There was also the possibility that she was the love-child of some unknown gentleman. It had crossed his mind more than once that the Pridhams might be playing some deep game, intent on catching a rich husband for their niece.
‘Perhaps you should invite Mama to come to Bath,’ Freddie mused. ‘I am sure she will love Natalya, do you not think so?’
Tristan thought Katherine would be horrified at the thought of her only son marrying a girl whose respectable birth was not assured.
‘I think we should wait a little for that,’ he replied cautiously. ‘The house in George Street is hired for the season, so there is no rush.’ He knew his nephew was going to argue and said quickly, ‘I will sound out the Pridhams. If you are serious about offering for Miss Fairchild.’
‘More serious than I have ever been about anything in my life before. Dash it, Tris, have you not been listening to me?’
‘I beg your pardon, Freddie, but it is very sudden. You have known the lady for such a short time.’
‘I have known her since January, and it is now May!’
‘Yes, yes, but you were only in Bath for a small part of the year.’
‘What has that to say to anything? I fell in love at first sight!’
‘Your mother is hardly likely to think that is a recommendation. What can you tell her about Natalya? What do you know of her birth, her family?’
With an oath Freddie clutched at Tristan’s arm.
‘Tris, pray do not refuse to support me in this! You must talk to the Pridhams as soon as maybe. When they realise I am serious in wanting to marry Natalya they cannot fail to give you some information about her.’
The flaring streetlamp made Freddie’s youthful features looking even younger, but there was no doubting the earnest entreaty in his voice. Tristan sighed.
‘Very well. Tomorrow I will call at Sydney Place and speak to Pridham about the matter.’
‘Excellent. I knew I might rely upon you!’ Freddie slipped his arm through Tristan’s as they set off again. ‘Now, when we get back to your house, we should open a bottle of your best claret, to celebrate!’
It was a full week before Tristan could see Mr Pridham, who had succumbed to the sore throat that had laid low his good lady. Natalya had escaped the infection, but she could not be persuaded to go out or to receive visitors, apart from the doctor and the various tutors employed to instruct her. Tristan learned all this from Freddie, who appeared to accept the situation with equanimity. His friend, Gore Conyer had arrived in Bath and the two young men joined the Grishams for various outdoor parties and picnics, as the weather continued fair.
It was thus on the Monday morning that a note was delivered for Lord Dalmorren, informing His Lordship that Mr Pridham would see him at two o’clock, if it suited. Tristan duly presented himself and was shown into the drawing room, where his host greeted him with rather forced bonhomie and offered him a glass of port wine.
‘I wish I could offer you sherry, my lord, but as you know, the recent war in the Peninsula has wreaked havoc with the supplies coming in from Spain.’
Conversation continued thus, and it was not until the two men were seated, each with a glass in hand, that Tristan had the opportunity to explain the reason for his visit. Mention of Freddie brought a frown to Mr Pridham’s already sombre countenance.
‘That young gentleman has become a little too particular in his attentions to my niece.’
‘I believe there is an attraction between them,’ replied Tristan. ‘It is hardly surprising. My nephew tells me they have been acquainted now since the beginning of the year. I believe there may be some understanding between them, sir, and it behoves me, as Mr Erwin’s guardian, to discuss the matter with you.’
‘There is no need for discussion. There can be no possibility of an alliance between Erwin and my niece.’
Tristan’s brows rose. ‘That is very blunt, sir.’
‘I think it is best to speak frankly. This affair must be nipped in the bud before it goes too far.’
Tristan put down his half-empty glass. He had the impression that if he had finished his wine Mr Pridham would have suggested he should leave. He tried a more persuasive note.
‘Surely, if the young people are truly fond of one another, we should at least consider the matter.’
‘There is nothing to consider. I should be obliged to you, my lord, if you would inform Mr Erwin that his suit will not succeed.’
‘He will be disappointed to hear that.’ He forced himself to add, ‘As, I believe, will Miss Fairchild. I had not thought my nephew such an ineligible partner. The lady certainly does not appear to think so.’
‘My ward will do as she is bid,’ retorted Mr Pridham. ‘I have already told her she should forget Mr Erwin. There will be no repeat of last week’s disgraceful behaviour in the Assembly Rooms, where they spent far too much time together and attracted no little attention.’ His mouth turned down in distaste. ‘You were present, I believe, my lord. I would have thought, as Erwin’s guardian, you might have done more to prevent it. They have laid themselves open to gossip. I have informed Natalya that she will attend no more balls for the time being and her outings will be severely curtailed while your nephew is in Bath.’
‘You are not afraid that she will rebel?’ Tristan smiled. ‘Young love can be very overwhelming, you know.’
‘My lord, if you think your nephew might try to persuade Natalya to elope then I suggest most strongly that you advise him against it.’
Tristan’s hold on his temper began to slip.
‘Freddie might be in love, but he is a gentleman,’ he retorted. ‘He would never contemplate taking such an outrageous step.’
‘I
