My life is a disaster. Mungo moved heaven and earth for me to attend the Governor’s ball – but I betrayed him. She stood defeated at the side entrance to Jane’s cabin, watching the woman who had befriended her bustling as usual to prepare breakfast for her as well as herbal remedies for Kentigern L’Estrange. ‘Good morning, Jane. I only came to thank you for helping me dress for the ball last night. No mother could have done more for me.’ Jane’s grey eyes never missed a trick. ‘My pleasure, lass. I want to hear all the details. But why are you carting that carpet bag so early in the day?’ ‘I’m leaving. It’s best for everyone. I let your son down badly last night. I disgraced myself. At least that’s what Mungo believes. But he’s right about one thing – I can never be other than what I am.’ Furious that she was unable to stem the tears that threatened to overflow, she headed for the alleyway. ‘Wait! You can’t go traipsing off on an empty stomach – or Mungo will read me the riot act.
