Page 28 of Sunday's Child

‘But you should accept the offer.’ Tamara managed a tearful smile. ‘Don’t give up such an opportunity because of me or anyone.’

‘We’ll go and speak to William this morning. He’ll look after you.’ Eleanora’s last words came back to Nancy and she knew she could not rest until Tamara had her father’s permission to marry the man she loved.

‘Well, it’s lovely to see you young ladies, but my modiste will be here at any minute.’ Felicia glanced at the brass clock on the mantelshelf. ‘It’s my final fitting. You would deal with this sort of arrangement in future, Nancy. And,’ Felicia added, with a knowing smile, ‘you would need a whole new wardrobe as well. I can’t have people around me who look as if they’ve just come up from the country.’

‘I will think about your kind offer, but I have a favour to ask?’

‘Anything within reason,’ Claude said cheerfully.

‘Miss Maughfling, the principal at the Academy, loves opera, as does Miss Sharp. Would it be possible to have some tickets for Mrs de Marney’s next performance?’

‘Yes, of course. I’ll arrange that and I’ll send them round to the Academy.’ Claude patted Nancy on the shoulder. ‘Do think seriously about my wife’s proposition, my dear. I think you might enjoy working for us.’

‘Thank you. I promise I will let you know tomorrow.’ Nancy left the room, followed by Tamara.

‘Why did you hesitate?’ Tamara demanded as they stepped outside onto the pavement. ‘It’s a wonderful chance for you to see more of the world. You might even travel abroad.’

‘I owe everything to Rosie and Patricia. I don’t want to do anything that will upset them.’

‘But Mrs de Marney is their mother. Surely they would want to do what she wishes?’

‘They aren’t like an ordinary family, Tamara. Mrs de Marney is not like a normal mother. As I understand it, she was rarely at home when her children were growing up, and that’s how she continues now. I remember her infrequent visits to the castle and then she would go off for months or even years.’

‘But the family still love her?’

Nancy shrugged. ‘Yes, I suppose so.’

‘My mother died soon after I was born. I wish that I could see her, just once.’

Nancy raised her hand to hail a hansom cab. ‘Come on, Tamara. We’ll take a cab to the City and you can see William. But we mustn’t stop long or we’ll be in trouble with Miss Sharp.’

Tamara’s sad expression was replaced by a bright smile. ‘Oh, yes. He will have such a surprise when I walk into the office.’

William was at his desk in the shipping office but, unfortunately for Tamara, her papa was also there, pacing the floor with an angry frown. He came to a halt when he saw his daughter.

‘Tamara! What are you doing here? And who is this with you?’

The colour fled from Tamara’s cheeks but she managed a hint of a smile. ‘Good morning, Papa. This is my friend Nancy Sunday.’

‘How do you do, Miss Sunday,’ Hubert Fitzallen said gruffly. ‘But why are you here, Tamara? You should be studying whatever it is they teach at the Academy. I pay good money to have you turned into a young lady.’

Nancy stepped forward. ‘How do you do, Mr Fitzallen? It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.’

His expression softened. ‘At least you’ve learned something at that expensive school. Perhaps you can explain the reason for this unexpected visit.’

Tamara sent a pleading glance to William, who had risen to his feet and was gazing at her with undisguised admiration.

‘Tell him, William,’ Tamara said in a low voice.

‘You have something to say, Russell?’ Mr Fitzallen’s tone was not encouraging.

William ran his finger round the inside of his starched white collar. ‘This isn’t the right time or place, sir.’

‘Nonsense. Say what you have to say. I’m a busy man, Russell.’

‘Papa.’ Tamara laid a small hand on her father’s sleeve. ‘Please let William speak.’

‘Out with it, man. And the rest of you get on with your work. This is none of your business.’ Mr Fitzallen turned back to William, glowering. ‘Speak up. I haven’t got all day.’