‘I have it here.’ Dwight Roberts held up a small suitcase. ‘I always travel light, and, because you know where Miss Winford is, my business here shouldn’t take more than a couple of days. I want to get back home in time for Christmas.’

‘Well, as you have all your luggage, we can get back to London straight away.’ Gilbert Stannard led them towards the car.

Much to Matt’s disappointment, the lawyer wouldn’t discuss his business during the journey. This was understandable, of course – they were not related to Jenny – but he had hoped to find out if it was good news or bad.

‘Did you have a pleasant journey?’ Louise said, when she greeted their guest on arrival.

‘A bit on the choppy side, ma’am; this isn’t the best time of year for a transatlantic crossing.’ Dwight Roberts’s chuckle was full of amusement. ‘But I’m a good sailor and didn’t miss any meals. I hardly saw some people the whole way across.’

‘We were about to have afternoon tea, Mr Roberts. Will you join us or would you prefer to go to your room to rest before dinner?’

‘I would enjoy your English tea. And please call me Dwight.’ He waited until Louise was seated before sitting down. ‘It’s kind of you to put me up while I’m here.’

Matt was impatient listening to the social pleasantries; it was obvious they weren’t going to be told a thing. All Dwight talked about was how beautiful the ship had been, with her exquisite wood panelling and the large domed skylight in the library. As interesting as this was, it was not what Matt was eager to hear about.

‘We thought you would be more comfortable here than in an hotel,’ Louise said, handing him a cup of tea.

‘Indeed.’ Dwight gazed around the room in appreciation. ‘This is a lovely house.’

‘It has been in the family for nearly a hundred years,’ Luke told him.

Matt couldn’t stand it any longer. ‘We understand you’ve been trying to trace Miss Winford.’

‘Yes, indeed.’ Dwight put his empty cup on the table. ‘Is she here? Would it be possible to see her now?’

‘She doesn’t live here and will still be at work,’ Matt said rather too hastily. ‘Can you tell us why you need to see her?’

‘I’m afraid I can disclose my business only to Miss Winford.’

‘We understand that.’ Gilbert stood up and walked over to the fire, resting his hand on the marble surround. ‘But you must understand that we have all become fond of the girl, and we would not wish to see her upset.’

Matt was staggered by his father’s announcement, but grateful he had said what they were all feeling.

Dwight frowned. ‘It is imperative that I see her. That’s all I can say.’