‘In fact,’ she added, trying to send their thoughts in another direction, ‘I spent more time talking to Henry Grisham.’
Her uncle waved a dismissive hand. ‘We all know young Grisham is dangling after Miss Spinhurst. He is no threat.’
‘Threat?’ Natalya jumped on the word. ‘I am surprised you do not keep me locked in my room, if you consider any gentleman’s attention to be a threat.’
‘If I had my way, my girl, I would do just that!’
‘Your uncle is funning!’ put in Aunt Pridham hastily. ‘It was very kind of Mrs Ancrum to invite you. I shall write her a note in the morning, thanking her.’
‘Better than that, Aunt, you may thank her in person,’ replied Natalya sweetly. ‘Mrs Ancrum will be calling here tomorrow morning. She has invited me to join her on a drive to Lansdown Hill, if you do not object? We were talking about the Battle of Lansdown tonight and she expressed a desire to see the monument.’ She looked from her aunt to her uncle. ‘You do not mind if I accompany her, do you? She had asked Colonel Yatton to escort her, but he embarks upon a course of treatment at the hot baths tomorrow and cannot go.’ She clasped her hands together. ‘After all Mrs Ancrum’s kindness to me I should very much like to keep her company on this outing. I do not like the idea of her going to Lansdown without a companion. However, if you wish me to refuse I shall do so, when she calls.’
She held her breath while her aunt and uncle looked at one another.
‘No, no, we have no objection,’ replied Mrs Pridham at last. ‘I am sure Mrs Ancrum will look after you and one must undertake these outings when the weather permits, I understand that.’
‘Thank you.’ If the Grishams had been having this conversation, Jane would have flown across the room to kiss her mother’s cheek, but Aunt Pridham did not encourage such shows of affection, so Natalya merely smiled and dropped a slight curtsy. ‘If you will excuse me, I am excessively tired and will go to bed now. It is very late.’
Bidding her aunt and uncle goodnight, she made her way up the stairs, not to think about the pleasures of the forthcoming outing, but to recall the delights of the evening and Lord Dalmorren serenading her. Just the thought of his voice, a rich, powerful tenor, sent a shiver down her spine. All the way to her toes.
Chapter Five
The monument on Lansdown had been erected in the last century, to commemorate the heroism of Sir Bevil Grenville and his Cornish pikemen at the Battle of Lansdown during the Civil War. Natalya had seen it before, but she was very ready to enjoy another outing to Lansdown Hill, where on a clear day one could enjoy views over the rolling countryside.
When Mrs Ancrum’s barouche pulled up in Sydney Place, the hood was down and Mrs Ancrum was making use of her parasol. Natalya climbed in beside the old lady and allowed the footman to drape a rug across her knees, but it was hardly necessary, for the day was warm as well as sunny. She made herself comfortable while Mrs Pridham exchanged a few words with Mrs Ancrum.
‘It is very kind of you to take such an interest in Natalya, ma’am,’ her aunt concluded.
The old lady waved away her thanks.
‘Nonsense, I enjoy her company.’ She added, in her blunt way, ‘I thought last night she was looking a little peaky. She spends far too long cooped up at her studies and not enough time in company.’
Mrs Pridham’s smile became a little rigid.
‘We are eager for her to have every accomplishment, ma’am.’
‘Then you will not object to today’s little jaunt,’ replied Mrs Ancrum, casting a triumphant glance towards Natalya. ‘Purely educational!’
She ordered the coachman to drive on, waved one regal hand to Mrs Pridham and settled back in her seat with a sigh.
‘Lord, how the Pridhams do object to any trip of pleasure. I am even more sure they must be Puritans.’
Natalya giggled as she put up her own parasol. ‘Pray do not be ridiculous, ma’am.’
‘Hmmph. I am sometimes surprised that they allow you to come out with me.’
‘They allow it because you are highly respected and your friendship counters any rumours concerning my birth. I am excessively grateful to you, ma’am. I am well aware that without your patronage I would not be so readily accepted in Bath.’
Mrs Ancrum shushed her and reached out to take her hand.
‘Anyone who knows you must admire and respect you, Natalya. I wish I might do more to refute the rumours.’
‘Can you not, ma’am?’ Natalya turned to look at her.
‘Not as much as I would like.’ The old lady squeezed her hand. ‘Your birthday is only a few weeks away now, my dear. I am sure the Pridhams will explain everything then.’
‘But what if—what if my worst fears are confirmed?’
‘Pish! If there was anything disreputable about you it would have come out by now,’ she said cheerfully. ‘The Pridhams are far too circumspect about you, that is all. It is their reticence that causes people to speculate.’
Natalya could not deny it had added to her doubts about her parents. Her aunt and uncle were kind enough, but they kept her at a distance. She could not recall ever receiving a warm kiss on the cheek from her uncle, or being hugged by her aunt. She could not deny they treated her well, spared no expense in looking after her, but they did it out of duty. Not affection.
‘No,’ continued Mrs Ancrum. ‘A respectable marriage would do a great deal to help, if only the Pridhams could see
