She supplied the name without missing a beat. “Lizzie Dowling. And her sister. We saved them from the nest. Not like those other poor creatures.”
Her mention of “nest” would have meant nothing to most listeners. But the man sighed.Nothing for it,he thought.No loose ends.
She smiled sweetly. “We saved them, the captain and I.”
Her last remark settled the matter, so he rose from the bench. “Let me rearrange your cushion.”
“Thank you, young man. Most kind.”
He slipped the pillow from behind her back, pushed her down, and covered her face until she was still. Then, he propped her up, her head tipping forward, and replaced the cushion behind her back.
He retraced his steps to the station. There was no need to rush; he had ample time until his train. And a man in a hurry was a man remembered. He brushed at his sleeves, plucking a small goose feather that clung to his coat. At the station, he passed a stream of excited Eton schoolboys in wide, white collars, ears protruding from under the brims of their top hats, waving cricket bats to their friends. Harried parents followedin their wake. The beginning-of-term pandemonium was ideal for getting lost in a crowd.
That afternoon’s work had been an unfortunate necessity, but the previous one had been his pleasure. So, the next would be.
And then the last.
On Monday at noon, Lady Styles slipped out of the side entrance of Marlborough House and lifted her face to the sun. There was just enough time for a walk around the grounds. The stretch of cold but clear weather continued for a sixth day into the new year, and it was a pleasure to be out of doors. Susan circled the east garden and sat on the bench on the great lawn. She opened the letter she’d received that morning and reread it, smiling.
“May I join you?” Princess Louise called, striding across the lawn. “I saw you from my window.”
“Of course.” Lady Styles pulled away her skirts to make room on the bench and folded her letter.
Princess Louise said, “Please, not on my account. Finish it.”
“It’s from my bank manager, and I’ve read it twice.” She tucked it into her pocket. “My royal stipend and a small legacy from an elderly aunt have my affairs in order. He can put a scheme of mine in motion.”
“A plan you can share, or would you prefer to wait until it’s in place?”
“I’ll tell you at once. My banker has reviewed the leasing arrangements for a small flat. Now, in the months I’m not waiting on Princess Alexandra, I have somewhere to go besides my brother and sister-in-law’s house.”
Princess Louise sighed. “How I envy you, although most would think me spoiled to say it. What care in the world could a royal princess have?”
Susan reached for her hand. “I know things are difficult. Your life isn’t all you’d wish it to be. I’m sorry.”
“I’m twenty this year, and Mama has begun to discuss marriage. I’m sure she plans to marry me off to some … some German princeling or other.” Louise flicked a dismissive hand.
“Like your sisters.” Susan had learned something in royal service: the queen’s adult children were also Her Majesty’s subjects.And daughters are more subject than sons.
“Those marriages were Papa’s dearest wish. Alice … I’m not sure she’s happy, but Vicky adores Fritz. It’s Prussia she loathes. There she is, the Princess Royal of England, a captive in a foreign land.” Louise slumped on the bench. “I cannot bear the thought of leaving my homeland. To be away from … everything.”
A hansom cab rattled through the side gate and stopped before it reached the front entrance. Sir Lionel Dermott paid off the driver and strode across the lawn.
“Thank goodness.” He bowed to the princess and took Susan’s hand. “If you are out here, I’m not late for luncheon in there.” He cocked his thumb at Marlborough House.
“You’ve arrived in good time,” said Princess Louise, “and we could use a bit of cheering up.”
“Ah, court jester. My favorite role. You’ll permit me to join you?” Lionel extracted a large paisley handkerchief from his pocket, arranged it on the lawn, and sat cross-legged. “Now, what are we talking about?”
“Marriage, as it happens,” Princess Louise said. “What is your opinion? But perhaps you’re not the best judge. I notice you haven’t rushed to sample its joys.”
“Marriage …” Lionel stroked his chin. “Now that depends. If you mean matrimony in general, I approve. If you are speaking of one in particular … as a rule, I advise caution.” He smiled. “Princess, my lady, please consult me before taking any drastic step.”
Susan turned at the sound of a rider. Oliver Montgomery had entered on horseback. “Alix’s last luncheon guest has arrived,” she said.
Lionel sighed. “Ollie makes me quite ashamed. I really must exercise my filly more often. Can I persuade you ladies to join me for a ride sometime this week?”
“Only if you promise us a good canter,” Louise said.
