But then, just as they were travelling along the Great West Road, Harry asked, ‘How do you find my Aunt Phyllis?’

‘She has very taking ways. Most of our servants are still at the town house and yet she moved in a staff of her own. She orders things like gowns and books and charges them to my parents’ account.’

‘You must be mistaken,’ said Harry. ‘You are talking about my mother’s sister. She was so eager to be of help.’

‘Of course she was,’ said Rose. ‘I am sure she would eagerly go anywhere for free lodging.’

‘Take that back!’

In the back, Becket and Daisy exchanged alarmed glances. ‘I have always found her charming and amiable,’ said Harry.

‘Indeed?’ Rose’s voice dripped sarcasm. ‘And when did you last see her?’

‘Not for some years.’

‘So there you are! You do not know her at all.’

‘I do not believe you.’

‘Are you calling me a liar?’

‘Just misinformed.’

By the time they drove up to the town house, Rose and Harry were not on speaking terms. Rose wanted to give Harry back his ring but did not wish to make a scene on the street.

‘I would invite you in,’ she said coldly, ‘but I am sure you are anxious to get to your own home. Come, Daisy.’

Daisy threw an anguished glance over her shoulder at Becket and trailed inside after Rose.

Mrs Holt, the housekeeper, was waiting for them. Aunt Phyllis had brought her own housekeeper, but Mrs Holt had told the intruder not to interfere at all in the running of the house.

‘May I have a word with you, my lady?’

‘By all means.’ Rose unpinned her hat. ‘What is the matter?’

Mrs Holt lowered her voice. ‘It’s Lady Phyllis. My lady has given Miss Friendly so many gowns and hats to alter that I swear poor Miss Friendly has been working all night.’

‘I’ll see to it.’ Rose marched all the way up to the sewing-room.

Miss Friendly was bent over the sewing-machine. She stopped when she saw Rose, got to her feet and stumbled, holding on to the table for support. There were purple shadows under her eyes.

‘Stop everything,’ commanded Rose. ‘You are not to do any work for Lady Phyllis.’ She rang the bell and when a footman answered it, she told him to fetch Lady Phyllis’s lady’s maid. When the maid arrived, Rose told her to take away all Lady Phyllis’s hats and garments and then said, ‘Lady Phyllis will be leaving immediately. Miss Friendly, you are not to do any more work for the next two days. Go to your room and relax, or go out for a walk.’

Rose marched back downstairs and into the study, where Matthew Jarvis was working.

‘Ah, Lady Rose,’ he said, ‘I have just received a wire. My lord and lady will be returning at the end of the week. They wish you to go to Stacey Court as soon as possible.’