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‘Claude and I are honoured guests, just the same as everyone else. It’s you who are dragging us down to the level of the servants’ hall by your lewd behaviour.’
Nancy took a step backwards. ‘I have done nothing wrong. I am not staying here a moment longer. You can find someone else to accompany you on the pianoforte.’
‘You can’t walk out on me. You work for me, Nancy Sunday.’
‘I’ve been your slave for the past few weeks, Mrs de Marney. You haven’t paid me a penny piece for my labours. I am leaving and you can’t stop me.’
Felicia threw herself down on the nearest chair and began to sob hysterically. ‘Send for Violet. I need brandy.’
‘You drink too much brandy. A seltzer would do you more good,’ Nancy said angrily. ‘I’m done. Ring the bell yourself.’ She stormed out of the room, almost knocking Violet over as she went. ‘I suppose you heard all that, Violet Tinker. You’d best fetch the sal volatile.’ Nancy marched off in the direction of her own room. She rang for Molly and began throwing her clothes into a large valise.
Molly appeared in the doorway, wide-eyed and flushed. ‘What’s happened, miss? Why are you packing?’
‘We’re leaving, Molly. I’ve told Mrs de Marney what I think of her and I’m going home to Rockwood. You and Reuben had better come with me, because I doubt if you’ll be welcome here.’
‘But, miss, the snow is thick on the roads. Reuben said it was really difficult travelling last night, and we haven’t got any transport.’
Nancy hesitated. ‘You’re right. It’s too far to walk, especially in bad weather. I’ll see what I can do. Finish packing my things, please, but leave the new gowns that were made in London. I don’t want to be accused of stealing.’
‘Oh, miss. What a to-do.’
Nancy shrugged and left the room. There was only one person who could help. She would have to try to make Freddie understand her predicament, but that might not be easy. She hoped to catch him in the dining room, having a late breakfast, but when she was waylaid in the entrance hall by Lady Dorrington herself.
‘I want a few words with you, Miss Sunday.’
‘Yes, my lady.’
‘I won’t dissemble. I’ll tell you to your face that I want you to leave Dorrington Place immediately.’
‘I’ve done nothing wrong, my lady.’
‘Not yet, but you have only to cast those big brown eyes in my son’s direction and I can see the way the wind is blowing. You, as I’ve been told, are a foundling, raised to be a servant but educated above your station in life. I don’t want you associating with my son. Do you understand what I’m saying?’
‘As a matter of fact, I do, Lady Dorrington, and I agree with you entirely.’
Lady Dorrington opened her mouth as if to argue and shut it again with a snap. She took a deep breath. ‘Are you being impertinent, miss?’
‘No, my lady. I am very fond of Freddie and I believe he likes me, but I know it must end there. I refuse to work for Mrs de Marney any longer. In fact, I intend to leave right away. The only problem is the weather and lack of transport.’
‘I’m astonished that you are being so sensible about things, Miss Sunday. However, I can help you there. I will send for a carriage to take you and your maidservant to Rockwood Castle, which is where I assume you wish to be.’
‘Indeed I do, my lady.’
‘Consider it done, but I forbid you to see my son before you leave. I will advise Freddie of your decision when I know you are well on your way.’
‘Thank you, my lady. Please tell him not to follow me. I think too much of Freddie to do anything that would hurt him.’
A slow smile lifted the frown from Lady Dorrington’s features. ‘It seems we are on the same side, Miss Sunday. Now hurry. The carriage will be at the side of the building to keep your departure as secret as possible.’
As Lady Dorrington had promised, Mason was waiting with the carriage at the side of the house, out of sight of the main windows. Nancy and Molly sat inside, but Reuben opted to sit with Mason on the driver’s seat. They had just started slowly down the tree-lined avenue when the door was wrenched opened and Gervase threw himself into the carriage, clutching his portmanteau.
‘What are you doing?’ Nancy demanded angrily. ‘Get out, Gervase.’
He hauled himself onto the seat opposite them. ‘I can’t, Nancy. I’m not welcome at Dorrington Place and I want to get to Greystone Park. This is the only way I can get there until the weather breaks.’
A quick glance out of the window at the leaden sky seemed to confirm his suspicions.
‘How did you know we were leaving?’ Nancy demanded angrily. ‘It was a sudden decision.’
