‘Alicia was in equal peril from these men – you must know their title – the Society. After Alex’s murder, I felt marriage to Jack the best course for her. It was easy to talk him round. You must have noticed he’s in love with her. Alicia complied, she needed a father for her child.’

‘Dear God, Luke, you’ve tempted the devil even more than I in my youth!’ Oliver swept his hands up in the air. ‘This Society of which you speak is saturated in evil. To benefit from their dishonest business practices, or their fixed race meetings, or one of their great number of other unlawful connections, means one is likely beholden to them forever. They arrange death by duels, they’ll stop at nothing to further their ends. They’re in commerce, government, the royal court, even the clergy.

‘Typical of you to make alliance with someone like Longbourne, a weak-skinned wastrel. Pray God, that sleazy set never seeks you out to call in a favour. Even I would not wish to cross swords with Sir Decimus Soames. You realize that by yoking Jack and yourself to this woman it would be ill-advised to show your face again in the capital, at least for a very long time, and you must always keep one eye looking behind you? It’s a good thing you wish to live quietly. I’m relieved you’ve told me all this, it enables me to look also to your protection.’

‘Thank you, Father.’ For the very first time Luke blushed in disgrace.

‘Well, all is done and you have chosen your next course. One other thing, how do you propose to promote your plays? It might be unwise to have them performed under your own name.’

‘I shall think of that when the time comes.’ Luke was too excited to let anything dampen his enthusiasm. He already knew his first play, act by act, scene by scene, word for word. ‘Of course, when I find somewhere to live I shall take Jack and Alicia with me.’

‘You have a need of Jack’s companionship – I accept that, but I feel sore to lose him. He is more than a servant to me also,’ Oliver said quietly. ‘You wish to live by the sea, you have the wherewithal to consider the Polgissey estate, it’s been on the market for some weeks. Write your plays, and then we will see how things stand in London. Now wash your face, allow yourself ten minutes and go downstairs and do what you must in respect of my guests. And Luke, there’s one lady you especially need to make repair to.’

‘Mama. I know. I’m sorry I’ve given her so much worry.’

‘Your mama, yes, but I was thinking of Cordelia. You’ve hurt her more than you know.’