“Well,” said the Dowager. “I am pleased to see you so cheerful, Hugh. Let us hope such good humour may continue.”

Hugh bowed his head. He enquired politely about the Dowager’s day. The railway accident and the forthcoming inquest had featured high on the list of topics for her morning visits, and she had taken care to read the full story in the newspaper. With great pleasure and, no doubt, to the irritation of her hostess, Hugh’s mother had explained the event, in detail, to her acquaintance. The Hall, after all, had taken in one of the poor passengers from the disaster, raising the Dowager to the status of insider and unique source of information. Hugh was relieved, though not surprised, to find that no hint of gossip about Beatrice’s death had spoiled his mother’s day. No one would dare to raise such a matter with the formidable Dowager.

“You know,” she said. “Perhaps we should invite that young woman to remain at the Hall a while. We would not want any harm to befall such an unfortunate soul through sending her away too soon.”

The Dowager’s attitude towards the new nursemaid appeared to have undergone something of a transformation. Was it due to Philomena’s role in the accident? Perhaps it was simply John’s improved conduct under her guidance. Hugh could not decide whether he was pleased or not.

While he considered how to reply, Selena broke in. “Oh, Hugh, do agree to ask Philomena to stay on. John does like her so, and Mama is right. It would be so unkind to send her away before she has had time to recover from the terrible shock of the train crash. After all, everyone knows the Hall is in the healthiest situation in the whole country.”

Hugh, unwilling to argue, agreed. “As you wish.”

“Well, brother. I have never before known you to give way so quickly to any request I might make.”

“I have more important things on my mind than the nursemaid.”

He paused. Selena’s cheeks were pink. “My concerns involve you,” he said, as mildly as possible.

Selena blushed. “Me?” She said it so innocently that Hugh suspected his sister had an idea of his intentions.

“I would prefer you to spend less time in conversation with Mr. Muldrow,” said Hugh. Selena’s face grew pale.