Free Sylvia Andrew by Francesca Page B

satisfied. She felt she had had enough for the moment, so asked Mr Barton to come again after she had had some time to reflect on the change in her fortunes. They fixed on the morning of the next day but one.
    ‘You have been so discreet in the past, I know that you will continue to be so, Mr Barton. I need time to think things out for myself. To decide what I am going to do about Shelwood and my own life.’
    The lawyer agreed, then took his leave with a deference that demonstrated, more than any words could have done, Francesca’s new importance as owner of Shelwood and all that went with it.
     
    The fact that Miss Fanny had not even been mentioned in her aunt’s will scandalised the countryside. The news soon reached Witham Court, where there was a certain amount of speculation over her fate, now that she had been left penniless, together with some ribald suggestions. But after a while the company grew bored with this and forgot her in other pursuits. Everyone, that is, except Marcus. Once again he had the urge to seek Francesca out and offer what help he could, but the gossip and lewd suggestions about Francesca’s likely future gave him pause.
    What could he possibly offer that would not compromise her further? A girl without money, without friends and without respectable background would have to be more than ordinarily circumspect. She could not afford the risk of scandal. After some thought, he decided that Francesca would be safe at Shelwood for a short while until the lawyers sorted things out. Meanwhile, he would consult his sister about her when he returned to London. Sarah might be able to find something suitable for Francesca—a post as a companion, or governess, perhaps?
     
    When they got to London, Marcus delivered Lady Forrest to her house in Chiswick, and went on without further ceremony to see his sister, depositing Nick on the way. But Lady Chelford was not at home, and Marcus found to his annoyance that she would not be able to see him till the nextmorning. He spent the night haunted once again by Francesca’s image, and was relieved when morning came and he could go round to Duke Street.
     
    But here he was doomed to disappointment. Lady Chelford, somewhat put out at having to receive her brother at a ridiculously early hour, was unhelpful.
    ‘Marcus, when will you direct your considerable talent for helping others into more suitable channels? I am sure your family could do with your counsel, and…and help.’
    ‘My dearest Sarah, you need neither! Your husband may be a touch stuffy, but he is perfectly sound financially, and has a great deal of common sense. Too much so!’
    ‘But he does not understand the children as you do! He is talking of sending Charlotte to a seminary! He says she needs the discipline of school life.’
    ‘Since the child has had four governesses in as many months, I am not sure I disagree with him there, Sally.’
    ‘Then there’s Nick…He is so often at odds with his father.’
    ‘There’s nothing wrong with Nick that can’t be cured by a little experience. He’ll soon grow up. Indeed, he showed surprisingly good sense at Charlie Witham’s.’
    When his sister looked doubtful, he added impatiently, ‘Sally, he’s no gambler, I promise you. In any case, I’ll keep an eye on him. Now, what can you do for Francesca Shelwood?’
    ‘Why are you so anxious about this girl? She’s nothing to you, is she? Is she, Marcus? It would never do!’
    ‘My God, women are all the same! Your imaginations leap from a slight comment, a simple desire to help someone who badly needs it, to wedding bells and the rest. No, I have no personal interest in Francesca Shelwood. I simply wish to preserve her from a fate she does not deserve! Now, can you help or not?’
    ‘It’s all very well, but you cannot reasonably expect me tocome up with instant ideas for a girl who has no experience and no…background! What would my friends say if I foisted Rake Beaudon’s love-child on