AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘It’s not really a definite plan of action,’ Nancy said, as she allowed Freddie to hand her into the brougham. ‘Do you know where Sir Jack Marshall lives?’
‘I believe he has rooms in Duke Street but his country house is a mile or so from Highgate.’
‘Can we go there now, Freddie? If Mrs Fitzallen thinks that Eleanora is involved in Tamara’s decision, I wonder if that’s where we will find the runaways. After all, you said yourself it’s almost dark and they have probably taken shelter for the night.’
‘It’s worth a try, but we will be out late. Are you sure you won’t get into trouble from Mrs de Marney?’ Freddie climbed into the carriage and sat down beside her.
‘She’ll be on stage in a couple of hours. She won’t even notice that I’m missing.’
‘All right, if you think it’s possible, we’ll try there. But what then? Do you intend to take Tamara back to her father? Even if she would agree to go, which I doubt.’
‘No, I just want to know that she’s safe and that William Russell is going to take care of her. I won’t sleep a wink tonight unless I see her and speak to her. You do understand, don’t you, Freddie?’
He smiled. ‘I know you follow your heart, Nancy. Of course we’ll do our best to find your friend and make sure she’s all right.’
Sir Jack Marshall’s home was a mansion by any standards, built in the style of Robert Adam. The portico gleamed white in the moonlight and frost sparkled on the carriage sweep as Mason drew the horse to a halt outside. Freddie leaped to the ground.
‘Wait here in the warm, Nancy. I’ll find out if Jack is at home.’ He moved swiftly to the front door.
Nancy sat very still, hoping against hope that Tamara and William had chosen to come here instead of heading for the open road. Her patience was rewarded when Freddie returned moments later, holding out his hand.
‘Jack is at home. I didn’t ask about the others.’
Nancy accepted his help to alight from the carriage and they entered the hall, which was dimly lit and it was obvious that Sir Jack had not been expecting company. The butler led them to the drawing room and ushered them inside.
The spacious room was lit by dozens of candles in silver candelabra and crystal chandeliers. A fire roared up the chimney, casting its light on the people grouped around it. Nancy breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Tamara seated with Eleanora on a damask-covered sofa. Jack and William stood with their backs to the fire, but Jack stepped forward holding out his hand.
‘Ashton, welcome. I haven’t seen you for a while.’
Freddie shook his hand. ‘Y-you know m-me, Jack. I d-don’t come up to town very often.’
‘I see you have good reason for your visit now.’ Jack smiled at Nancy, inclining his head. ‘It’s good to see you, too, Nancy. You know William, of course.’
‘We have met,’ Nancy said warily.
‘If you’re here to persuade me to return to Doughty Street, you’re wasting your time,’ Tamara said defiantly.
‘We came to tell you that your aunt is distraught and your papa is very angry, which of course you will know.’
‘You won’t make us change our minds,’ William said grimly. ‘I’ve done everything required of me and yet I’m still not good enough for Tamara. I acknowledge that, but I love her more than life itself and all I want to do is to make her happy.’
Eleanora rose from her seat. ‘You must be cold and in need of some refreshment. We were about to dine. Won’t you join us?’
‘Yes, please do. We can discuss what is best for everyone over a civilised meal.’
‘My c-coachman is outside with the horse and carriage,’ Freddie said cautiously. ‘We don’t want t-to intrude.’
‘Yes,’ Nancy added hastily. ‘We just need to have something to tell Mrs Fitzallen and your papa, Tamara. We didn’t come to try to dissuade you from eloping. I think your aunt Flora is more concerned about your reputation and your wellbeing than anything else.’
‘Baldwin won’t approve,’ Tamara said with a wry smile. ‘But I don’t care. I love William and we are going to be married no matter what anyone says. I don’t care if we have to walk to Gretna Green, we will do it one way or another.’
‘Fortunately, I have an uncle in the clergy,’ Jack said seriously. ‘And we obtained a special licence from the powers that be, so no elopement is necessary.’
William nodded. ‘You see, we have gone into this with thought for everyone. Tomorrow morning Jack’s uncle is going to marry us quietly in the local church. There will be no cause for scandal.’
‘You must admit it’s a good plan,’ Eleanora said, laughing. ‘Jack and I used the same strategy and we’re now a respectable married couple. We even attend morning service every Sunday. What would Miss Maughfling say if she knew that?’
‘I think she would be amazed.’ Nancy took a seat next to Tamara. ‘If you are happy with this arrangement then we are, too.’
