Page 135 of The Secrets of Ashmore Castle

‘Oh, right, then. And when do you want to tie the knot?’ he asked. ‘I should warn you,’ he added, with a smile, ‘I’m not in favour of long engagements.’

‘Nor I,’ she said. Now she had committed herself, she wanted to get it done. ‘I think we should get married quite soon – before Christmas.’

‘Aye, I should like to have Christmas with you. Mind you,’ a thought seemed to occur to him, ‘I don’t know what you’ll think about the house. I have a housekeeper, Mrs Mitchell, she keeps it clean and aired, and it’s comfortable enough in a simple way, but I wouldn’t call it smart or fashionable. But once we’re there, you can say what you want – new wallpaper, new furniture, anything you like. Decius shall put it all in hand. He’ll get good people on the job. An invaluable young man, Decius Blake. You should meet him as soon as possible. You’ll like him.’

Mawes greeted Nina was a smacking kiss on the cheek. ‘Congratulations!’

‘You know already?’ said Nina.

‘Cowling was here this morning – couldn’t wait to tell his good news. He was as happy as a sandboy. Speaking of which, I’d like you in the studio when you’ve had your chat with the girls – just half an hour, to be a lady sculptor, if you wouldn’t mind.’ He grinned. ‘These female suffragists are going to be jam for me, I can tell you – top-class strawberry! So many glorious situations!’

‘Probably not glorious to them,’ Nina said, ‘being bundled away by policemen.’

‘No, but there’s something irresistibly comic about a beefy, red-faced policeman having his helmet knocked askew by a little old lady in a bonnet. You must admit!’

‘You’re incorrigible,’ Nina said, and went on into the parlour.

Isabel was grave. ‘I suppose I must congratulate you.’

‘You don’t approve? I thought you liked him.’

‘I like him very much. But you’re so young, Nina dear. I can’t help fearing it’s too hasty, and that you’ll regret it in a year or two.’

‘Lots of girls get married at seventeen.’

‘Yes, they fall in love—’

‘And love never lasts. I’ve heard that so often from my aunt. Well, my head isn’t turned, my senses aren’t aflame, and my eyes aren’t dazzled, so surely I’ve a better chance of being happy than most.’

Isabel pressed her hand. ‘I shan’t say another word. I do wish you every happiness, and if there’s anything friendship can do to advance it, it shall be done.’

‘There is – come to my wedding, and dance with a light heart,’ said Nina. ‘Oh, and do you think Mawes would give me away? Because I’m awfully short of male relatives.’

Nina and Lepida walked off together to get the omnibus, on their way to University College where they hoped to receive a donation of books from the librarian. The Free Library had already secured the services of a book-binder, who would repair for a nominal fee damaged books that had been donated.

They walked in silence, but at the omnibus-stop, Nina turned to her companion and said, ‘Isn’t there anything you want to say to me? Not even “why”?’

Lepida scanned her face. ‘No. I understand why. I think Mama doesn’t realise that your aunt is – well, not able to keep supporting you. You don’t want to be a burden on her.’

‘But you think I should have been a teacher?’

‘No,’ Lepida said. ‘I never really believed in that. You’re the marrying sort, whether you ever thought it or not. You wouldn’t be happy with the spinsterish life of a school. And, truthfully, if someone like Mr Cowling came along for me, I’d do what you’re doing.’

‘I thought you were happy at home.’

‘Oh, I am. Mother and Daddy are hardly like parents, most of the time. We’re more like friends. All the same, there are times when I would love my own house, my own establishment. And the freedom. Married women can do things single women can’t. You’ll find out. No, I don’t blame you at all. And you’re sensible enough to make things work in your favour. I’m sure you’ll be happy. Just—’

‘Just?’

‘Don’t forget your old friends,’ Lepida said.

Nina smiled. ‘You’ll be the first to be invited to stay when I’m Mrs Cowling.’

‘Everything in the house will be covered with dust,’ Mrs Webster complained.

‘Well, you won’t have to clean it up,’ said Rose.

‘I’m responsible for the cleaning,’ Mrs Webster said shortly. ‘And the noise of hammering!’