Page 151 of The Fortunes of Ashmore Castle

Giles knew the good of being kept busy, and said no more.

Nina and Mr Cowling were invited to arrive on the twenty-third so as to be able to attend the ball. ‘It’s a full-dress occasion,’ Nina warned.

‘Don’t say that as if it’s a drawback,’ said Mr Cowling. ‘I’m perfectly capable of putting on breeches and stockings, and Moxton knows what’s what, all right. But you, my love – is there time to get a new gown made?’

‘There’s no need. I have my sea-green taffeta,’ she said. ‘That’s never been seen down there.’ She could see he was restless to buy her something new, and she added, ‘I can wear my emeralds.’ Over the years he had given her necklace, earrings, bracelet and hair clips in emeralds and diamonds, so it was an impressive set.

He was about to say something, then obviously changed his mind. ‘So you can,’ he said peacefully, and went away.

She discovered what he’d been thinking when he presented her, on the eve of travel, with a new pair of green morocco shoes ‘for dancing in’ – he had lasts of her feet in both his factories, and could have new shoes made for her in very short order.

‘You’re so thoughtful,’ she said. ‘Thank you.’

‘That reminds me,’ he said. ‘You’re to tell me as soon as your shoes start to feel too tight. Pregnant ladies’ feet swell, you know, so I’ll have to have larger shoes made for you for the while.’

‘How do you know that?’ she asked, amazed.

‘How wouldn’t I know it? I’ve been making shoes since I was a lad,’ he said. ‘I know all about it. I remember the first time Mrs Chamberlain came to complain that her shoes pinched, and blamed the workmanship. She was carrying her first, and a very smart, fashionable woman she was.’

‘I don’t suppose she liked being told she had bigger feet,’ Nina said, amused.

‘Well, she didn’t, but I had her last and could prove it. However, why are we talking about feet, when I’ve another present for you?’

It was a tiara. Nina was surprised into silence. ‘Don’t you like it?’ he asked anxiously.

‘It’s beautiful!’ she protested. It was – very light and delicate, with diamond flowers set against emerald leaves. ‘But it’s too much!’

‘Everyone will be wearing tiaras, if it’s a dress ball,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid I can’t afford it. I know you were brought up frugal, my Nina, but there’s no need to hold back now. All my businesses are doing well, and what do I make it for, except to spend it?’

She smiled at him rather unevenly. ‘To have a fortune to hand on to your son?’ she suggested.

He stepped close and took her in his arms. When he was able to speak, he said, ‘He’ll have that all right. I’ve enough for him and for you, so don’t you worry. And the mother of my child is going to have a tiara to wear to a dress ball, and that’s that.’

Aunt Caroline was going to stay with friends in the country for Christmas, and Richard went to London to escort Grandmère down to the Castle on the twenty-second, so that she could be settled in and rested before the ball.

‘Of course I want to go to it! The Shacklocks do not entertain nearly enough for their position. Do you think I would miss this opportunity of seeing them en grande tenue? And I do not know how many more chances I shall have to wear my rubies. They were made by Fabergé, you know – the father, not the son. Nobody understands rubies like the Russians.’

‘It’s hardly fair on the young females, who will be hoping to shine at the ball, to have you gather every man’s attention to yourself,’ Richard said.

‘Your compliments become more extravagant the less you mean them,’ she said severely, but he could see she was pleased.

He lifted her hand to his lips. ‘I mean every word. Who could look at some unformed, simpering girl when la vraie beauté is before them?’

‘You are absurd,’ she said. After a moment’s silence she added, ‘You have not heard anything?’

‘Not a word. You?’

Grandmère sighed. ‘Nothing.’

‘Who would have thought we were so easy to forget?’ Richard said lightly. ‘You and he had decades of shared memories.’

‘When a man of a certain age falls in love with a young girl, he forgets everything else,’ she said. ‘I hope when he finally takes the fortress, he finds it worth the sacrifice. But you, mon pauvre . . .’ She eyed him sympathetically. ‘Is your poor heart broken?’

He exploded in indignant laughter. ‘Granny! I thought you didn’t believe in hearts. Except as organs to pump blood. What is it you always say? “Music lasts. Kisses do not.”’

‘In my arrogance I thought I had both music and kisses. Now I have neither. And what is left of my heart is too tough to break, but it splits. Ça déchire, enfin.’

Richard was moved. ‘If he ever comes back to England, the devil, I will boot his bottom all the way down Piccadilly, I promise you. On both our behalves.’