Bainbridge confirmed that it had been, before guiding Captain Mandeville along the line of staff beginning with Mrs Moriarty. Each woman curtseyed, and each man bowed. When Captain Mandeville came to the end of the line – where poor Mary shook so violently that her cap quivered – he placed his hands on his hips and turned around beneath the glass dome high in the ceiling. Silence descended, disturbed only by his leather soles squeaking on the tiled floor and the rhythmic tock of the long-cased clock at the far end of the hall.

‘It’s good to see the old place still standing. Ten months is rather a long time to be away.’

‘Too long,’ Lady Mandeville said. ‘Especially when you appear to have forgotten how to use a writing block. Now, won’t you take some tea?’

Ignoring his mother’s dig, Captain Mandeville said, ‘I can think of nothing I’d like more. The cookhouse has so far produced nothing to compare to Monsieur Gotti’s scones. But, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go and make myself presentable first.’

Captain Mandeville took the stairs two at a time. His mother, aunt and sister all followed his progress, smiling. None of them appeared to notice, as Lou did, that Edward slipped away through the billiard room.

In a flurry of activity, the maids circled the ladies to remove hats and coats. Lady Mandeville told Mrs Moriarty that they would take tea and instructed her to ensure that Monsieur Gotti provided a plentiful supply of scones.

Once in the morning room, Lady Mandeville took a seat beside the fire. Charlotte settled beside her mother, leaving Lou to share a sofa with Mrs Hart.

‘What a lovely surprise it is to have Thomas home so early,’ Lady Mandeville said.

‘Indeed, it is,’ Mrs Hart said. ‘The foreign climate has clearly agreed with him.’

‘I don’t believe I have ever seen Thomas looking more handsome or so healthy. If a little too tanned.’

Charlotte grinned. ‘I’m sure Cousin Emma won’t mind.’

‘Charlotte!’ Lady Mandeville said sharply but failed to hide a smile.

William and the other footman brought in trays of food, which they arranged on a side table. When they left, Sally appeared in the doorway. She curtseyed. ‘Would your Ladyship still like to see Albert today? I thought perhaps with Captain Mandeville’s arrival you may prefer just family.’

‘Why, no!’ Lady Mandeville exclaimed. ‘Please, Morrison, you must bring him in. Charlotte would never forgive me if she were denied her pet.’

Sally pushed the door wider. She beckoned and the little boy from the church came charging into the room. He was dressed in a blue and white sailor’s suit, and his blonde waves bobbed as he ran directly to Lady Mandeville and Charlotte, clambering up on to the seat between them.

‘Oh, Mama, doesn’t he look adorable! We knew that suit would look well on him, didn’t we?’ Charlotte gushed. She dusted the boy’s face with kisses. ‘Oh, my lovely little boy. Have you been good for your mama and papa this week?’