Just then her mother’s head appeared around the door. “Are you asleep, darling?”
Tina sat up. “No, Mama. Just resting. We may be very late tonight.”
Lady Carol Smythe sat on the edge of the bed. “Yes. It’s quite an occasion, going to the theater with a Lord of the Realm,” she said, a twinkle in her eye.
“Oh, Mama, it’s just Horace. We’ve known each other for years. And it’s not as if it’s just us; Charles and other people will be there.”
“That’s as well, too.” Her mother fiddled with the pearl trim that edged her sleeve, and Tina noticed she looked anxious. Her own heartbeat quickened as she wondered what new secret she was about to share. “But you do like Horace, don’t you, darling?”
“Of course I do, Mama. He’s a good friend.”
“And a handsome man. You’re not children anymore.” She fiddled with her sleeve some more, and Tina, growing more anxious herself, watched and waited.
“You know that your father is in difficult straits, Tina. I told you so.”
“Yes, Mama, I remember.” How could she forget? The shock she’d felt when her mother had whispered the truth about their appalling situation! And although Lady Carol had said nothing since then, it was obvious to Tina that matters were getting worse. Although appearances were still kept up when they had visitors or went out socializing, when they were at home with just the family the meals consisted of the cheapest ingredients possible—more gristle than meat—and Tina had noticed a growing number of empty spaces on the walls, where paintings used to hang.
Slowly but surely, their once-comfortable life was being eroded away by debt.
And it wasn’t just the material changes: Tina had also noticed a change in her parents’ behavior toward each other—particularly Lady Carol. There was a bitterness in her manner that had never been there before. She was obviously finding it difficult to forgive Sir Thomas his financial blunder, and who could blame her? It was Lady Carol’s money he had lost, after all.
Lady Carol interrupted her thoughts, her voice high and trembling. “I fear we cannot keep pretending everything is as it was, Tina. So many unpaid bills! Your father has managed to stave off some of the larger ones by promising to pay—promises we cannot possibly keep! But at least it keeps the bailiffs from the door. We just cannot go on for much longer.”
Tina was sure her face was just as white as her mother’s, and she suddenly noticed there were new lines about Lady Carol’s mouth and eyes, and the line between her brows was deeper. Worry was taking its toll on the once-renowned beauty.
“But is there nothing we can do?” Tina said. “Is there no way father can get the money back?”
“I’m afraid not. It is gone. His friend took it all and then lost it. Your father trusted him completely, Tina, and see what has happened. We are ruined.” Her mother looked away, her eyes shining with tears. “Your father is thinking of applying to his brother Harold for a loan. Although it is in no way certain. Harold is not the most generous of men, and your father and he have never been close.”
She turned back to Tina, her eyes still bright, and spoke in an agitated way. “Do not tell Charles. He is not levelheaded like you. He wouldn’t be able to cope. I want to keep this awful news from him for as long as possible.”
“Father should not have told me to get a new dress for the theater. We cannot afford it, I see that now. I will take it back.”
She made as if to get up, but her mother put a hand on her arm to prevent her. “No, Tina. You must have one new dress for the summer, and who knows, perhaps you will find a wealthy husband to fall in love with you.” She laughed shakily, as if she were making a joke, but there was no humor in it. “You are a lovely girl, and beauty has been enough to bring men to the altar before.”
“Mama—”
“Horace is a very wealthy young man.”
“Yes. Mama—”
But Lady Carol was not to be stopped. “If Horace were to propose to you, then your father and I would approve of the marriage. There is no question that we would be very happy indeed with such a match.”
“Marry Horace?” For a moment Tina wondered whether her mother had read her mind. “But—”
However Lady Carol was resolved to say her piece.
“It is our hope, Tina, that you and Horace . . . and of course it would solve all our problems . . .” She bit her lip. “Oh listen to me! This mess is not of your making, and you should not be asked to fix it. Please, Tina, forget what I said. I’m sure we will find some other way to escape the Fleet.”
The name hung over them like a monstrous black cloud. The Fleet, London’s debtors’ prison.
Tina tried to order her scattered thoughts. She knew now what her mother wanted to hear, needed to hear. Should she tell her the truth? That she’d already begun a scheme to marry Horace? But no. Lady Carol had enough to worry about, and despite their desperate straits she wasn’t convinced her mother would approve of the infamous Mr. Eversham and his lessons in love.
No, reassurance was what was needed here.
“I want to marry Horace more than anything in the world, Mama. I’ve always loved him.”
Lady Carol clasped her hands and gave a shaky little laugh. “But that is marvelous, Tina!” But her obvious relief and excitement quickly faded. “But does Horace feel the same way? Perhaps we shouldn’t get our hopes up too high?”