“What the devil’s the matter with you?” Hugh asked, hurt. Had he not just praised John in front of the servants? Why was the woman displeased, this time?

“Nothing, my lord,” she murmured. Lips pressed tightly together, she focused on John.

Hugh saw that the corners of John’s mouth had turned down. The boy was a picture of comical disappointment. Hugh recognised this at once as John’s usual expression when thwarted. Normally, patience exhausted, Hugh tapped one foot with impatience. Today, he pursed his lips to fight a smile. The glare could not fool John. The boy skipped with excitement.

“I have much to attend to this morning, as guests are due to arrive,” Hugh said, “so I must leave you here a while. Later, however, we will take a walk together across the fields before greeting your grandmother and aunt.”

The boy hopped from one leg to the other.

“That is if Miss Philomena allows, of course.” Hugh narrowed his eyes at Philomena, daring her to disagree.

She nodded. “Of course.” Her voice was demure. “Will you wish me to accompany you?”

“Oh.” Hugh saw an opportunity to regain the upper hand. “I think your presence is essential to maintain order. Perhaps you would like to wear breeches again, in case there should be any chasing required?”

Two small vertical lines appeared between Philomena’s brows, and Hugh bit his lip. He let out a puff of breath and offered an olive branch. “I trust there will be no disaster as unpleasant as the accident of the railway carriage.” He smiled. “I hope you have fully recovered. I trust the exertion of looking after my son is not too tiring.”

Two dimples appeared, one in either cheek. The young woman smiled, open and friendly. Her eyes sparkled. “Your son is delightful. We have enjoyed wrapping presents together today and can hardly wait to offer them to the guests.”

“Is there a gift for me?” Hugh lifted an eyebrow.

“Ah, you must wait and see.” She laughed. John chortled and jigged.

Hugh glanced from one to the other. Nurse and child, side by side, glowed with the excitement of Christmas Day present giving. Hugh could hardly tell which of the two was more animated. His breath caught. For a moment, he was at a loss. Abruptly, he nodded and walked away.

“Goodbye, Papa!” John scampered back to the kitchen in search of another adventure. Philomena set off in pursuit. Hugh could not reply. His head whirled. It must be something about the day: Christmas had cast its transforming spell on John. Affection swelled Hugh’s heart.

Philomena’s presence was more disturbing. Neither demurely obedient like the maids, nor full of pomp like the senior servants, she disobeyed all the rules of behaviour. There was no flirting or simpering like the young ladies of quality who tittered and giggled. She did not try to catch her master’s attention or strive to please. On the contrary, the girl made no secret of her disapproval at times. Such ways did not fit readily into any familiar patterns.