‘But, but . . .’ The duke was looking from son to daughter, who both were staring at the Earl of Ranworth, open-mouthed. They had been as unprepared for his entrance as their father. ‘But what has Lord Jonathan got to do with all this?’
The Earl of Ranworth gave a great groan as if it cost him much to admit his family’s shame.
‘The foolish boy only got himself charged with treason.’
‘Treason!’ exclaimed the duke in astonishment.
‘Yes, man. He is Captain Sparkler, of course. Stupid boy! Well, he is paying the price for it now. Some years in exile should knock that nonsense out of him.’
‘Captain Sparkler?’ The duke was having difficulty keep pace with developments. He turned to Lady Elizabeth. ‘You knew this?’
‘Yes, Papa,’ she said meekly.
‘And is all this true?’
She nodded.
‘My God!’ exclaimed the duke, throwing his napkin on to the table and striding to the window. He looked out on the Square, trying to find counsel in the trees and grass.
‘So you see, Avon, you’ve been a fool,’ continued the Earl of Ranworth. ‘You should go on bended knee to ask this child’s pardon. Think what you would have felt if someone had put one of your own children into that hell pit, eh? But you did that, paying no heed to the pleas of your family. An innocent child, Avon! Look at her! And thanks to you she’s passed the night in a cell with one of London’s most hard-bitten criminals.’
The duke turned his eyes to me. I must have made a sorry sight in my blanket. Was he finally convinced or not?
‘Well, Miss Royal . . .’ the duke began. He stopped and cleared his throat. ‘It does appear that I owe you an apology.’
Despite myself, I let out a sob and crumpled into the nearest chair, tears of relief now streaming down my face. The Earl of Ranworth patted my shoulder comfortingly.
Lady Elizabeth leapt to her feet and clapped her hands. ‘Oh, Papa! You believe us now?’
He nodded. ‘I believe you. But why on earth didn’t you tell me the truth . . . the whole truth, mind? All this rubbish about boxing matches and betting . . . what was I to think?’
‘Well, sir . . . you see, sir . . .,’ said Lord Francis pulling on his collar as if it were choking him.
Lady Elizabeth saved the day. ‘But, Papa, look at poor Miss Royal! She’s in a frightful state. The least we can do is make sure she is bathed and rested. Then you must take her back to the theatre yourself and make sure everyone understands that she is blameless in this whole affair.’
‘You are right, as usual, Lizzie,’ said the duke, patting his daughter on the arm. ‘Miss Royal, I hope you will accept my apology and my daughter’s offer to assist you now.’
‘Thank you,’ I said, struggling to control my tears. ‘I would be most grateful.’ I took a calming breath and smiled at Lady Elizabeth and Lord Francis, feeling the trails of salty tears on my cheeks.
I was free at last!
DIAMOND
I shall never forget my return home. The duke refused to let me skulk in by the side entrance but escorted me into the auditorium, followed by Lady Elizabeth on her brother’s arm. There, to my astonishment, were gathered the entire theatre company . . . and more besides! As my foot crossed the threshold, Peter Dodsley led the orchestra in a fanfare and everyone broke into applause.
Before I knew it, I was back among them all. Syd pulled me firmly away from the duke and into the middle of a scrum of his boys. I had my hand shook, my hair ruffled and my back slapped by so many that I lost count. Pedro elbowed his way to the front and we gave each other a hug, needing no words to express our relief that we were together again.
‘Order! order, gentlemen!’ laughed Mr Sheridan as he extricated me from the Butcher’s boys. ‘I need this young lady for a moment. You’ll get her back, I promise.’
He led me up on to the stage, where the Avons were waiting by the grounded balloon.
‘In you go, Cat,’ said Lord Francis mischievously.
‘What?’ I protested as he hoisted me over the side of the basket. Mr Sheridan hopped in after me and gave a wave to Mr Bishop. The ropes began to creak and I grabbed on to the rim.
‘Are you sure this can take two?’ I asked anxiously.
Mr Sheridan laughed, showing no sign of concern as we were heaved over the heads of the crowd. ‘I thought you liked living dangerously, Cat.’
‘Now what gave you that idea?’
He grinned and turned to address his audience.
‘My lords, ladies and gentlemen, now we have our returning heroine centre stage, the Duke of Avon would like to make an announcement!’
A hush fell in the theatre. The duke stepped on to the forestage.
‘I am sure you are all relieved to have your friend back among you after the distress of the last few days.’ He paused and coughed. ‘I would like every one of you to know that not a single cloud shades this young lady’s reputation. It was all a stupid mistake on my part for which I am most heartily ashamed and sorry.
‘You should be proud of her. She will always have a welcome at my house and, I hope, here at yours.’
‘Hear! Hear!’ shouted Peter Dodsley. Applause erupted again from all sides. Syd and his boys whistled. My cheeks were burning and I didn’t know where to look. The upturned faces suddenly became very blurry.
Mr Sheridan handed me a handkerchief.
‘So, Cat, you did look after my diamond after all,’ he said softly as he gave me a moment to compose myself.
‘Look after the diamond?’ I blew my nose. ‘No, I did a hopeless job. I didn’t even know what I was looking after until it was too late. Shepherd’s gang were convinced there was a real diamond by then and came looking for it. I had no time to let them know that there was nothing here.’
‘Oh, but there was.’
‘You mean the reward for Johnny? I suppose they would have accepted that gladly enough.’