Page 121 of Sunday's Child

‘I remember Ivy. She is a good servant.’ Patricia smiled up at Leo. ‘We will need a nursemaid soon, my love.’

Leo nodded. ‘Of course. Anything you want, Patsy.’

‘She’s terrified of Gervase,’ Nancy added anxiously. ‘She says he whips servants.’

‘His days of bullying are almost over.’ Freddie accepted the glass of brandy that Fletcher gave him and he handed it to Nancy. ‘Take a sip of this. It will make you feel a bit better, and then I’ll take you home.’

Nancy sipped the brandy. The strong spirit warmed her and she stopped shivering, but she refused a second drink. ‘I’d like to go home now, Freddie. I came here first because I was afraid that we were being followed. I thought that Gervase would think I’d gone straight home and head for the castle.’

‘You did exactly the right thing,’ Patricia said firmly. ‘You are safe here with us and so is Ivy.’

‘There’s something else.’ Nancy took courage from the brandy warming her veins. ‘Gervase said I would have to marry him as my reputation will be ruined by spending a night in his company.’

‘As if anyone would believe that you were with him by choice.’ Patricia shook her head. ‘The man is deluded.’

Freddie downed his drink in one swallow. ‘I really want to lay my hands on that fellow. I’m n-not n-normally a v-violent man, but he’s g-gone too far.’

‘Take Nancy home, Ashton,’ Leo said angrily. ‘I’ll alert Constable Burton. You and I will accompany the police when they raid Greystone Park. We’ll make sure the bastard doesn’t get away.’

‘Agreed.’ Freddie helped Nancy to her feet. ‘Are you all right to walk to my carriage? I’ll carry you, if not.’

‘I’m not a weak little woman, Freddie. But I would like to go home and let everyone see that I’m unharmed, even if my reputation has been damaged.’

‘Everything you tell me about him makes me want to choke the life out of him.’ Freddie turned to Leo with a grim smile. ‘I’ll meet you at Greystone Park. Make sure that Constable Burton knows what he’s up against.’

‘I’d like five minutes alone with him,’ Fletcher said, cracking her knuckles. ‘Me and Wolfe could make him cry like a baby.’

‘I’m sure you’re right.’ Leo patted her on the shoulder. ‘But I need you to protect my wife and Ivy, should Gervase happen to show his face here.’

‘You can trust me, boss.’ Fletcher puffed out her chest. ‘The missis and young Lugg are in safe hands.’

Freddie proffered his arm. ‘Are you ready, Nancy?’

She nodded. ‘I’m coming. I’ll see you tomorrow, Patsy. I’m so sorry you were upset.’

‘It’s not your fault, my dear. If it weren’t for my condition, I would be the first to storm the gates of Greystone Park. I would have things to say to Gervase that he wouldn’t wish to hear.’

Nancy managed a weak smile as she took Freddie’s arm and allowed him to lead her outside to where his horse was tethered. He helped her into the chaise and took the reins.

‘Why were you at the mill house, Freddie?’ Nancy studied his profile as he guided the horse into the lane. ‘You never said what brought you there.’ Nancy wrapped the woollen rug round her legs as the cold night air nipped at her face and fingers.

‘I returned to Rockwood to find that you were missing. I went to see if Leo had any idea what might have happened to you.’

‘But you were summoned home by your papa. Why did he need to see you so urgently?’

‘It was an excuse my parents used so that they could have a last attempt to change my mind about marrying their choice of bride. I told them in no uncertain terms that there is only one woman for me and nothing will alter that.’

‘I dare say they were a bit put out.’

‘I don’t care, Nancy. I love you and it doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor. You are the only one for me.’

‘Oh, Freddie. I don’t want to set you against your family. I know you love your mother and father, and I love you, too.’

He turned his head to give her a wide smile. ‘That’s the first time you’ve told me that.’

‘It’s true, Freddie, but I won’t be responsible for breaking up your family. It would come between us eventually, and I couldn’t bear that.’

‘But if you and I were married my parents would grow to love you as I do. There would be no question of a rift.’