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‘And me.’ Six-year-old Rory reached out to clasp Nancy’s hand. ‘Phoebe is only little so she’s asleep in bed.’
‘But we’re allowed to stay up later,’ Dolly added proudly. ‘You will come to the nursery, promise?’
‘Of course,’ Nancy said, giving them both a hug. ‘Now off you go and do what your mama says.’
‘I don’t want to go to bed,’ Rory protested.
Hester seized him by the hand. ‘Less of that, young Rory. I’ve dealt with bigger boys than you. Come along now. No nonsense.’ She led him protesting up the stairs with Dolly dancing on ahead.
‘Don’t let my children bully you, Nancy.’ Rosalind took Nancy by the hand. ‘They’ll get away with as much as they dare, except when Hester is in charge. Then they behave like little angels.’
‘That doesn’t surprise me,’ Nancy said, smiling.
‘What happened between you and Mama? I know she can be difficult at times.’
‘It’s a long story, Rosie.’
‘And you’re tired, of course, after travelling from London.’
‘No, actually we came from Dorrington Place, on the Somerset border. I’ll tell you all about it.’
‘Come to the drawing room where it’s warmer.’ Rosalind led the way and took up her usual seat by the fire. ‘Sit down and tell me what happened.’
Nancy glanced round the room with its slightly shabby but comfortable furniture and faded curtains. Deep shadows pooled in the corners where the candles had not been lit, but it was cosy rather than eerie, and the apple logs on the fire crackled, exuding their distinctive scent. It might not be as luxurious as the rooms in Dorrington Place, but it felt like home.
‘Where is everyone? It’s almost Christmas; I thought the whole family would be here.’
Rosalind’s smile faded. ‘A lot has happened since you were last here, Nancy.’
‘What’s wrong? Where is Alex? He’s never far from your side.’
‘That’s just it. I don’t know exactly.’
‘What do you mean, you don’t know? What is it you aren’t telling me, Rosie?’
Chapter Fourteen
Rosalind folded her hands in her lap, avoiding Nancy’s anxious gaze. ‘It all started with a visit from Lady Pentelow.’
‘I thought she never left Trevenor these days.’
‘She doesn’t usually, which made her sudden appearance quite disturbing. It’s all down to Piers, as usual.’
‘What has he done now? Didn’t he receive a pardon?’
‘Yes, he was pardoned when Ewart Blaise was tried and found guilty, but Piers could never resist a challenge. Lady Pentelow had word that he had joined a group of mercenaries. He’s involved in blockade running between the armies of the North and the Confederates in the South.’
‘He’s in America?’
‘No, apparently he’s in Barbados. I don’t know anything more but his grandmother was distraught. Piers is her only grandson, Alex is her great-nephew. It’s not quite the same, in her mind.’
Nancy stared into the flames, frowning. ‘But Piers can take care of himself, surely? Why would she be so upset?’
‘The mine hasn’t done well, even with Martin Gibbs running it. Aurelia has left him and has moved back to Trevenor.’
‘I’m confused. What does it matter whether Piers is in Australia or Barbados?’
‘Lady Pentelow wants him to come home. She begged Alex to go to Barbados and persuade Piers to give up what he’s doing and return to Trevenor. If the clay mining business fails, she would be in danger of losing everything. Piers is the only person who can save it, but I was married to him for two years. I know how stubborn he can be.’
