Charlotte drew a deep breath. “I have no idea where you will reside. I’m afraid your father has left that decision with me. Margaret, I have to tell you that he has washed his hands of you. Completely and permanently. He will not have you in his home—in any of his homes.”

I don’t ever want to see her again. I won’t even tolerate her presence in the same country as me. It would be too cruel to repeat those words. “There will be no reprieve, and you understand—” Her voice broke. She took a deep breath. “You understand that what the duke decrees, I must implement. All I can do is attempt to soften the blow.”

“How?”

“My dear, I don’t know yet, but I’ll think of something.”

“Ex adversis dulcis. Ex adversitas felicitas,” Margaret said with a sad little smile.

“From adversity comes strength and happiness.” Ironically, it was one of Walter’s favourite quotes. “I pray there is some truth in that.”

“I do, too, Mama. I’m very much aware that I have sorely tested your loyalty and I am deeply sorry to have caused you upset.”

Margaret’s voice trembled, but she held herself together with remarkable dignity. Tears sprang into Charlotte’s eyes that she made no attempt to hide as she pulled Margaret into a fierce embrace. “You are my daughter, and you always will be. Wherever you end up, whatever happens, you must never forget that.”

Susannah Elmhirst to Lady Margaret

Susannah Elmhirst to Lady Margaret

The Rectory, Lambeth, 20 June 1866

My very dear Margaret,

I trust you will forgive the informality of my method of address, but I cannot think of you in any other way. I have been trying to compose this letter since Sunday, when I arrived home to find my brother in a distraught state, but have found myself struggling to find the right words. Sebastian disclosed the gist of the painful conversation you had. I confess I had guessed how matters stood between you, though I had no idea that he had been so foolish gone so far as to declare himself. My brother, while in some ways very practical and worldly, has a romantic streak, and no idea of the expectations your family will have invested in you. I confess, I was surprised to hear that you had allowed his hopes to flourish. For what it’s worth, and difficult though it must have been, I think you made the right decision, for both your sakes.

Sebastian has thrown himself into his parish duties. I know you well enough, Margaret, to surmise that his well-being will be your first concern. Rest assured that I will take care of him as I always do. He had no idea what your own plans were. Whatever they are, I hope one day we will meet again. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to know you.