“He acted honorably in both instances, which is more than can be said for your husband.”

“That’s a cruel blow, Mama. I’m not staying here any longer. I want the children away from this place right now. We’re going up to London. Nicholas, Katherine, come with me.”

And she stalked off into the house.

Tea had been brought out to the lawn, because the afternoon was a fine one, but it seemed that nobody had much of an appetite—and not just because of the size of the luncheon. Irene did not put in an appearance, nor did Cedric and his Starlings. The princess complained that it was too cold to be outside, so it was just Edwina, the naughty countess Virginia, Jack and me, and we made a halfhearted attempt to enjoy scones, cream and strawberry jam.

“I can’t imagine what you were thinking, John,” Edwina said to Jack. “Throwing a knife at your cousin.”

“I missed, didn’t I? And I’ve done that stunt a million times.”

“But, my dear boy, what if she had moved at the last second or you had stumbled? All sorts of things could have gone wrong. Now, please understand that this is a civilized household. We do not go in for violence here.”

“I thought we were about to go out hunting foxes,” Jack said. “And I’ve seen all kinds of weapons and animal heads on the walls.”

“That is quite different. Those things are acceptable violence. The English nobility has always hunted and served in honorable battles.”

“Georgie said I should try to get along with my cousins, so that’s what I was trying to do.” Jack shrugged.

“In the future, John, please ask me or even Georgiana if a particular pursuit is acceptable before undertaking it,” Edwina said.

“I do wish you’d stop calling me John,” Jack said. “That’s never been my name, and I keep thinking you expect me to be my father and not me.”

Edwina drew herself up in her seat and took a deep breath before answering. Maybe she realized that what he was saying was true. She wanted him to be her John, returned from the grave. “It’s just that John is a more suitable name for a viscount,” she said. “And one has never heard of a duke called Jack. And I expect you to call me Grandmama.”

“Right-oh,” he said.

I felt for her at that moment. She was going through the same exasperation I often felt in my attempts to educate Queenie. I was glad when tea was cleared away and we walked back into the house. I decided to find something to read in the library. As I passed Cedric’s study, I heard raised voices and suddenly a door opened and Irene stormed out, her face bright red.