A Most Unconventional Courtship

I am not going to beg her to take me back. Anger and pity and disappointment and a welling relief all mingled inside her. With a thousand pounds a year she and the children would never want and she could give them everything they deserved. Only now did she realise why England had seemed so attractive. In Corfu she would never be able to meet Chance on equal terms. Nor will I be able to watch him courting and taking a wife.

‘I think that would be—’

‘Mama! May I go out in a boat to sail around the monastery rock? Oh! I am sorry, I did not realise you had anyone with you.’

Into the room came a girl who could be her sister, her arms linked through those of a staid-looking gentleman on one side and a glamorously exotic character who Alessa immediately recognised on the other. Everyone in Corfu Town knew the Count of Kurateni by sight. And of course the staid gentleman was Mr Harrison, the Lord High Commissioner’s secretary.

All three stared at Alessa. Mr Harrison found his voice first. ‘Kyria Alessa, I did not look to see you on this side of the island.’

The Count, without the added confusion of prior acquaintance, shot one penetrating glance around the three women in front of him. ‘You have found a relative, Lady Blackstone! What a charming event—my congratulations.’He stood there positively radiating good will, curiosity and a complete lack of understanding that he was intruding.

Then Alessa saw the mischief and intelligence in the black eyes and realised he knew just what he was doing. The Count scented scandal and entertainment and he was going to indulg

e himself.

‘But, Mama, who is this?’ The girl freed herself from the men and came up to Alessa, her hand held out, a frank smile on her face. ‘How do you do? I am Frances—I am sure we must be cousins.’ She half-turned as she spoke, bringing Alessa with her so they stood side by side in front of the mirror. ‘Just look!’

‘Frances, you are interrupting a private meeting—’ But Lady Blackstone’s reproof was lost in the sound of the two Trevick sisters calling for Frances.

‘Did your mama say you could go?’ Then they were into the room, closely followed by their mother and, sauntering in with an expression of mild boredom, Chance.

Now the cat is out of the bag with a vengeance!

Lady Trevick was regarding this crush in the small sitting room with well-bred surprise. It left Lady Blackstone no options. ‘Lady Trevick, the most fortunate circumstance—this is Alexandra Meredith, my long-lost niece. My youngest brother’s child.’

Chapter Eleven

‘My dear, what a tale you must have to tell.’ Lady Trevick swept forward graciously. ‘Welcome. Is your mama with you on Corfu?’

‘Both my brother and his wife have tragically passed away.’ That establishes my legitimacy in front of everyone, Alessa thought, chiding herself at once for being uncharitable. Her appearance must be the most incredible shock to her aunt, and, after all, although she knew she was a respectable young woman, her new aunt most certainly did not.

Then the unpleasant thought struck her that she was no longer quite so respectable. If anyone had seen her only half an hour ago, let alone in the bay yesterday, she would be ruined. Instinctively she looked at Chance and found he was frowning. Perhaps he had imagined her receiving a more rapturous welcome.

‘I am Sir Thomas’s sister,’ Lady Trevick was explaining. She had no way of knowing that the young woman in front of her had probably washed all the linen she was wearing now, and, mercifully, Mr Harrison did not feel it necessary to point this out. ‘These are my daughters Maria and Helena.’ The two smiled warmly, obviously agog with curiosity.

‘The Earl of Blakeney; the Count of Kurateni.’ Both gentlemen bowed and Alessa dropped a small curtsy. Chance’s expression was one of polite interest, although she could read the approval and encouragement in his face. The Count was openly admiring.

‘And so, an English lady here among the Corfiots,’ he marvelled, obviously quite uninhibited about saying out loud what everyone else was wondering about. ‘And how have you lived? Are you married?’

‘After my father died, I lived with Kyria Agatha, an elderly widow who taught me about herbal medicines and remedies. When I was old enough I moved to Corfu Town and set up in business, selling my herbs and salves.’

‘All alone?’ Helena Trevick was wide-eyed.

‘With the two children I have adopted. The English wife of a sergeant in the garrison here lives with me also.’ Well, it was almost true: Kate was virtually Fred’s wife, and living on the floor above in the same house was, more or less, living together.

‘Let us all go out on to the terrace and leave Miss Meredith in peace with her aunt,’ Lady Trevick said firmly. ‘You must have much to talk about. And, of course, if you would like to stay here with Lady Blackstone, Miss Meredith, I would be only too delighted.’ Sweeping the girls and gentlemen in front of her, she cleared the room, shutting the doors behind her with a click.

Alessa was left confronting her aunt. Lady Blackstone smiled. It was strained, perhaps, but it was certainly the most friendly gesture she had made yet. It seemed the intrusion of so many people had helped her overcome her shock.

‘Of course, you will stay here.’

‘But, ma’am—the children.’

‘They can stay for a few days with your companion and the old lady, can they not?’ Her aunt came over and took her hands. ‘How else can Frances and I get to know you better? Alexander’s child—it hardly seems possible,’ she added, almost to herself. ‘Do you take after your father, my dear?’

‘Am I wild, do you mean? No, I think not,’ Alessa replied with a smile. ‘When Papa was alive, I had to be the sensible one, and living in disguise on an enemy-occupied island teaches one caution and discretion. Since he died I have had to earn my own living.’

‘You certainly still speak like a lady, and carry yourself like one. ‘Lady Blackstone studied her. ‘Do you have other clothes?’