AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘Alas, it’s part of school life.’ Gervase shook his head. ‘But Tommy put up a brave fight. You can be proud of him.’
‘I’m sure we’re very grateful to you,’ Patricia said warily. ‘But I find it rather odd that you choose to befriend a boy so much your junior. Is mentoring boys in the holidays a common practice at your school?’
‘My career in the academic world was cut short when my father died. I received my inheritance, which enabled me to live like a gentleman.’
‘But that doesn’t explain why you are here, Mr North.’
‘Really, Aunt Patsy. I thought you would be more welcoming to my friend,’ Tommy protested. ‘Gervase and I met again by chance at the Old Boys’ cricket match. He actually remembered me. Goodness knows why.’
‘I never forget a face. You are an exceptional young chap, Tommy.’ Gervase slapped him on the back. ‘But if my being here is inconvenient, I will put up at the village inn, which we passed on the way here.’
‘Nonsense, Gervase.’ Tommy clutched his friend’s arm. ‘Come inside and meet my papa and the rest of the family. Aunt Patricia doesn’t live here anymore, so she has no say in what happens at Rockwood.’ He dragged Gervase over the threshold, leaving Patricia and Nancy staring after them.
‘There’s something suspicious about that young man,’ Patricia said darkly.
‘I think he’s very handsome.’ Nancy knew she was blushing and she turned her head away.
‘Handsome is as handsome does, as Hester would say.’
‘I think you’re being very unfair.’ Nancy had never known Patricia to take such a sudden dislike to a person, but she was wrong. Anyone with such honest eyes, a classic profile, a winning smile, and dark hair that waved back off a high forehead must be above suspicion.
Patricia shook her head. ‘Be careful, Nancy. I’ve met young men like Gervase before. You need to take anything he says with a pinch of salt.’
‘I don’t know what you mean, Patsy. He seems perfectly charming, and Tommy obviously worships him.’
‘That’s what I mean. I think Gervase North has an ulterior motive for coming here with a boy who was his pupil. All that luggage suggests that he has come with the intention of staying for quite a while.’
‘I’m sure that Uncle Bertie will keep an eye on him.’
‘I sincerely hope so. If not, I’ll prime Wolfe and he will put a stop to any misbehaviour. Anyway, I must go home now or Leo will wonder what’s become of me. If you need me, you know where I am to be found, Nancy.’
‘Thank you. Of course I’ll visit you. Maybe I’ll bring Gervase and Tommy with me,’ Nancy added with a mischievous smile.
‘Just heed my warning. Tommy is gullible, but you are old enough to see through a charlatan. Remember all the trouble we went through when Ewart held Tommy hostage.’
Nancy stared at her in amazement. ‘Surely you don’t think that Mr North would do anything like that?’
‘Tommy is the heir to Rockwood Castle and the estate and I can’t help being suspicious. Gervase North has already charmed you, so what chance does Tommy have? Look after him, Nancy.’ Patricia climbed onto the driver’s seat and took the reins. ‘Give my love to Rosie. I’ll call on her tomorrow afternoon.’ She drove off, leaving Nancy staring after her.
Nancy shrugged and turned away. Patsy was wrong. Gervase North was the most exciting person she had ever met and she intended to get to know him better. Nancy hurried into the house, making her way past the mountain of luggage that Jarvis and James were bringing into the great hall. She followed the sound of Tommy’s voice and Gervase’s lower-toned responses and caught up with them as they entered the drawing room.
Tommy rushed in first, but Gervase stopped to hold the door open for Nancy.
‘Your brother has no manners, Miss Nancy,’ Gervase said with a devastating smile.
‘Tommy isn’t my brother. We’re not related, Mr North.’
‘Call me Gervase, please. To be fair, Tommy talks about you as if you were related, so I don’t see that it matters. I, for one, am delighted to make your acquaintance.’
‘Gervase, stop chatting to Nancy,’ Tommy said impatiently. ‘Come and meet my aunt Rosalind and uncle Alexander.’
Nancy stood aside as the introductions were made, but she could tell from Alexander’s expression that he, like Patricia, had reservations when it came to Gervase North. Rosalind, however, greeted him with her usual charm and open friendliness. Hester remained aloof at first, but Gervase bowed over her hand, treating her to a dazzling smile.
‘It’s an honour to meet the woman who captured the heart of such a hero, Lady Carey.’
‘Sir Lucius was a great man, Mr North.’
‘Indeed he was. Not that I had the honour to meet him, of course, but I know my history, Lady Carey. I’ve read about the battles at sea and I have huge respect for the men who sailed those gallant ships.’
