He raised her hand to his lips. ‘I’m sorry, Minnie. I suppose I got carried away with my new venture. I thought it would work out wonderfully, but it hasn’t.’

Minnie looked from one to the other. ‘Sit down, both of you. I’ll ring for some refreshments. You look exhausted.’

Judy sank down on the sofa. ‘We left Little Creek first thing this morning, and we’ve just walked from Raven Row.’

‘I’ve always said you ought to move somewhere better, Ben.’ Minnie tugged at the bell pull. ‘I think a glass of sherry might be what’s needed, and you must stay for luncheon. Toby will be back soon and you can tell him everything, Ben. But I really want to hear Judy’s news, if you don’t mind.’

‘Not at all. My tale of woe can wait. It’s not something I care to repeat over and over again.’

Minnie shot him a sympathetic look as she took a seat beside Judy. ‘Well, then. Tell me all the news from Little Creek. It’s so long since we were last there. How are Daisy and the children? Do you see them often?’ She looked up as the door opened and Sukey sidled into the parlour.

‘You rang, ma’am.’

‘Yes, Sukey. Please fetch the sherry decanter and four glasses, and tell Cook there will be two extra for luncheon.’

Sukey bobbed a curtsey and backed out of the room, closing the door carefully behind her.

‘Your protégée has improved,’ Judy said, chuckling. ‘I seem to remember she was all feet and elbows when I was here last. She could hardly move without falling over or dropping something.’

Minnie pulled a face. ‘Don’t speak too soon. She has learned a lot but sometimes she gets excited and forgets what she is supposed to be doing. However, I’m fond of the child and I have hopes for her. She’ll be coming with us when we move to Harley Street in a week’s time. You’re lucky to have caught us at home. Now tell me everything, Judy.’

Judy had just finished regaling Minnie with tales from Little Creek, although she was careful not to mention the reason for Ben’s sudden return to London, when Toby Marshall breezed into the room, smiling cheerfully.

‘Ben, old chap. Sukey told me that we had visitors.’ He slapped his friend on the back as Ben rose to greet him. ‘And Judy, too. This is an unexpected pleasure. How are you and your family?’

‘They’re all well, thank you,’ Judy said, smiling. ‘I’ve just been passing on all the gossip from home.’

Toby reached for the sherry decanter and poured himself a drink. ‘There’s always plenty going on in a small village. But what brings you back to London, Ben?’

‘I was outbid at the sale.’ Ben sank back onto his chair, shaking his head. ‘I’ve let everyone down, myself included.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that, but there’ll be other plots of land, surely?’ Toby sipped his drink and sat down in a chair next to his friend. ‘It’s not the end of the world.’