‘Found her!’ Ned called over his shoulder, while looking down upon her with a crinkling smile. ‘Good work, Miss Knatchbull. You discovered the best nook in the house – the one I always use, as it happens. The others are nowhere near brave enough. Now you have proved both your courage and skill, I shall be honoured to share it with you in the future.

‘But for now’ – he did not take her hand, but stepped back and gestured that she should come out – ‘sad to say, your revels are ended.’

She stared up, wide-eyed.

‘Lady Knatchbull awaits you down in the parlour.’

It was a relief to discover that the Mama only wanted Mary and Cassy to join her in paying a visit.

‘Well, this is a pleasure.’ Miss Cassandra Austen gathered up her darning, hid it under her armchair and rose up to greet them. ‘You are so kind to call on we poor ladies, in our little cottage.’

She kissed Fanny and Cassy, and smiled upon Mary, who at once fell into her best curtsey.

‘Mother, dear?’ At the top of her voice, Miss Austen was addressing the sofa, upon which sat a bundle of black clothing with a white cap balanced on its top. Old Mrs Austen, whose hearing was obviously poor, jerked awake and gazed round. ‘Do look who has come.’

The grandmother accordingly looked. Though it was clear that she also had struggles with her sight, those clouded old eyes still had a twinkle. ‘Well I never did! Lady Knatchbull come at last, is it? This is an honour, indeed. We barely see you these days, my dear.’

‘Really, Mama,’ Miss Austen chided, while straightening the older lady’s cap. ‘We can hardly expect it. Fanny is now a married lady, and to a gentleman of great consequence. She has her hands full.’ And then raised her voice again: ‘I said, her hands are quite—’

‘Oh, I do not doubt.’ Mrs Austen gave a knowing smile, and patted the space by her side. ‘Well, now you are here, do sit for a moment and tell me all about your new, interesting life.’

Mary was intrigued to observe Fanny obey with an impeccable politeness, combined with a marked reluctance. Why would she not be pleased to see her own grandmother? Mary was sure that if she had one of her own, she would thrill at the prospect. Meanwhile, Miss Austen went to the kitchen to order refreshments before settling down with the two girls. She quizzed them both on their stay – enjoyed the stories of fun and games – before becoming impatient at the maid’s failure to appear with the tray.

‘You stay here, Aunt.’ Cassy grabbed Mary’s hand and pulled her upstanding. ‘Let us go and see.’

They helped the one maid in the clean, simple kitchen and were on their way back – in the little vestibule outside the parlour – when, as was their habit, the girls stopped to listen to the conversation inside.