Page 96 of Sunday's Child

‘I’m sure they mean well.’ Nancy took a seat, sitting on the edge of an upright chair.

‘Is anything wrong? You seem very tense?’ Patricia eyed her curiously.

‘No, not exactly. I need some advice, that’s all.’

Patricia laughed. ‘I’m not sure I’m the best person to ask. What is it about?’

‘You were married to Sir Michael for four years, Patsy. What do you know about the family?’

‘What brought this about?’

‘I had a visit from Christina. She wants me to make Gervase leave Greystone Park, which is ridiculous, of course. Why would he pay any attention to anything I said? I wanted to know if you think he has a justifiable claim to the estate.’

‘Honestly, Nancy. I know very little about the Greystones, apart from the fact that Michael had an older brother, Oliver, who disgraced the family and was never spoken about. They had a younger sister called Elizabeth who married Francis North and Gervase is their son. That really is all I know.’

‘What happened to Oliver Greystone? Did he marry?’

‘Yes, his wife was Helena Collins. Her younger sister, Mary, was Sir Michael’s first wife. Helena died in tragic circumstances shortly after Sir Oliver left for Spain. Sir Oliver was killed in the duel.’

‘Who did Sir Oliver fight?’

‘I believe it was the cuckolded husband of Oliver’s lover. The story is that Oliver fled to Spain about nineteen years ago and Sir Rutledge Cooper, the wronged husband, followed him, intent on revenge, leaving Lady Cooper, his pregnant wife, at home. Sir Rutledge later returned to the family estate and his wife.’

‘And the baby?’

‘He grew up to be the image of Sir Rutledge, who never recovered from the fact that he had killed a man, despite the provocation, and drank himself to death a few years later. It was all very sad and a huge scandal at the time, which is why Oliver Greystone is never mentioned by the family.’

Nancy was silent for a moment. ‘Do you think that Gervase has a valid claim to the estate, Patsy?’

‘Only a court of law could settle that. It’s up to Gervase to decide whether or not he wishes to take them to court. I really have no interest in their squabbles, and you should keep out of it, too.’

‘I agree. If Christina approaches me again, I will suggest that she should get herself a good lawyer.’ Nancy smiled. ‘But more importantly, how are you keeping?’

Patricia rolled her eyes. ‘Everyone keeps asking the same question. I am perfectly fit and well. I don’t know what the fuss is about. I will go quietly mad if I have to stay indoors any longer than necessary. Leo won’t allow me to go to the mill, which is ridiculous. I keep the books and make sure that the bills are paid.’

‘Perhaps you could have the ledgers brought to you here, and you could do them at home.’

‘How dull. I miss talking to the customers and I hardly see Leo. He’s so busy all the time.’

‘I will come and see you every day, if that helps.’

‘You are so sweet, Nancy. I love you like a sister.’

Nancy stood up and leaned over to kiss Patricia on the cheek. ‘Thank you, Patsy. That means so much to me.’

‘You aren’t leaving, are you? Not so soon?’

‘I have to go, but I promise to be back tomorrow and I’ll stay longer.’ Nancy left hurriedly before Patricia’s disappointed look persuaded her to stay. She would go and see Gervase tomorrow as he demanded, and find out what information he thought he had as to her origins, but his relationship with his cousins was none of her business.

Next morning, Nancy went to Greystone Park, as arranged. Foster greeted her with his customary dour expression. ‘Mr North is in the drawing room, miss.’

‘Thank you, Foster. I know my way there.’ Nancy was in a hurry. She wanted to get the meeting over quickly and leave without giving Gervase time to argue.

He looked up as she entered the room without knocking. ‘I thought you weren’t coming. Didn’t I tell you that I had important information for you?’

‘I believe you did, but I’m under no obligation to you, Gervase.’ Nancy stared at the pile of papers that he had spread across the floor. ‘What are you doing?’

‘Looking for documented proof.’ He went down on his knees and began sifting through the documents.