f Patience had thought she would be allowed to sleep late, she soon discovered she was mistaken, for Timothy awoke her at his usual early hour to demand the delicacies she had so rashly promised him. Luckily she had not forgotten, and was able to produce the tarts and jellies she had brought back for him. Despite their somewhat battered appearance he ate these with relish, and listened wide-eyed as Patience described some of the splendours of the evening.
He was still there, cross-legged upon her bed and liberally smeared with cream, when Maria peeped around the door. She looked vexed when she saw him.
‘Now, Master Tim, did I not say you must let Miss Patience sleep in a little? ’Tis really too bad.’
‘No, no, Maria, indeed, I would not have him excluded for the world. I will not allow my new way of life to interfere with Tim— he is much too important, aren’t you, my love?’
He grinned amiably at her, and jumped off the bed.
‘I’ll let you get dressed now, Pattie, and after breakfast, may we go with Jonathon and Lancelot to the park?’
‘Breakfast! You mean you are going to consume your usual huge repast, after all those jellies?’
‘Oh yes,’ he replied cheerfully, and Patience shuddered.
She had promised Amelia she would meet her at the park later that morning, as she was agog to hear about the events of the ball, so Patience had no objection to taking the boys. She had also mentioned to the viscount that she was meeting Amelia, and at what hour, and tried not to feel too guilty about it. It was really very awkward, but she was far too soft-hearted to refuse either of them, despite an increasing premonition that no good would come of their meeting in such a clandestine manner.
She took Timothy for his usual visit with his mama just before they left t