“I thought so. Sebastian would be distraught if he was removed from Lambeth. I would never be able to forgive myself if I was the cause of that transpiring.”

This was said without a trace of self-pity, nor indeed any sign of conscious martyrdom. Charlotte eyed her daughter with new respect. “That is very selfless of you.”

Margret began to twist the sodden handkerchief around her fingers. “I had already decided that I couldn’t marry Sebastian prior to speaking to the duke yesterday. I planned to let him down gently over time.”

“But your father’s threats forced you to act precipitately, is that it?” Charlotte’s heart sank further. “Oh, my dear, I cannot condone your behaviour, but I find it difficult to condemn it.”

“My father has no such problem.”

Charlotte braced herself for what was to come. “No, I am afraid he does not.”

“He doesn’t love me. He doesn’t even care about me. He made that very clear yesterday.”

And he had made it equally clear this morning. Walter didn’t value his second daughter at all, though Charlotte was beginning to think her vastly underestimated. Her heart ached, knowing what lay in store for Margaret, and rebelled at the unenviable task her husband had allotted her, but decades of dutiful obedience weighed heavily. “I am sorry,” she began helplessly.

Despite her best efforts, something of her feelings must have shown in her face. “Am I to be sent away again?” Margaret asked.

“I am afraid so.”

“May I ask when?”

“Immediately after the royal wedding.”

“After! But that is weeks away, and we are due to attend any number of balls and parties between now and then. Does my father intend to torture me as well as punish me? I would much prefer to go now, if I must. And what about Killin?”

“Your father will deal with Killin.”

“But how? When? If he tells him, and I am forced to remain in society, can you imagine the snubs? I’ll be branded a jilt.”

“I am sure that Killin will behave like a gentleman,” Charlotte said, with little conviction. “You cannot be branded a jilt, for no announcement has been made. Killin has his dignity to protect. . . .”

“He’ll make a point of snubbing me. Mama, please, don’t ask me to endure that on top of everything else.” Margaret clutched at her. “Please, if I must be sent away, I’d rather it was now.”

“I’m sorry.” Charlotte forced herself to disentangle her hand. “The list of bridesmaids has been published. You are privileged to be among them. You must ensure that your behaviour is above reproach over the next few weeks. We cannot possibly risk offending Her Majesty by removing you before your duties at the wedding are executed.”

“And after the wedding, where am I to go? Back to Dalkeith?.”