Robert’s attorney rose slowly to his feet, tugged the lapels of his gown, and said, “Indeed, my lady. Mr. Bingham will retain the family company, Bingham’s Fish Paste, which was founded by his grandfather over a hundred years ago. He makes no other demands.”

“So be it,” said the judge, “but before final settlement is agreed, I always like both parties to confirm they are satisfied with the division, so there can be no recriminations at some later date, or any suggestion that they didn’t fully understand what had been proposed. Mr. Bingham—” Robert’s counsel nudged him and Bob jumped up. “Are you satisfied with this division of your goods and chattels?”

“I am, my lady.”

“Thank you, Mr. Bingham.” Turning her attention to the other side of the courtroom, the judge asked Mrs. Bingham the same question.

Priscilla rose to her feet, smiled up at the judge, and said, “I am satisfied. Indeed, I am happy for my ex-husband to select whichever of the two packages he would prefer.”

“How very magnanimous of you,” declared the judge, as consternation appeared on the faces of both counsel, who had been quite unprepared for this unrehearsed intervention. Although it would surely make no difference to the outcome, counsel never likes to be taken by surprise.

“Then I will put the question to Mr. Bingham once again,” said the judge. “But as it deserves careful consideration, I will allow Mr. Bingham to consider his position overnight. Court is adjourned until ten a.m. tomorrow.”

Bob was quickly on his feet. “That’s most kind of you, my lady, but I have already made up—”

Bob’s counsel pulled him back down, because Mrs. Justice Havers had already left the court.

If that was the first surprise of the day for Bob, the second was to see Sebastian Clifton sitting quietly at the back of the courtroom taking notes. He was even more surprised when Seb asked if he was free to join him for dinner.

“Well, I had planned to go back to Lincolnshire tonight, but now that I have to make a short reappearance in court tomorrow morning, I’d be delighted to take up your offer.”

They both watched as Priscilla left the courtroom on Virginia’s arm. She was sobbing quietly.

“I could kill that woman,” said Bob, “and happily serve a life sentence.”

“I don’t think that will be necessary,” said Seb. “I think I’ve come up with a far better solution for dealing with Lady Virginia.”

*   *   *

At ten o’clock the following morning, everyone was back in their places when Mrs. Justice Havers entered the courtroom. Once she had settled herself, she looked down at the counsels’ bench and said, “Only one matter remains to be resolved, and that is which of the two packages Mr. Bingham has settled on.”