Page 13 of Sunday's Child

Nancy stared at her in surprise. ‘Why did you refuse him?’

‘Not that it’s any business of yours, but my mama hopes I’ll do better than a mere baronet.’

‘I’m going to marry for love,’ Tamara said dreamily.

Eleanora puffed blue smoke towards the ceiling. ‘Why do you think your parents sent you here, you silly girl? They’re grooming you for the marriage market next season.’ She eyed Nancy curiously. ‘What about you, girl with the strange name? Why are you here?’

‘I’m here, like you, because my family sent me to learn manners,’ Nancy said sharply. ‘It seems that some of us need instruction more than others.’

Tamara stifled a giggle. ‘That put you in your place, Eleanora.’

‘I suppose you live in a draughty country parsonage, Nancy Sunday,’ Eleanora said loftily. ‘Only a vicar would have such a stupid last name.’

‘Actually my family live in a draughty castle and they own the whole village.’ Nancy was not given to boasting, but she needed to put Eleanora in her place.

‘Do they really?’ Tamara went to sit at the dressing table. She took a silver-backed mirror from one of the drawers and a matching hairbrush. ‘We live in a mansion built in the last century, but it’s hardly a castle.’

Eleanora sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She walked over to the nearest window, threw up the sash and, having taken a last puff on the cigarillo, she tossed it out onto the garden below. ‘If either of you tell Miss Maughfling that I smoke I will personally make your life hell.’

Nancy gave her a withering look. ‘I’m not frightened of you, Eleanora. Keep your threats for those who are.’

‘There’s Jack. He said he would come for me and he has.’ Eleanora leaned out of the window and waved. She closed it and rushed over to the dressing table, primping in the mirror. ‘How do I look, Tamara?’

‘As always, you are immaculate,’ Tamara said reluctantly. ‘But surely you aren’t going out now? What will Miss Maughfling say if she finds out?’

‘She won’t. I’ve bribed Watkins to let me in through the kitchen when I return. You could come with me but I know you’re such a slave to the rules you won’t do anything daring.’

‘Leave her alone,’ Nancy said sharply. ‘Go out if you must, but leave Tamara alone.’

‘I can speak up for myself.’ Tamara unpinned her hair and allowed it to fall in a golden cascade around her shoulders. ‘I think you’re mad, if you want to know the truth, Eleanora. You’ll be in trouble if you’re found out.’

Eleanora wrapped a lace shawl around her shoulders. ‘I’m too clever to be caught, and you will cover for me if anyone checks the room after lights out.’ She waltzed to the door and let herself out onto the landing.

Nancy sighed. ‘She’s going to be found out, Tamara. I can see it coming.’

‘I hope she doesn’t get caught because it will reflect upon us.’

‘I don’t see why it should.’ Nancy unfolded the nightgown that Molly had laid out for her. ‘Why do you let her bully you, Tamara?’

‘I don’t take any notice. I probably won’t be here for much longer anyway.’

Nancy unbuttoned her blouse. ‘Why not?’

‘I’ll tell you a secret, but don’t say anything to Eleanora.’

‘All right, I won’t.’

‘I’m supposed to be doing the season next year, but I have other plans.’

‘Have you got a secret lover, like Eleanora?’

‘My papa is in trade and he’s made a great deal of money, which is looked down upon in some circles. He sent me here because he wants me to marry well.’

Nancy slipped her nightgown over her head. ‘But you have other ideas?’

Tamara turned to her and her pale cheeks flushed prettily. ‘William is Papa’s head clerk. He works in the shipping office. We’ve known each other for a couple of years and we fell in love last Christmas at a party given by Papa for his staff.’

‘How romantic.’