“Yes, it was. I didn’t see it, thank the Lord. Our landlady told me. Nan? Yes, that is it. Nan. I called herNanny. She looked after me until my guardian appeared, and he packed me off to school in Bath.”
“Where you have been ever since?”
Felicity had to smile. “Don’t look so horrified. Mrs Jeavons is a very motherly woman. She took me to her bosom, so to speak. Without her, I should have been miserable indeed.”
“Ah, I begin to see why you feel you had rather return to her than find yourself obliged to seek a post elsewhere.”
If she was truthful, Felicity would eminently prefer to do neither. These few short days of freedom from the drudgery of her former life could not but beckon, despite the hideous quandary into which they had thrown her. But there was no choosing that path. Return she must. To be wholly dependent upon the generosity of others was to put oneself at a disadvantage. Papa had said it often enough.
“Never allow another to control your destiny, Flissie, my love. Always go your own way. Independence, that’s the thing.”
He had spoken of it often, with many sayings of the kind. Felicity guessed it irked him to be waiting on the quarterly allowance. But he had nevertheless endured with a gaiety she tried to emulate.
“Don’t let the slings and arrows get you down, Flissie. A glad heart and laughter will carry you through the worst life may throw at you.”
It had been hard to find that glad heart when he was gone and her life changed so dramatically. But Felicity had not forgotten and she did her best to live up to Papa’s dictum. It helped that she had inherited his sense of humour, and she never lost the lack of pretension he had early instilled with his light-hearted banter and irreverent approach to his fellow man.
“But, Felicity, had you no other family?”
The question kicked at a point that had ever niggled. “Not that I know of. I must suppose there are relations somewhere, but I have never heard of any.”
Angelica’s expression became fierce. “But it’s monstrous! Why did not Maskery tell you these things?”
Felicity shrugged. “I never saw him.”
“You mean he dumped you at this academy of yours and vanished, never to be seen again?”
“Until he came to fetch me.” She frowned, caught by a memory as she absently reached for a sugared almond. “No, wait. He did come once. Or it may have been twice. I recall being sent for to Mrs Jeavons’ parlour. There was a gentleman there, whom I supposed was my guardian.”
“Did not you recognise him? When he came this time, I mean.”
For the first time, Felicity tried to fit the face she now knew to the one she had earlier seen. She drummed her fingers lightly on the table, staring at them as she contemplated the older image. “Do you know, I cannot tell. I was so shocked, I think, by his proposal, all my faculties became blunted. It must have been he earlier, for I should not think anyone else has ever heard of me, much less known where to find me. No, no, it is absurd, Angelica.”
“What, to be thinking perhaps another sought you out? Why should they not? Your father’s death must have been reported. It sounds to be exactly the sort of event the journals delight in printing. The newspapers are full of such reports.”
Felicity had to agree, despite the train of speculation set up in her mind. Perhaps there might be a way to learn something? She did not mention the nebulous thought.
“If such a report reached your father’s family,” pursued Angelica, “it is conceivable they made enquiries and found out what had happened to you.”
Felicity remained sceptical. “Well, if anyone did, they did not see fit to make any sort of change. For which I must be thankful. I could expect nothing but to have been a drudge of a poor relation and once again dependent upon others for my livelihood.” She shuddered. “No, no, Angelica. I had far rather receive a wage for my services. And if I had not been so foolish as to fall into Lord Maskery’s trap —”
“That will do, Felicity! You are not to blame. The villain dangled an irresistible carrot before your face.”
The image this conjured up could not but make Felicity laugh. “Let us admit I was dazzled, Angelica, and leave it at that. It is pointless to dispute about it.”
“That is all very well, but you have intrigued me, Felicity.” A positively fanatical light came into Angelica’s eyes. “For my part, I think we should do all we can to discover your relations. It cannot be difficult. There are not many families bearing the name of Temple.”
“To what end, Angelica? Do you suppose I am going to force them to recognise me? I had rather not know, to be truthful.”
It was plain this view of the matter did not sit well with Mrs Summerhayes, but she thankfully dropped the subject, becoming brisk. “Time enough to be thinking of all that. Now, what would you like to do tomorrow? I must follow up with Margaret Latimer and make sure Gawcott is doing his part. You may come with me, if you choose. Unless you would prefer to see some of the sights? Peg can accompany you and I will put one of my carriages at your disposal.”
Felicity blinked at this programme. “See the sights? What sights?”
“Good heavens, child, London is full of remarkable things! The Tower where you may see the wild beasts, or the British Museum — do you like antiquities? Oh, and at present it isderigueurto visit Nelson’s tomb at Westminster Abbey. Yes, and you must not miss The Whispering Gallery at St Paul’s. Not that in general one has time for these things, but you are at leisure, so you may do as you please.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Felicity said when she was finally able to edge in a word, “but I would infinitely prefer to remain quietly here. I need to sort out the shambles made of my things, and —”
“And sit brooding on your situation. I won’t have it, Felicity.” Angelica nodded with finality and rose. “We will take tea in the private parlour and retire early. You will accompany me tomorrow and if you don’t choose to see the sights, I shall leave you in the care of Hetty and Silve.”
