Page 81 of Sunday's Child

‘If anyone is to go to Barbados to persuade Piers to return home, it should be me,’ Lady Pentelow said flatly. ‘I am the head of the family.’

Bertie signalled to Wolfe, who manoeuvred the Bath chair so that Bertie was facing Lady Pentelow. ‘I am the head of this family, ma’am. Your home is Trevenor, which is in danger of being taken from you in your absence.’

‘Sir, I am a busy man. When the cargo is loaded we will set sail. I haven’t time for this.’ The captain was about to turn away but Nancy slipped in between him and Lady Pentelow.

‘Captain, please. I agree that Lady Pentelow might find the conditions trying, but I am prepared to go in her place.’

‘As am I.’ Patricia stepped forward. ‘My husband is one of those who appear to be stranded on the island. My understanding is that you do take fare-paying passengers occasionally.’

‘Yes, sometimes in extreme circumstances, ma’am. But there is one available cabin with two bunk beds. As I said, the accommodation is very basic to say the least.’

‘We’ve been on such voyages before.’ Nancy nodded earnestly. ‘Mrs Wilder and I will be happy to share a cabin.’

‘Just a minute, Nancy.’ Freddie moved swiftly to her side. ‘Are you sure about this? I don’t like the idea of you venturing so far without someone to protect you.’

‘You heard the captain, Freddie. There’s only one cabin.’

‘I don’t want you to go, Nancy. Heaven knows what dangers you might face.’

Nancy clasped his hand. ‘Don’t worry, Freddie. I can take care of myself. You should return to your life at Dorrington Place.’

‘Did my mama say anything to make you walk away from me, Nancy?’

‘Please, Freddie, not now. I have to do this on my own.’

‘Is that your final word?’

‘It is, Freddie. I’m sorry.’

Freddie backed away, shaking his head. ‘I’m not going to allow it to end like this, Nancy.’

Hester marched to the front. ‘Captain, we haven’t been introduced. I am the Dowager Lady Carey from Rockwood Castle.’

‘Captain Wilson Mockridge, ma’am.’

‘I’m telling you now, Captain, Mrs Wilder cannot go – not in her delicate condition – and Lady Pentelow would never survive the journey.’ Hester turned to Nancy. ‘I will come with you to Barbados. Piers Blanchard will listen to what I have to say and we’ll bring him home. I’ve had years of dealing with difficult men and boys.’

Rosalind laid her hand on Hester’s arm. ‘Are you sure about this, Hester? It’s not going to be a comfortable voyage.’

‘You cannot overrule what I say.’ Lady Pentelow’s cheeks reddened. ‘You are a housekeeper, who has risen above her station in life. If anyone travels on this vessel, it should be me.’

Bertie held up his hand. ‘Captain Mockridge, are you willing to take Lady Carey and Miss Sunday as passengers?’

Captain Mockridge glanced over his shoulder as the crane pulled back, having loaded the cargo into the hold. ‘We are about to sail. I can take two passengers. It matters little to me who chooses to take up my offer, but I’m not delaying any longer. You’d best get aboard before the gangplank is raised.’

Bertie caught Nancy by the hand. ‘You don’t have to do this. I’m not sure it is the best solution after all.’

‘I want to go with you,’ Patricia said angrily. ‘I need to see Leo and give him the good news.’

‘All the more reason for remaining safely at home.’ Rosalind placed her arm around Patricia’s shoulders. ‘You have a baby to think of now, Patsy. You don’t want to risk losing it, do you?’

‘I never wanted children,’ Patricia said sulkily.

‘You’ll feel differently when he or she is born. Believe me, you will.’ Rosalind led her sister away, still protesting.

‘That’s settled then. I’m going to Barbados with you, Nancy.’ Hester beckoned to Fletcher, who was standing quietly behind Walter and Louise. ‘I’ll take my valise, thank you, Fletcher.’

‘You intended to come all along.’ Nancy picked up her bag.