She nodded towards the two young men who were solemnly staring at her. Then with an effort she raked the fire, which was almost out, and once she had got it blazing again, she set about rolling some pastry to make mince pies.

The following morning found her standing on the quay yet again. The boat was four days late now and everyone’s concerns were growing but all they could do was watch, wait and pray.

*

Boxing Day had no happier start for Barnaby up at Greenacres, for as he sat at breakfast there was a pounding on the door and seconds later Nancy appeared to tell him. ‘Your mother an’ father in-law are ’ere to see yer, sir. Shall I show ’em in?’

‘Er . . . yes, Nancy, please do.’ He quickly dabbed at his mouth with his napkin and was just rising when Louisa’s parents swept into the room.

‘Good morning, Mrs Hamilton-Tate, Mr Hamilton-Tate.’ Barnaby gave them a little bow. They looked tired and dishevelled and he realised that they must have travelled through the night in their carriage. ‘This is a pleasant surprise,’ he lied. ‘I wasn’t expecting to see you.’

His mother-in-law scowled at him as she undid the ribbons on her elaborate bonnet. ‘We didn’t expect to see you either, but I received a letter from Louisa asking us to come as soon as possible, so here we are. I believe she is no better?’

‘I’m afraid not.’ Barnaby sensed trouble. Both Louisa’s parents were fiercely protective of her and he dreaded to think what she must have written to them to make them come so quickly.

‘So what have you done about it?’ Margaret Hamilton-Tate stared at him haughtily.

‘Well, I did have a doctor from Harley Street come to examine her,’ he said in his own defence. ‘But unfortunately, he said that there’s nothing to be done. Hopefully time will be the healer.’

‘Rubbish!’ she scoffed. ‘That isn’t good enough if my poor darling is suffering. And what about the babies?’

‘Charlotte continues to thrive but I’m afraid David isn’t quite so hearty,’ he mumbled, feeling as if it was his fault. His mother-in-law could always make him feel that way.

‘And what about my businesses? Are they doing well? I’ll take a look at the books whilst I’m here.’ This was from his father-in-law, Robert, and Barnaby clamped his teeth together. Robert never allowed him to forget that he’d had very little when he first met Louisa and that he owed his success to him.

‘The businesses are doing fine,’ he told him tightly. ‘Although a couple of our whaling ships are late coming back and we have grave concerns about them. But I haven’t given up hope of them returning safely.’