He felt the texture of the suede, not wanting to leave any marks on its softness. ‘Very nice. I’m sure you will look extremely elegant carrying that.’

‘And this is Ann’s.’ She passed the second box over to him. ‘Green, as we agreed, to match her eyes. Each bag has an additional pocket inside in cream which makes it easier to see your things in poor light.’

He examined the bag, opened the clasp with care and ran his fingers over the purple silk lining. ‘I’m sure she’ll be delighted.’

‘Thank you.’

‘For approving of your choice of gifts?’

‘Yes, for that . . .’

‘Is there something else?’

Ursula sighed. ‘I suppose I’m finding things a little more difficult than I expected.’ She was unsure how to continue. ‘I want to thank you for your reassurances about my position in the family.’ She rewrapped the bags in their tissue paper slowly and slipped them back into the presentation boxes. ‘I am a bit worried about Ann.’ She searched for the right words. ‘Finlay is brusque with her sometimes. Do you remember how he teased her about the encyclopaedias last week? I don’t think he means it badly but I can see that she has noticed. Young girls can be easily hurt.’

‘That young man is trying my patience at the moment. He gets these new ideas from his friends at school and I’m sure he copies their behaviour. They did not allow such free thinking when I was a pupil.’

Ursula was beginning to regret having raised the matter and found herself unexpectedly defending Finlay. ‘I expect it will pass. He is probably testing out what it is to be a man. And he’s itching to be independent.’ She stood up and put the boxes back in their hiding place in the oak chest beneath the window.

‘Well, he is certainly testing me on occasion and I don’t mind admitting it. And too much independence won’t help him in life. I had to have a talk with him before Christmas about taking care. I’m not sure he took much notice of me, though.’ He waited until she was seated beside him again and took her hand. ‘You were right about the bag. Now that I’ve seen it, I understand. I was wrong to suggest the encyclopaedias.’

‘You weren’t wrong at all, and I’m sure if she wants encyclopaedias in the future then they can be provided. I do find it so interesting to observe how different they are. Ann is less impetuous and far more cautious for a start. So far, anyway.’