‘You befriended her.’
‘Yes. I had no proof she was Elizabeth’s daughter, but the more I saw, the more I was convinced of it. I made up my mind that if I saw any sign that Natalya was ill treated, I would step in.’ She spread her hands. ‘But how could I? She was given every luxury and, as far as I could tell, she had wanted for nothing during her childhood. I had always thought the Faringdons abandoned the child, but they must have thought better of it, placed her with the Pridhams and paid for her upbringing.’
‘And you have never said a word of this to Natalya?’
‘Not until her birthday. She came to me, distressed that the Pridhams had again refused to give her any information about her parents. I told her what I have just told you, but I explained that I could not be sure, that I had no proof.’ She sat forward. ‘Surely, my lord, you do not think the family could be behind the abduction? What purpose would it serve?’
‘That is what I have been asking myself. Are you in touch with the Faringdons, Mrs Ancrum?’
‘No, and nor do I wish to be, after the way they treated Elizabeth. The scandal had been forgotten by the time they brought out her stepsisters and they managed to find husbands for them both. They all live in deepest Lincolnshire now.’ The old lady’s mouth turned down. ‘The embodiment of genteel respectability. I cannot think they would wish for any connection with Natalya, especially after all this time.’
Tristan asked several more questions, but there was nothing more to be learned here.
As soon as they had finished their meal, he took his leave.
‘What you have told me is very useful, ma’am,’ he told her, bowing over her hand. ‘Added to what my secretary has gleaned.’
‘And is she Elizabeth’s daughter?’ He said nothing and her thin, beringed fingers clung to him. ‘Damn you, Tristan, you know something more and you will not tell me!’
He smiled. ‘Alas, ma’am, I will not, because at present it is nothing more than conjecture. I must leave for town at dawn, where I hope I shall now be able to solve the mystery.’
‘And you will tell me? You owe me that, I think.’
He nodded. ‘If Miss Fairchild permits. She is my first consideration. I shall be leaving too early in the morning to see Natalya before I go, so I will leave a note for her. However, I am sure she would appreciate a visit from you, ma’am. To remind her that she has friends here.’
He walked to the door, but as he opened it she called him back.
‘Whatever Natalya’s origins may be, I have made her my heir, although she does not yet know it.’
‘Are you telling me that to make her a more attractive proposition?’ He smiled. ‘Tell her she is an heiress, by all means, but I pray you will also make it plain that I will marry her whatever her birth and even if she comes to me without a rag to her back!’
Natalya had no objection to keeping to her room. She needed time to think. She also wanted to give Tristan time to reflect upon his rash proposal before she saw him again. She whiled away the days with her sketchpad and her books, or with the newspapers that Aggie brought up, once Mr Pridham had finished reading them.
However, by Saturday she was so tired of her own company that she begged she might join her aunt and uncle for dinner, where a chance comment from her aunt caught Natalya’s attention.
‘Lord Dalmorren has left Bath?’
‘Yes.’ There was no mistaking the angry look Mr Pridham threw at his wife. ‘He sent me a note on Wednesday, advising me of the fact.’
Wednesday! Natalya’s brain reeled. The day after returning her to Sydney Place.
‘Never mind that,’ put in Mrs Pridham, trying to redeem the situation. ‘Mrs Ancrum has called almost every day to ask after you. She sends her regards and is so sorry you are not well enough to see her.’
Natalya frowned. ‘I did not know she had called or I would have come downstairs.’
‘We thought it best you were thoroughly rested before having any visitors,’ said her uncle.
‘And as a matter of fact, it is quite fortunate you did not see her,’ Mrs Pridham chattered on. ‘I saw Colonel Yatton in Milsom Street this morning and he told me the poor lady has succumbed to a slight chill. But I am sure she will call again when she is better.’
‘That is very kind of her.’
Natalya answered mechanically, her spirits faltering as she thought of Tristan. While she had believed him to be in Bath she had felt strong. Now, suddenly, she felt very much alone. Perhaps he had been lured to London after all. The newspapers were full of reports of all the entertainments arranged for the Allied Sovereigns, including, at the end of this week, a visit to Ascot, for the racing. As a sportsman, surely Tristan would not wish to miss that.
Natalya thought of the Grishams and hoped they were enjoying their visit. They might not be invited to attend the grand reception at Carlton House or Tsar Alexander’s levee at the Duke of Cumberland’s residence, but there were plenty of other diversions to be enjoyed throughout the summer: balls, routs and even fireworks in Hyde Park. No, she could not blame Tristan if he had been lured away to town, although it was dispiriting to think he could forget her so easily.
She turned back to her uncle. ‘Did Lord Dalmorren leave no message for me?’
‘None.’
‘And does he mean to return?’
‘He did not say.’
‘He promised to send someone every day, to enquire after me. Do they come?’
Perhaps Tristan’s servant could convey a message from her.
‘You would do well to forget him, Natalya. He is not for you.’
His dismissive tone flicked her on the
