Page 47 of Sunday's Child

‘It’s Felicia’s business. You must ask her if you wish to know, although I wouldn’t advise it.’

‘That makes me even more curious. I was hoping to find out when you were planning on returning to Rockwood. I assume you will all be going there for Christmas.’

‘Even if we were, I doubt if you would be invited, especially after your outburst when we were last there.’

‘I was thinking of spending Christmas at Greystone Park.’

‘But it’s been closed up since Sylvia left for Switzerland. Has she come home?’

‘Not to my knowledge, but I am challenging my cousins’ right to the estate.’ Gervase fell into step beside her as Nancy walked off in the direction of John Adam Street. She had hoped he might stay behind and take his chances with Felicia, but he seemed determined to follow her.

‘How are you doing that, Gervase? I believe Sir Michael left it to his daughters in his will. Your mama was his younger sister, was she not?’

‘That is correct.’

‘So you are not in line for the inheritance.’

‘But I am the only surviving male Greystone. I intend to challenge my uncle’s will, even if I have to spend the next few years doing so.’

Nancy walked a little faster. ‘I wish you good luck with that, but I think Christina will fight you through the courts if you try to take Greystone Park away from her and her sister.’

‘I look forward to a battle royal. I will have Greystone Park for myself. I want you to know that, Nancy.’

They reached the Strand and Nancy came to a halt. ‘As I said, I wish you well, but it really has nothing to do with me. I don’t want to hold you up, Gervase. I’m sure you have better things to do than stand here chatting to me.’

‘Not at all. I think I’ll accompany you and Ashton to the zoological gardens. It will make a change from the dreary round of gentlemen’s clubs and luncheons in expensive restaurants.’

There seemed to be nothing that Nancy could say to deter Gervase from his purpose. He insisted on accompanying her and Freddie, despite her lack of enthusiasm. Now she would have to think of a valid reason for Freddie’s failure to turn up. However, she was saved from embarrassment when they arrived at John Adam Street to find Freddie standing at the front door.

Nancy thought quickly. ‘Freddie, you’re early. I was just telling Gervase that we had arranged to visit the zoological gardens this afternoon.’

Freddie met her anxious gaze with his slightly lopsided smile. ‘Th-then it’s fortunate I w-was early. I th-thought we might take a picnic.’

Gervase stared at him in amazement. ‘Ashton, old chap, it’s December. It’s cold and it might even snow. Are you quite mad?’

Freddie indicated a wicker hamper at his feet. ‘F-Fortnum and Mason’s best, Gervase. S-Scotch eggs and g-game pie. H-hothouse peaches. What more could you ask for?’

‘I think it’s a lovely idea, Freddie,’ Nancy said enthusiastically. ‘I’m sure we can find shelter somewhere, even if the weather turns nasty. What a pity you don’t like the outdoors, Gervase. Of course you won’t want to join us.’

For once Gervase seemed to be lost for words. He took a step backwards, glaring at Freddie. ‘It’s a stupid idea. Typical of you, Ashton. You have no thought for a lady’s comfort.’

Nancy rapped on the door knocker. ‘That’s not true. Freddie is one of the nicest, kindest people I have ever met. If you think differently I suggest you go away and leave us alone. We are going to have a picnic at the zoo. I don’t care what the weather has in store for us.’

Freddie picked up the hamper. ‘Sorry, old chap. It looks as if we’re going on our own. Maybe another time.’

Rawlings opened the door and Freddie followed Nancy into the house, leaving Gervase standing on the pavement outside.

Nancy rushed into the parlour and peered out of the window. ‘He looks furious, Freddie. Thank you so much for being here. I wasn’t expecting you but I said the first thing that came into my head when Gervase insisted on following me.’

‘I came on the off chance that Mrs de Marney might spare you for an hour or two.’

‘Thank goodness you did. Felicia has given me the rest of the day off.’

‘That doesn’t sound like her.’

‘She’s still furious because a younger woman has been given the part she coveted, and then she discovered that the playbills had been printed with Carlotta Corvi’s name in larger print than her own. I left Claude trying to placate her, but Felicia can be very difficult.’

‘It’s given us time together, Nancy. We’re free from Gervase for now, so let’s forget everyone else and enjoy ourselves.’