“God knows when I’ll get to visit it.” Then she remembered Arabella. “I ought to go. I’m not alone.”
“Before you leave, I’ve got something for you. From them. I kept it safe. Had it hidden under a board in the wagon so it didn’t get lost. Wait here.” He went to the wagon, rummaged underneath and pulled out a squashed, oblong tin box.
“It’s for you, Lucibelle.” He handed it to her. “Joris told me to keep it safe. For you. I think he knew he’dnot see you again. He always knew these things, didn’t he?”
Lucy took the box. “I had a feeling something must’vehappened. They used to write once in a while. Then they stopped. I could never write back because they were always on the move.” She smiled bleakly at the memory.
“No, you were too busy in that school. They turned you into a lady, didn’t they? But we always knew you were a princess. Joris and Jelly did the right thing sending you there.”
Lucy gave him a watery smile. “I loved them, but I also loved being at the Seminary. You know how I hated travelling around.”
“And now? You still there?”
Lucy shook her head. “I’m staying at Ashmore Hall with my friend, Lady Arabella.”
Phips whistled. “The duke’s sister! You don’t say. You’ve climbed into very elevated company, Lucibelle. And the duke, he’s a high stickler if ever there was one. That steward of his called us gypsies and threw us off the land. We only camped on his meadow for a night.”
Lucy sighed. “The duke can be—difficult. But he’s not too bad. If you want, I can put in a word for you.”
“Don’t trouble yourself. We’re staying at the inn. The innkeeper doesn’t mind. Especially when things get merry in the evenings. On the duke’s grounds, one has to behave all the time.” He grinned again. “I’m thinking about settling down.”
“What do you intend to do?”
Phips blushed furiously. “The inn I mentioned? There’s a girl there. She said they need help.”
“I’m happy for you, Phips. I hope it’ll work out for you.”
“Thank you.” Then he looked serious. “Just one more thing. When you return to the ‘nobs. Don’t forget us, will you? Joris and Jelly. They were heroes. They deserve to be remembered. Never forget where you came from.”
“I won’t,” Lucy choked. “I promise.”
“Phips! Where’s that boy when you need him?”
Phips looked over his back. “Prendergast. Joris and Jelly were worth ten times the likes of he. He’s been in a foul mood the entire day.”
Lucy wiped her nose and eyes and pulled herself together. “You’d better go. I don’t want him biting your head off on my account.”
“Blimey. It’s time for me to leave this life, too.”
“It’s good talking to you again.” Lucyremembered the gangly, tongue-tied boy that he used to be.
“Aye, it is.”
She clasped her tin box. “I have to go, they’ll miss me.”
“Goodbye, Lucibelle. God speed.”
“Goodbye, Phips.” Lucy looked wistful as his red head disappeared between the wagons. He was the last link to a childhood she’d thought she’d all but forgotten.
Chapter 20
Arabella chattered about the afternoon’s events the entire way back to the hall.
“I liked the bear most. Though the actors weren’t bad, either. I think I’ll ask Mrs Blake to serve us hot pasties for tea tomorrow.”
“Why don’t you go on ahead, Arabella? I’ll join you shortly.”
Arabella scrutinised Lucy’s face. “Are you feeling quite well, Lucy? You’ve been unusually quiet.”
