‘Do you remember that American gentleman we met at the Stock Brokers’ Gala Ball last Easter, my dear? We spent most of the evening with him.’

‘Yes, I remember him. He seemed a pleasant man. Unusual colouring, if I recall. He had dark hair and eyes of such a pale brown they looked almost gold.’

‘My word, the things you ladies notice,’ her husband remarked. ‘As I was saying, I heard a couple of weeks ago that he was dead. Don’t know the details, though.’

‘How terrible.’ Mrs Stannard was clearly shocked. ‘Didn’t he have a young daughter?’

‘He did and was very proud of her. He told anyone who would listen what a charming girl she was.’

‘Oh, poor child.’ Their mother stared at the fire.

Christmas Day and Matt was excited about the future. He had always loved working with anything mechanical and couldn’t wait to start his apprenticeship. He now had two years to do something he was really interested in. He didn’t intend to fail because going back to the academic life was the last thing in the world he wanted to do. He found it too easy. While the other boys were spending hours studying, he had only to read something through twice and he retained the information. Quite frankly he soon became bored, longing for a challenge. Now he would have one.

‘Put your jackets on, boys.’ Their mother swept into the drawing room. ‘And stand up. It’s time to give the staff their gifts.’

Her husband groaned. ‘Do we have to go through this performance every year?’

‘We most certainly do.’ She chivvied him out of his chair and herded her sons into line. ‘We must show our appreciation. They work well for us all year. We hardly know they’re around.’

‘You’re right as usual, my dear. Are those the presents?’ He indicated a pile of brightly wrapped packages on a side table.

‘Yes, they have the names on them. When Mrs Douglas introduces each one, you will give them the gift.’

‘I know the routine.’ He sighed again. ‘We do it every year, but couldn’t you hand them out this time?’

‘You are the head of this house, Gilbert. It’s your job.’ She smiled encouragingly. ‘It will only take a few minutes.’

He kissed her cheek. ‘Of course, Louise. I don’t know how you put up with a grumpy old devil like me.’

There was a tap on the door and the housekeeper came in.

‘We’re all ready, Mrs Douglas,’ Louise said. ‘Send them in.’

Matt watched the staff file in. Most of them had been with them for a long time, except for the young girl last but one in the line. She had her head bowed and was obviously uneasy about being in the presence of the entire family.

‘Who is that?’ Luke whispered in his ear.