When he announced to Sir William and Mrs Morrissey that he had decided to go to London with the intention of persuading Jane to come back to Bath and resume ‘her rightful duties’, he saw on Clorinda Morrissey’s face a look of sudden and unmistakable panic.

‘What is it?’ he asked.

‘Oh no …’ said Mrs Morrissey, ‘nothing at all, Doctor Ross. It is only that Jane mentioned to me that she had … she had much paperwork to be concluded with the solicitors, overseeing Miss Emmeline’s legacies and so forth …’

‘Well, in that case,’ said Ross, ‘I can be of assistance, perhaps. It’s my opinion that women have a very poor and inadequate understanding of legal business. Their minds are unable to follow the logic of the subordinate clause.’

‘Speaking as a businesswoman, I would not agree with you there,’ said Clorinda and Sir William appeared to nod his concurrence. ‘But in all events, I think, if I might venture to say … Jane will come back to Bath when she is ready to come back, and it would be wise of you—’

‘You are about to say that I should leave her alone? But I don’t think you understand my position. In a few months’ time, Jane will become my wife. My wife! She is twenty-five and has had admirers, but no suitors of any seriousness. Therefore, I do her honour in marrying her. She must learn to get used to obeying me, at least from time to time.’

Sir William then drew Ross aside. In gentle tones, he said, ‘I understand how you feel. The death of Emmeline has been difficult for us all. But let me remind you that Jane has always done things in her own way and in her own time …’

‘That may have something to do with the fact that you always spoiled and indulged her, Sir. But are you saying that this can be allowed to continue for the rest of our lives? I am to stand by while she behaves exactly as she pleases?’

‘Well,’ said Sir William, ‘I would not phrase it like that, but you have known Jane for many years. You know what kind of woman you are marrying. Do you really imagine that she is going to change?’

‘Yes,’ said Ross. ‘Because I wish it. Because unless she does …’

‘Well? What are you saying?’

‘I do not know,’ said Ross with a sigh. ‘I do not know. But I think that, if she does not, then both she and I will suffer.’

When Valentine Ross arrived at Tite Street, he was told by the maid, Nancy, that Miss Jane was sleeping and could not be disturbed.

It was early afternoon. After ordering Nancy to bring him a bowl of coffee, Ross walked back into the hall and stared up at the portrait. He thought it conceited of Jane – vulgar, even – to have placed this large image of herself so near to the front door.