Page 124 of Sunday's Child

‘Good morning, Miss Sunday, or should I say, Miss Greystone?’ A slow smile crossed his stern features.

‘Do come into the parlour, Mr Mounce. I’ll send for some refreshment.’ Nancy beckoned to Flossie, who was trying to look inconspicuous as she dusted the oak coffers. ‘Ask Cook to make up a tray of coffee and sandwiches for Mr Mounce. He’s come all the way from Exeter.’

Flossie bobbed a curtsey and flitted off in the direction of the back stairs. Nancy led Mr Mounce to the morning parlour and motioned him to take a seat.

He placed his leather document case on the tea table, and sat down. ‘You are well, I hope, Miss Greystone?’

‘I am indeed, but why are you calling me Miss Greystone. Has probate been granted?’

‘It has, and I have your father’s will here, as well as signed affidavits proving that you were born on the day before you were found on the steps of the orphanage. Dr Bulmer says he remembers attending your mother soon after the birth, but shortly after that he was told that mother and child had both drowned in the lake. Moreover there were no other births around that date that he knows of. I had the same story from Mrs Betts, the midwife.’

‘Did she mention the swaddling cloth with the family crest?’

He nodded. ‘Yes, she did. That’s exactly how she left the baby in her mother’s arms.’

‘Is that enough proof, Mr Mounce?’

‘I have another person who will confirm the details. The present vicar, Mr Shaw, was not ordained at the time, but his predecessor, who retired many years ago, was called upon to baptise the infant. Apparently Lady Greystone knew that she had not much longer to live and was racked with fears for the safety of her baby. It seems that the poor woman was in a bad way, due to her advanced illness.’

‘Do you know what name the child was given?’

‘I do, and it was Nancy. I have the baptismal certificate for you.’ Mr Mounce opened the document case and produced a yellowed slip of paper. ‘The vicar had kept it out of respect for the family, and as the baptism was not conducted in church you could find no record of it.’

‘It’s hard to believe, but how did the orphanage come to give me that name?’

‘Sir Oliver must have told his brother-in-law that you were to be called Nancy. Perhaps Mr North left a note with your name on pinned to your garments. Someone would have seen it and probably discarded it as being unimportant. The women who work at the orphanage are well-meaning souls, but unlikely to have paid much attention to a slip of paper. Probably many of them are illiterate anyway, so it would mean little to them.’

Nancy shook her head. ‘So I am Nancy after all. I can hardly believe it. Thank you so much, Mr Mounce. You don’t know what this means to me.’

‘I’m delighted to have been of service. Now all we have to do is to register you and apply for a birth certificate. With all the evidence we have I hope it will be a straightforward case. Would you like me to do that for you?’

‘Yes, please.’ Nancy jumped to her feet and opened the door. ‘Come in.’

Flossie staggered in and placed the heavy tray down on the tea table.

‘Thank you, Flossie.’

‘Mr Jarvis told me to tell you that Lord Ashton has arrived, Miss Nancy.’

‘Just in time to thank you for all your hard work, Mr Mounce,’ Nancy said delightedly. ‘Show him in Flossie.’ She waited until Flossie had left the room. ‘This is so exciting, Mr Mounce. I can’t wait to tell Freddie. Do help yourself to sandwiches.’ She passed him the plate and was about to pour the tea when the door opened and Freddie strode into the room. He crossed the floor in long strides and kissed Nancy on the cheek.

‘Good morning, Mr Mounce. Judging by Flossie’s agitated state, you must have news for us. I hope it’s not bad.’

Mr Mounce swallowed a mouthful of food. ‘Not at all, my lord. It’s very good.’

‘Enjoy your sandwiches, Mr Mounce.’ Nancy filled a cup and passed it to him. She stood up and took Freddie aside. ‘I can’t wait to tell you what I’ve just learned. Your mama and papa won’t be able to look down on me now, Freddie. I am indeed an heiress, although maybe not as wealthy as the one they chose for you.’

Freddie seized her round the waist and kissed her soundly on the lips. Nancy was too shocked and excited to protest. She allowed herself to savour the embrace before drawing away. ‘Freddie, you’re embarrassing Mr Mounce.’

‘No, really, please pay no attention to me.’ Mr Mounce selected another sandwich. ‘These are delicious, Miss Greystone. Just what I needed after an early morning start.’

‘If we leave you to enjoy your meal, would you be prepared to tell my family in person what you’ve just told me?’ Nancy asked eagerly. ‘I’m afraid if I do it myself they’ll think I’m imagining things.’

‘Certainly. I will be happy to oblige. I don’t suppose your cook has any cake, has she?’

Nancy rang the bell and moments later Flossie bustled into the room. ‘Mr Mounce would like some cake.’

‘Yes, Miss Nancy.’ Flossie was about to leave the room when Nancy called her back.

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