Hugh strode forward, kissed his mother’s outstretched hand and assisted her from the carriage. As light as a bird, the Dowager leaned on her son’s arm for the few yards to the door. She greeted the servants with a general nod. “Good morning to you all and a Merry Christmas.”

She received their bows and curtsies with a formal smile. “I look forward to one of your most accomplished dinners,” she told Mrs. Bramble. Taken by surprise in mid curtsey, the cook wobbled and blushed.

Hugh, meanwhile, returned to the carriage to aid Selena in the usual scramble to locate the boxes, shawls, handkerchiefs, and baskets that accompanied every journey. Why women surrounded themselves with so much baggage, Hugh could never understand. Unbidden, realisation struck that Philomena had travelled with next to nothing and seemed perfectly content. Hugh had no time to consider that thought further, for Selena, already chattering, jumped down unaided from the carriage.

“Oh, Hugh, we’ve had the most exciting journey,” she cried. “We were almost set upon by hoards of vagabonds. I declare I thought they were Luddites, but Mama insists the law hanged the last of those fellows long ago. Nevertheless, there was the most dreadful crush of boys, all wearing caps and scarves and rushing about through the village in the most terrifying way.”

“Enjoying the frosty Christmas morning, I have no doubt,” said Hugh.

“Well, maybe so…” Selena was not to be quieted. “Then one of those dreadful iron horses came past making a terrible noise, and the horses became so skittish I was sure we were about to be thrown from the carriage.” Her face glowed with excitement. “I do declare, Hugh, I thought we should never arrive alive at all!”

Her chatter displeased him, today. Did she not know of last night’s dreadful disaster and the death in the mud and rain of a handful of unfortunate travellers?

“Selena, my dear,” her mother spoke calmly. “Do show a little dignity. Hugh will think you have become a hoyden since last you met.”

Such calm unconcern for anything other than appearance infuriated Hugh. His mother and sister seemed quite unaware of any events outside their circle. The Dowager’s dignity had enabled her to sail calmly through the horror of Beatrice’s death, all energies focused on ensuring no breath of scandal should touch the family.

Selena, bewildered, had followed her mother’s example and behaved ever since as though nothing had happened, although Hugh had sometimes observed his sister watching closely, eyes narrowed, as though about to say something indiscreet. Hugh avoided such moments, cultivating a convenient reputation for ill humour, unable to begin to explain the horror that filled his heart at the thought of Beatrice’s betrayal and premature death.

“I have always admired my sister’s enthusiasm and high spirits.” Hugh’s voice was sharp with sarcasm. “I am delighted you have arrived safely through all the dangers of a trip of fewer than ten miles through England’s mildest countryside.”

He took the Dowager’s arm. “Perhaps you have not heard that a real accident on the railway yesterday resulted in the death of several passengers?”