy Sunday. My father was so impressed with Mrs de Marney’s singing that he’s written personally to invite you all to spend Christmas at Dorrington Place. We always have a huge house party, which I generally detest, but if you come it will be different.’
‘Really? That’s wonderful, but I think Felicia wishes to go to Rockwood Castle.’
‘Do you think you could persuade her to change her mind? We’re less than a day’s ride to Rockwood.’
‘I think you should give her the invitation in person, Freddie. She’s a bit down at the moment because she’s had a difference of opinion with the theatre manager, and she has no further engagements booked.’
‘Excellent,’ Freddie pulled a face. ‘I didn’t mean that to sound unfeeling, Nancy. But Papa would be prepared to offer a fee if she were to give a single performance for the guests.’
‘Come and see her for yourself, Freddie. It will sound much better coming from you.’
‘Of course. I’ll use my ch-charm.’
‘Don’t be nervous. Mrs de Marney won’t eat you. Anyway, I must get this costume to her. She needs it for the next act.’ Nancy led the way through the maze of corridors to Felicia’s dressing room.
‘Where have you been?’ Felicia demanded crossly. ‘You could have walked to John Adam Street and back in the time you’ve taken.’ Her glance fell on Freddie and she managed a smile. ‘My lord, how nice of you to seek me out.’
Freddie acknowledged her with a polite bow. ‘I hope I-I’m not d-disturbing you, ma’am.’
‘Not at all, do come in. Nancy, pull up a chair for Lord Ashton.’
‘F-Freddie, please.’ He produced the sealed letter and handed it to her. ‘F-from my papa, Mrs d-de Marney. I h-hope you w-will accept the invitation.’
Felicia tore it open and scanned the contents. When she looked up her face was wreathed in a wide smile. ‘How perfectly lovely. What a charming note. Of course we will be delighted to accept.’ She handed the paper to Claude. ‘Won’t we, my darling?’
Claude studied it for a moment. ‘You will be expected to perform, my love.’
