‘Ah, my dear.’ Fanny was gleaming with pleasure. ‘You remember this Mr Knight? I am sure you must have met at some point, though one could forgive you for struggling to keep track of us all.’

Ned rose and bowed; Mary curtseyed then, rather shakily, sat. While Sir Edward said grace, she bent her head low and gave every impression of harking his words with the piety of a nun, newly professed. But for once, the prayer was a short one and, before she had truly collected herself, dinner began.

‘Something of a red-letter day for us, Mary,’ the Mother went on, ‘for my brother is come for a dine-and-sleep. Have you ever done so before, Ned? I do believe this is the first. Darling, do say.’ Fanny put a hand on his arm. ‘What can I possibly have done to merit such an honour?’

Ned flicked open his napkin and smiled into his wine glass. ‘Nothing in particular, Fan. Other than I have decided to stay in Kent from now through to Christmas – the odd matter to pursue – leads to be followed – and thought it might be my opportunity to enjoy these pleasant surroundings at last.’

Mary’s heart danced in her breast as she studied her lap. He had come – might she hope? – could it be that he had come here to court her?

Firmly, he turned to the head of the table. ‘Though, sir, I should hate to impose, but my brothers do speak most highly of the shoot you have grown since taking over the estate.’

Sir Edward’s enormous capacity for taking offence was outweighed only by his weakness for flattery. And any compliment to his estate in particular had the potential to quite alter his mood. So now, seemingly to his own great surprise as well as that of the company, he went into some detail about drives and stocks and, at the end, appeared almost stunned to hear himself extend a warm welcome.

‘Then I look forward to it,’ Ned replied earnestly. ‘Furthermore, I was wondering – though do say if it is inconvenient – might I accompany you to the Quarter Sessions – watch you at work? As I have hopes of having a similar role soon, in my own county, the opportunity of observing such an experienced …’

It seemed that he was, in fact, courting her father! Too astonished to eat, Mary put down her fork and returned her gaze to her lap. The two previous dinners these men shared had ended in warfare. Yet this time – she stole a glance from under her lashes – her father was positively purring with pleasure.

‘And Miss Knatchbull.’

She had no choice but to look up.

‘I hope you are well.’ His wide eyes met hers, but if there was a message within them she could not read it. ‘And have you been able to ride out at all? The weather has not been much on our side.’