“No, Kitten, for heaven’s sake — !” said Sherry quickly, as Hero turned towards Revesby. “You can’t ask Monty — Why the devil don’t you do something, Monty, instead of standing there?”
“I beg Lady Sheringham will not allow herself to be imposed upon,” Revesby said, his voice a little strained. “The unfortunate female appears to be out of her senses. I recommend she should be escorted to the nearest Roundhouse.”
A moan from the girl made Hero clasp her more securely in her arms, and say indignantly: “How dare you? Have you no compassion for the poor soul? Is this dear little baby indeed yours?”
“His! his!” cried the girl. “Look, is she not like him?”
Ferdy, peering at the unconscious infant, said dubiously: “Queer thing, the way females can see a likeness in a baby. Well, what I mean is they don’t look like anything much. Remember thinking so when my sister Fairford’s eldest was born. She and my mother would have it it was the image of poor Fairford. Mind you, I’m not saying he isn’t a plain-looking fellow, Fairford, but — ”
“Oh, be quiet, Ferdy!” interrupted Sherry, quite exasperated. “Yes, I thought as much! Now we are beginning to attract a crowd! Ten to one, someone will be leaving Almack’s at any moment, too, and a pretty set of gudgeons we must look — For God’s sake, Monty, take the girl away!”
“My dear Sherry, I have already stated that I never set eyes on her before in my life. I must decline any responsibility in this affair. If you are wise, you will summon the Watch and have the wench removed.”
All this time the Sheringhams’ footman had been standing holding open the door of the barouche, apparently deaf and blind to what was going on. A couple of sedan chair bearers, who had lounged over from the opposite side of the street, now showed an inclination to take up the cudgels in defence of the deserted girl; the door of the Assembly Rooms opened and voices sounded. Revesby turned abruptly on his heel and strode off down the street. A despairing cry from the girl made Mr Ringwood shudder, and goaded Sherry into desperate action.
“Here, for the lord’s sake get into the carriage!” he said, pushing both women towards it.
“Yes, do pray come with me!” Hero said to her protégée. “The baby will take cold in this horrid, draughty street, and I promise we will look after you, won’t we, Sherry?”