In fact, Cassandra had had that misfortune, but chose not to mention it. ‘I do have some knowledge of fathers in general, and in particular those who abide within the strictures of good, Christian values. Though the Lord may allow us to give vent to the darker emotions – even towards the members of our own families! – He has blessed us with the gift of unwavering love and the capacity for forgiveness. And in the end, we must trust in Him to steer us all back to our one, rightful path.’

Still, Mary did not seem convinced. ‘I do hope you are right.’

‘I can assure you, I am,’ Cassandra replied happily, before it occurred to her that she might be coming across as, well, rather pompous. Slightly alarmed, she moved on. ‘It is a warm day, is it not? I confess I developed a thirst on my walk up the long drive. You may not yet have had the pleasure, but the Cook here – a good enough soul and no need to fear her – is famed for her ginger beer. Might …?’

Mary leaped up in agitation. ‘Pray, forgive me again. I fear I am not yet used to—’ She looked wildly about her.

‘You will find the bell just there, by the fireplace,’ Cassandra pointed out, ever useful, while thinking: the girl is nowhere near prepared for all this, and already at a loss. To find herself suddenly the mistress of an estate such as Chawton, with no mother or sister of her own to support her, was a burden indeed. So how very fortunate that she, Miss Austen, would be ever close by to assist her. The thought brought with it a thrill.

The door opened at once and, as well as a servant, Lord Byron – that famous stranger to discipline – bounded in and over to Mary, the herald of his master.

‘Aunt Cass!’ Ned did come in with a sweep, but then he was naturally one of life’s sweepers. ‘You are here!’

He took her up and into his arms – the only person left on this earth who still chose so to do.

‘But of course.’ Cassandra spoke into his frock coat and feared she might have turned pink. This nephew always did have that effect on her, though it seemed almost unseemly now, in front of his wife.

‘You are not appalled then?’ He pulled back to study her, with a very faint touch of nerves. ‘I should hate—’

‘My dear boy.’ She smoothed down her dark dress and corrected her plain, simple bonnet. ‘I was a little surprised, I confess. But there, ’tis done and, once a couple has been joined before God, it behoves all of society to respect and support them. I wish you both every happiness.’