The Pirate & The Porcelain Doll (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 26

Nicole read the headline, "The Politics of Passion," looking up at Jeremy and Robin, who were both staring back at her. The first paragraph of the article summed up the piece:

"Youngest daughter of prominent politician, Mr. William Earp, in bed with daughter of prominent banker Mr. Nicholas Haught. A friend of Mr. Haught's daughter confirmed the relationship, destroying any hope Mr. Earp has of becoming Prime Minister this autumn."

"I've got to tell Waverly," Nicole said, after reading the entire article. "I need to tell her before someone else does."

"I'm so sorry," Jeremy replied. "Who would do such a thing?"

"Two guesses," Robin said. "Thoby, or Jinny. Never liked either of them. Always thought Thoby was self-serving. And, as for his sister..."

"It couldn't be," Nicole interrupted, her voice breaking, the enormity of the situation hitting her. "Thoby wouldn't do something this despicable. He wouldn't. He just wouldn't."

"Then it must have been Jinny. To get at you through Waverly."

"No. Why? Why? It doesn't make sense. I've got to get to Waverly. I've got to."

"We'll come with you," Robin offered. "She can stay here. Out of sight, until we figure out what to do."

Nicole's hands shook as she placed the newspaper on the bed. All three of her life rules had been broken, by someone who sought to ruin the career of Waverly's father by selling a scandalous story to a national newspaper. They had been caught, not exactly red-handed, but with enough evidence for a newspaper to print with confidence the story on the front page. From that moment on, they no longer would be able to do what they wanted to freely, without drawing attention to themselves and there was no one else to blame. No one.

The walk to Girton College was the worst Nicole ever faced, like that of a convict approaching the hangman's rope, her feet heavy as they made their way across the courtyard. The porter recognised Nicole as she approached, smiling, wishing her a good morning. "I need to speak with Miss Earp," she instructed, as she entered his small lodge. "It's extremely important."

"I believe lessons have started," the porter replied. "I suggest you wait for her in the dining hall until morning break? They should be out shortly."

"No," Nicole snapped. "I need to speak with her immediately. This cannot wait."

"Highly irregular. Is it a family matter?"

"Very much so," Nicole replied, hoping her lie would not be challenged. "I would not ask if it was not of the utmost importance."

The porter scratched his head. "Alright. For you Miss Haught, I'll inform her tutor. If you could wait in the dining hall."

"I need somewhere private. This matter is too delicate to discuss."

The porter nodded, sensing the gravity of the matter, suggesting they follow him to the Dean's private drawing room. He left the three waiting while he went to collect Waverly. She entered some minutes later, pleased at first to see Nicole, her expression changing when she saw the look on their faces. "What's wrong? Nicole, what is it?"

"Waverly, something's happened," Nicole began. "I'm so dreadfully sorry. All I ever wanted to do was protect you. I wish I'd never come to Cambridge. I've ruined it for everyone."

"Tell me. What's going on?"

Nicole handed her the newspaper. "Someone, some traitor, has told our story to the press. Our secret is no longer a secret."