The Pirate & The Porcelain Doll (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 27

Nicole's brother warmed himself by the fire, standing the way their father did when weighing up a serious matter, deciding on a course of action. Hands behind his back, he bounced slightly on the balls of his feet. After a few moments' contemplation he was ready to speak. "Regrettable. I hoped the story could be refuted. I would have taken great pleasure in writing to the editor to put him straight."

"Did you mean to say that?" Nicole asked, wondering if her brother was teasing.

"As you say, the damage has been done. If we cannot undo it, we must seek to reduce its sting." He turned his body slightly to face Waverly. "My sister is right, you must not remain together. I will ask my good friend Sir Frederick Lawes to drive you to London. It will be more discreet than the train. I'll let your parents know you are on your way."

"I'm going too," Nicole said. "I need to be there when Waverly speaks to her father."

Her brother shook his head. "Freddy's car is a two-seater. And, you need to stay as far away as possible from Waverly. And, away from the press. We do everything by the book from this moment forward. I will send a telegram to Rothamsted Manor. Should speed things up."

Nicole waited for her brother to leave the room. "At least you get to ride in a motorcar."

"I'm scared," Waverly admitted. "Really scared. I don't think we'll be allowed to be together. Not after this. Papa will lose his position, all because of me."

"Us. We fight for us. No matter what happens you must stay focused on that cottage we'll live in, with all those carrots. I'll learn how to make bread. Keep that in your heart. And, me. Keep me there too."

"We'll never have that cottage. And, I so wanted it. So, so much."

Nicole came and sat next to Waverly, putting her arm round her shoulder. "Remember when we were in the cave and you wanted to go home. And, I told you, I promised you I would get you home."

Waverly nodded, Nicole offering her the embroidered handkerchief to wipe her eyes. "I remember."

"Well, I promise I will get us home. I promise we will have that pretty cottage. Do you trust me?"

"I do. But..."

"A promise is a promise." Nicole pressed her lips against Waverly's, a final intimate moment shared between them, not knowing how long it would be before they could be together again.

Nicole pulled away as her brother reappeared, distancing herself from Waverly as he walked to the fireplace. "I've asked cook to provide an early lunch. I expect Freddy will be here this afternoon. He does like a good run in that contraption of his."

Freddy's car roared up the driveway shortly before two, sounding his horn as he waited outside, not wanting to stop the engine. A final hug, more tears, Nicole watched as Waverly drove off, suitcase strapped on the back, the love of her life disappearing down the long driveway in a cloud of dust.

She returned to the sitting room, her brother pouring them both a whiskey, offering her a cigarette. "You know you will have to give her up. Her father's position is too important. I just hope it can be salvaged."

Nicole nodded. "I'm such a fool. If I hadn't been so impatient, I could have waited. But, no. I had to go rushing in where angels fear to tread."

"The timing of this is indeed unfortunate. Father will be livid his chosen politician could be out of the race. He was banking on him passing an Act to benefit the family business."

"Did you mean to say that?" Nicole asked, her brother shaking his head.

"That has always been your problem," he rebuked. "Treating everything so casually. Here you are, hiding in my house because you took the daughter of a politician to bed. And, naively trusted those who thought nothing of betraying you. Waverly most likely won't be allowed to return to Girton, her father could be forced to resign in disgrace, James may want nothing more to do with her. And, all because you couldn't see beyond your own considerations."