‘Then perhaps I might try to entertain you a little?’ the gentleman simpered. ‘I was most encouraged by the interest you showed in my subject – the Ancients and Arabic, as I am sure you recall. It is my dearest hope that these long months together will afford much opportunity for us to explore things in greater depth. I hereby attest there is nothing else in the world that could bring me such intense pleasure.’

Mary stared at her plate in horror. This was all her own fault. That minor flirtation had been taken as major encouragement. And now … was there not something unseemly about his delivery? The man was Sir Edward’s half-brother. He was her very own uncle! Surely, the Mama must be shocked and appalled. Someone must put a stop to it.

Instead: ‘What a splendid idea,’ Fanny exclaimed. ‘Exactly the diversion required!’

Though Mary still felt every right to expect some sort of protection from this awful oppressor, it gradually dawned that he and Fanny had in fact formed some alliance. What on earth could explain it? Mary had no idea. But it was clear that the next weeks would be very delicate.

When not under attack from one quarter – ‘Now this, though perhaps a bit long, I accept, should have all you need to know on Ptolemy. If you find it a struggle, then pray, do call for guidance. I should be only too happy’ – Mary was in skirmish with the other. Biographical facts struck her like bullets: ‘Though he did have an arrangement with a lady, that is in the past and, one gathers, all to the best,’ Fanny explained, ever helpful. ‘There was even a rumour she hailed from Surrey, but that may have been malice. People can be so cruel, Mary.’

Details of Dr Knatchbull’s property rained down on her head: ‘It is, as I say, an exceptional house of its type. Do you think you might like a rectory, dear? It appeals to me as a rather romantic life. Do you know, my own grandfather was also a Man of the Church? Of course, one might lose in comfort, yet there is also so much to be said for good, plain respectability.’