Page 10 of Rivals at Ashmore Castle

‘But, you sly thing, you never said a word! Or have you only just found out?’

‘I knew before Christmas, but I wanted to keep it secret. I had to tell you to explain why I won’t be hunting any more this season.’

‘Oh, yes, that is a dreadful bore. But why a secret? I’m sure your Mr Cowling would love to shout it from the rooftops. Is he terribly, terribly pleased?’

‘Oh, yes. He’d take out a notice in The Times, I think.’

‘So why, then?’

Nina looked away. They were in the common sitting-room at Welland Hall, which was a comfortable, shabby room into which everyone came directly from outside; where generations of children and dogs had made hay on the furniture, and there was nothing that minded muddy paws or the transfer of horse-hair from breeches, or the many random things children brought back from walks, whether sticks or sticklebacks. She knew Mr Cowling was puzzled by it: he thought if you had money, you made everything in your house as fine as possible. He had only been in the common sitting-room once: Bobby had recognised his bewilderment, and had always since received him in the drawing-room.

‘I’m a little apprehensive,’ Nina said at last.

‘Oh, don’t be! There’s nothing to it – only not being able to ride, which is why I told Aubrey I would only have the two. Though I might think about another one day if I could be sure I’d get a boy. Insurance, you know. But, honestly, you’ll enjoy it. Have you been terribly sick? Because that passes.’

‘No, just a little queasy sometimes.’

‘I wasn’t sick at all with Rupert, but I was with Elizabeth. But once that’s over, you’ll feel marvellous – right up to the very end, when you’re so big you can’t bend down to pick up anything you’ve dropped. But that’s what servants are for. You want a boy, of course.’

‘I suppose so, though Mr Cowling says he doesn’t mind, he’s just so pleased it’s happening.’

‘He didn’t have any with his first wife, did he?’ Bobby said. ‘Oh, Nina, I’m so pleased for you! It’s the most wonderful news. Can I tell everyone?’

‘Yes, I’m writing to my aunt and Kitty and everyone today, so tell away.’

‘It’s just a shame about hunting. What will you do about Jewel?’

‘I suppose I’ll have to turn him out,’ Nina said, with a sigh.

‘You can lend him to me if you like – I’ll hunt him for you. My sisters are coming next week and they’ll want Star and Dover, which only leaves me with Florence for a second horse, and she’s slow and not much of a jumper. I’d be happy to leave her at home and take Jewel for you. Now don’t look at me like that! You know I don’t over-face my horses. He’ll be quite safe with me – and I promise not to let anyone else on his back for a second.’

‘Oh, I wasn’t having doubts about you. It was just envy.’

‘Never mind! You’re having a baby, that’s the important thing. And you’ll love every minute, I promise you. It’s the most delightful feeling.’ She distracted herself. ‘I know what I meant to ask you: what’s this I hear about Mr Cowling buying Utterby’s twenty acres?’

‘He said it used to belong to Wriothesby House in the past. He wants to make a proper park, turn the house into an estate.’

‘What a lovely idea. And best of all, it means you’re really settling here, doesn’t it? I was afraid you might be whisked away somewhere more fashionable.’

Nina laughed. ‘I don’t think we’re the fashionable sort.’

Bobby’s eyes widened. ‘Now, Nina, that’s a pure fabrication. Mr Cowling mixes with all the top people. You have a house in London. You’ve dined with the King.’

‘I suppose, when you put it like that…’

When she got home, she found Mr Cowling waiting for her. ‘Well? Was she pleased for you?’ he asked.

‘Couldn’t have been more so. She sent you congratulations. And she’s going to tell everyone in Market Harborough.’

‘Aye, well, I’ve had the start of her. She may not find anyone who doesn’t know.’ He took both her hands. ‘Oh, Nina, do you know how happy you’ve made me?’

‘If it’s as happy as I am, yes, I do,’ Nina said, smiling up at him.

‘Oh, that’s a nice way to put it. You’ve a way with words. I’m better with deeds – and I’ve something to show you.’ He led her into the small room off the hall that he used as a study. On the desk was a large roll of paper. He unfurled it, weighting the ends with various objects. It was a set of architect’s plans.

‘This is just the first draft, you understand,’ he said. ‘We can change it as we please, and I’m betting we will. But you have to start somewhere.’

‘What is it?’ Nina asked, though she had guessed.