Page 12 of The Fortunes of Ashmore Castle

‘The mater’s ferocious lady’s maid. Been with her centuries, and from what I observe they detest each other, and exist in a bracing atmosphere of barely concealed animosity. It’s just like my mother to despatch the poor woman on a double journey of a thousand miles in the depths of winter. And just like Taylor to obey.’

‘A desire for martyrdom?’

‘Something like that. Hating Mother keeps her going, and undeserved suffering increases her self-regard.’

Molly laughed. ‘You’re embroidering to entertain me.’

‘Perhaps a little. Well, Uncle Sebastian’s idea was to take pity on Taylor and make her stay a few days to get over the journey, thus delaying Rachel’s departure in the hope that something would happen. And, blow me down, it did! Taylor stepped down from the railway carriage at Canons Ashmore onto a patch of ice, slipped and fell, and broke her leg.’

‘Oh, the poor woman!’

‘Yes, frightening, and very painful, I believe. I wouldn’t have wished it on her. But she’s now at the Castle with a great plaster cast like an elephant’s foot on her lower leg, and obviously unable to escort Rachel back to St Petersburg.’

‘So what’s going to happen?’ Molly asked, pouring water onto the rum. The aromatic smell lifted into the air.

‘There was an exchange of telegrams. Mother demanded Giles send Rachel with one of his own servants and he said he had none to spare. Then Mother said she would come herself but it could not be yet as she had too many engagements. And there it was left.’

‘So you don’t know when she might arrive?’

‘No, she’s hanging over us like the threat of an avalanche, with everyone hoping if they don’t make any sudden noises she’ll stay put. I suppose she’s bound to be in London in March for Uncle Fergus’s celebration. That gives Tullamore a few weeks to try to sort matters out with his father. One has to feel sorry for him.’

‘Yes, it must be very hard for a young man to be told he has to marry a beautiful girl with lots of money, follow a well-paid career and inherit a fortune.’ She handed him a toddy and sat down opposite him.

He looked at her sternly. ‘You’ve missed out the part about being in love with someone else. I know what it’s like not to be able to marry the woman you love.’

‘The cases are not the same.’

‘No, mine is the settled affection of a mature mind, and Tullamore’s – well, I’m fond of Rachel, but she is rather a silly girl. Quite what Tullamore sees in her I don’t know. But, still, he does see it, and they make a pretty couple, so it seems unnecessarily cruel to keep them apart.’

‘And you’re seeing him tonight? Do you hope to ease the path of True Love?’

Richard was thoughtful. ‘I’m not sure there’s anything I can do, except encourage him to devise a plan in case his pa won’t budge. He’s going down next week to face the dragon, and one hopes that paternal affection will surge up at the sight of him. He is a pretty boy.’

‘And if it doesn’t?’

‘Ah. Then, I suppose, if he still wants to marry Rachel, he’ll have to find himself another career.’

‘And there’s your mother to think about.’

He gave a rueful grin. ‘I was trying not to! But, yes, she won’t be reconciled to the idea. Rachel would have to hold out against extreme pressure for two years until she’s twenty-one – which would give Tullamore time to set up a career and save up some jingle. But whether she has the pluck to resist . . .’ He shrugged.

‘So is that what brought you to London?’

‘No, I came up to see you. It’s been a long three weeks.’

‘Tell the truth.’

‘It’s true. Also I have some milk business to attend to. I promised Tullamore I’d see him before he went north – and I’ve a letter from Rachel for him. And, last but not least, I brought Alice up to stay with Aunt Caroline and see about enrolling at the Slade School. She’s really good, you know!’ he said, his face animating. ‘And Giles, bless him, has said he’ll pay for it, because I’m positive Mother won’t.’

‘Will she agree to Alice going? From what you’ve told me about her, I’d have thought she’d be against it.’

‘We haven’t asked her yet. One crisis at a time! But she’s never really cared for Alice, doesn’t see her making a glittering marriage. So she probably won’t mind what she does, as long as she doesn’t make a scandal. All her hopes were pinned on Rachel – and she certainly was the debutante of the Season. It’s enough to make one feel almost sorry for her.’

‘For Rachel?’

‘No, for Mother. Wouldn’t it be dreadful to have it in her grasp to see Rachel a princess, then have it snatched away at the last moment? And Rachel’s the sort of girl to be swayed by the last person she spoke to. If she met this prince she might be perfectly happy to marry him. Tullamore had better run away with her before she’s forced to go to St Petersburg or he might lose her entirely.’

‘Richard Tallant! You can’t possible recommend elopement!’