‘Thank you. Now if you will excuse me I usually spend the afternoon resting in my room, so I will see you later if you are staying for tea?’ He knew she wouldn’t; her face had gone white.

‘No, not today.’ She rose too, offering him her hand as she said, ‘I hope you are soon completely well.’

He inclined his head – speech was beyond him – and walked as steadily as he could out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him. He met Clarissa and Godfrey in the hall but he didn’t speak, casting his sister one look that caused her to put her hand to her throat.

They stood and watched him as he walked up the winding staircase, and as Clarissa whispered, ‘Oh, Godfrey,’ her husband patted her hand but said nothing. One of the things he had always loved about his young, lovely, impetuous wife was her bravery for rushing in where angels feared to tread, but in this instance he wished she had discussed the matter with him first. Edward was broken in body and mind and the only thing he had left was a semblance of pride. Clarissa should have known that, but perhaps it was a male/female thing? Anyway, it was clear that this whole incident was an unmitigated disaster.

When they entered the drawing room they found Ruby standing looking out of the windows into the white expanse outside. She turned to face them, and before Clarissa could speak, she said, ‘Thank you for a lovely lunch but I really must be going now.’

‘Oh, Ruby, please don’t. Please stay. Whatever has happened, whatever he’s said, he doesn’t mean it and—’

‘Clarissa.’ Whether it was the tone of Godfrey’s voice, a tone he had never used with her before, or because the situation was beyond even her, Clarissa became quiet. He patted her hand again and then walked across to Ruby, taking her arm as he said, ‘Let me walk you to the car.’

‘Thank you.’ Ruby managed a faint smile, and as they passed a stricken Clarissa, she stopped and gave her a swift hug before continuing. Godfrey himself fetched her hat and coat, and once they were outside in the frosty air and standing by her car, she said quietly, ‘Tell Clarissa I know she meant well, won’t you? But I hope she’ll understand that I won’t come again while Edward is with you.’

Godfrey nodded. ‘I’m sorry, m’dear.’

‘So am I.’ This time her smile was tearful, and afraid she would break down completely in the face of his kindness and understanding, she kissed him swiftly on his cheek and slid into the car, starting the engine at once and driving away before he could see the tears streaming down her cheeks.