It is with great sadness that I write this letter, but I fear you have left me with no choice. I am still finding it hard to believe that you would have taken such drastic measures as to send our daughter away over a silly altercation with a servant girl. Until the very second you both left the house, I was praying that you would come to your senses but it seems I misjudged you. And so, I feel I have no choice but to return home for the foreseeable future, to Mama and Papa who I know will be as appalled with the situation, and with you, as I am. Should you see reason and return our daughter home you know where I will be. Until then I remain,

Your devoted wife,

Lydia x

With a snort Oscar tossed the letter aside as he rubbed his tired eyes. He had endured a very rough passage on the ferry home and was quite worn out, but he didn’t at all regret what he had done. If anything, he realised he should have done it some time ago. Miranda might have turned out differently then but now he held little hope for her. She was just as spoilt as her mother and he doubted he would miss either of them. Furthermore, he had no intention of rushing off to speak to Lydia, so she would just have to stew in her own juice for a while.

There was a tap at the door and Miss Wood appeared bearing a tray with a selection of sandwiches, some fancy cakes and a pot of tea.

She didn’t ask about the content of the letter and he hadn’t expected her to. Over the years she had proved herself to be the soul of discretion and he had often secretly wished that his wife could be more like her. Serena Wood was still a very attractive woman, but more importantly she had a kind heart, which was more than could be said for Lydia, who only ever thought of herself. ‘Why don’t you go and fetch another cup and saucer and join me, Serena?’ he said wearily.

Somewhat surprised, Serena went to do as he asked, sensing that he needed someone to confide in right now, poor man.

‘I suppose you’ve realised that Lydia has left me?’ he said shortly after as they sat sipping their drinks.

‘Yes, I had.’ She gave him a tentative smile. ‘But I’m sure she’ll come back when she’s had time to consider things.’