Robert nodded and went and stood with his back to the fire. ‘I’m glad this fire’s going. It’s such a dull, damp day, more like December than August. I was really chilled driving down here.’

‘I know; the weather has been rotten lately. I told Mrs Dillard to put a match to most of the fires earlier. These big old houses seem awfully cold at times.’

As he spoke, Harry sat down at a small round table and filled two cups with coffee from an elegant silver pot that the housekeeper had brought in. ‘Sugar and cream as usual, Robert?’

‘Yes, thanks, Harry.’ Robert joined him at the table, and continued, ‘Are you going to give me all the papers I need to sell your property today? Or do you wish to come up to town for a meeting?’

‘’Course not! No formalities between us, after all these years. I’ll give you the papers after lunch. And incidentally, when is the Third Musketeer going to arrive?’

Robert laughed, and said, ‘I asked Adrian not to stay at the cemetery for too long. He’ll be here in time for lunch, don’t worry.’

‘He’s never quite recovered from Annabel’s death, has he?’ Harry gave Robert a knowing look.

‘Not really, in some ways,’ Robert replied thoughtfully, his face now serious, his blue eyes darkening. ‘Mostly because he won’t let go of the idea her husband caused the heart attack. I haven’t been able to convince him otherwise. Or to look at any other woman.’

‘I don’t think he hurt her either; and he is a bishop, after all.’

‘I don’t believe being a man of the cloth exonerates him.’ Robert sat back in the chair and took a sip of the coffee. ‘However, he is known as a man of good character, and he is popular. It’s a pity Addy can’t let go of this idea. It’s wedged in his brain, and it’s preventing him from moving on and finding someone new. Someone who would bring some joy and laughter into his life.’

‘He was always like that at Eton. Stubborn, really. Anyway, he seemed cheerful enough when he dropped you off.’

‘He is doing well now, and getting on with life in a good way. As for you, my lad, you’re in fine fettle.’

‘And so are you. By the way, I’ve something special to tell you …’ Harry paused, took a deep breath, and said, ‘Unlike Adrian, I have a new woman in my life, and I’m really taken with her.’

Robert grinned. ‘Don’t expect me to look surprised, because I’m not. You’ve always got a new woman on a string.’

‘That’s true, I suppose, but Marguerite is different. I’m going to propose to her this weekend.’

‘Oh! So it’s serious then?’ Robert now sounded surprised.