She was a Knight after all, and could testify that their father had never once failed to hear his children’s opinions or treat them with kindness. On the other hand, it was hardly unfair to point out that the Knatchbulls tended to be rather more strict. And, though Fanny did try to turn a blind eye, one could hardly not notice. So did their way work well? She counted the many expulsions from school, the endless disputes – the brother in gaol! – and concluded that there may well be room for some doubt.

And, once she had thought all this through to her own satisfaction, Fanny determined to allow herself one small – entirely private and safe – act of rebellion.

The following week, the Knights had an outing planned to Lambeth Gardens. Having previously decreed that Mary should be kept away from any such nonsense – surely the girl should be better employed in something worthwhile? – now Fanny relented. Of course one should have fun in one’s youth! And it was perfectly natural that Mary should spend time with her own mother’s family. With Ned out of the way, what possible harm could befall her?

Fanny went too, of course – she was nothing if not vigilant. The gardens were verdant: the air heavy with scent rising up from the flower beds. It was a perfect day in late spring. And when they encountered the rest of the party, the reunion was joyful.

Cassy was the first to see them approach and, with a skip and a squeal, she came trotting over.

‘Dearest!’ Her younger sister first issued a brisk kiss to Fanny’s cheek and then swept Mary into her arms. ‘Oh, darling,’ she cried in her unrestrained fashion.

Fanny prickled. It was high time that Cassy adopted a more ladylike air.

‘I have missed you so much that it gave me a pain. Cakey had to take me into her lap while I sucked my own thumb, which, of course, we both loved to absolute bits. Why must one ever leave the nursery?’ They linked arms and walked a little ahead. ‘Being a grown-up is so frightfully hard.’

And when the breeze carried back Mary’s earnest reply – ‘This year, in particular’ – Fanny felt a frisson of guilt. The poor girl had lived the whole of the year with only her parents for company. How lonely she must have found it! And why had Fanny and Sir Edward chosen to punish her so?

After all, it was perfectly obvious that Mary had no feelings for Ned. When the girl was upset, she did not bother to hide it, as Fanny had learned to her cost during that other ghastly affair with the governess. No, Fanny was clear in her mind: there was no further evidence that Mary had done much beyond drive Ned stark, staring mad. And that was hardly her fault …