‘Miss Austen, forgive me,’ Mary gasped. She was clearly unused to the position of hostess. How could it be otherwise? She was still only eighteen years of age. ‘Pray, do.’ Mary lowered herself to the edge of a chair, as might an unwelcome visitor who could not hope to belong.

‘My dear Mrs Knight.’ Cassandra made herself comfortable and adopted a new, firmer tone. ‘No doubt I appear to you as a relic of some bygone age. Indeed, no doubt I am such a thing.’ Despite her best efforts, a weary sigh escaped. ‘But I do like to think – and very much hope that your dear husband will testify – that I try to tend not to the pompous. And though I may be that stock comic creation, an aunt of significant years, we do not all disapprove just for the sake of it. I certainly feel no sort of disapproval towards you, my dear.’

Mary was all relief and surprise. ‘Then I thank you for saying so.’ Though that sadness still lingered. ‘But I fear the rest of the world feels very differently.’

‘The world?’ Cassandra gave a small laugh, as if at the follies of youth. ‘I regret to inform you that the world does not think of any of us as much as we all like to think.’ It was at least true that at her own time of life, it did not give a jot. ‘As for the minuscule circles in which we both live … It may be true that you have created a minor diversion. But for what do we live but to create sport for our neighbours?’

Mary gave a tight smile to acknowledge the Jane Austen reference and Cassandra was pleased.

‘I assure you, it will not last for long.’

This was a severe understatement of recent events. In the two weeks since the couple’s elopement, they had been roundly condemned and abused by all the usual, more prurient suspects – tricoteuses at the guillotine. Each age has its own. Cassandra found it distasteful and quickly determined to set up in opposition. She would act as the young lovers’ ally.

‘People move on, Mrs Knight! Indeed, I suspect that process is already begun.’ Though there was still, inevitably, the odd sister-in-law who was enjoying it too much to let go in a hurry. ‘I have lived long enough to witness many such – well – little disruptions.’ She refused the word scandal, though others did insist upon using it. ‘Of course, opprobrium might flare up in the moment, but it cannot be sustained. Soon enough, you will find it has dimmed to mere ember and, before you expect it, is turned unto ashes.’ Cassandra issued an encouraging smile. ‘This too shall pass, my dear. This too shall pass.’

‘Oh, Miss Austen.’ Mary twisted her hands in her lap, gazed down at the new, narrow gold band on her finger. ‘You cannot know my father.’