‘My father was all I ever had. I changed my name after I left home to protect his honour. He died two years ago. I thought it best that I be thought to be dead too; his small means went to the poor of the parish.’

‘I’m sorry you have no one, but in the circumstances it’s not such a bad thing, if you understand my meaning,’ Luke reflected grimly.

‘I do,’ Alicia said. ‘This cottage is limited but I’m sure, thanks to the manor’s servants, it’s clean and comfortable. I have observed the esteem with which Jack is served here. But Luke, you mustn’t do too much for us, surely so much patronage will bring unwarranted attention.’

‘I promised Alexander I’d look after you,’ Luke returned, as if that was the end of the discussion.

‘I did too,’ added Jack quickly, and Alicia knew her husband was thinking that here, in his own home, he should be in charge of the proceedings.

‘What are you saying?’ Luke had glared at Jack. ‘That you don’t want my help, that this is how Alicia should live from now on?’

‘No, of course not,’ Jack replied mildly. Alicia had grasped that he had learned long ago to ignore Luke’s prickly nature, which weeded out criticism where there was none. ‘Alicia deserves and’ll get everything she needs. What I meant is we’ll have to make another cover story as to why she’s getting it. I am but a groom, with small savings. If you provide all that you plan, questions will surely be asked.’

‘Simple. Did you not save my life?’

‘No, Luke. You saved mine.’

‘Don’t split hairs, man! We’ll put the story about that you saved my life in the fire, of course I’d be generous. Anyway, you saved me from many an undesirable situation, especially in the case of Sir Decimus Soames. That monster would’ve… well, you know his tastes, then after the perversion, a spot of torture.’

‘We don’t need reminding,’ Jack said sternly, glancing at Alicia. She had looked back at him with a perfectly straight face, then had given him a small smile of encouragement.

‘Oh, so it’s back to total sobriety, is it?’ Luke playfully cuffed Jack’s upper arm. ‘The juice of the vine is no longer to pass your lips and the unmentionable must not be mentioned. Don’t be such an old maid! Alicia knows what’s what, don’t you, my dear?’

Alicia watched as Jack turned pale and became quiet. She knew he did not wish to be reminded that she had been another man’s mistress.