‘By heavens, you’re splendid!’ Ned kissed her again, laughed, ran a hand through his hair until it stood on its ends and spoke over her shoulder: ‘Did I not say my aunt is quite splendid? I do believe she will be our particular friend.’

‘I should like that, very much.’ Now with her husband – the muzzle of his dog deep in her lap – Mary’s demeanour was utterly transformed. ‘Miss Austen has been very kind.’ For the first time she smiled. Her dimples appeared. And at last, she looked like a bride.

The ginger beer was delivered and the unlikely threesome settled down to discuss the intricacies of the journey to Scotland. Miss Austen was not much entertained – the travels of others could only ever be of limited interest – but preferred it to tales of the behaviour of Sir Edward Knatchbull. She had read more than enough in her many letters from Kent.

Within a half-hour, Cassandra began to sense that she might be a little de trop. What did a young couple on the first day in their new home – and so obviously wildly in love – want with a dusty old relative? She prepared to return to her quiet cottage; rose, took her leave. And was surprised and delighted to be invited to dine that very night.

‘My wife’s aunt, Lady Banks, is to join us,’ said Ned.

‘She meets with my father this morning,’ Mary said quietly, ‘and will bring her report.’

Tension returned to the room; Ned chose to ignore it.

‘And I cannot think of a finer first party, can you, my love? Two of our favourite people!’ His enthusiasm seemed entirely genuine. ‘What is the collective term for aunts, do you suppose?’

Cassandra braced herself for a joke that might feel to her more like an insult.

But at once, Mary – cheerful again – leaped in with: ‘An excellence?’

And Miss Austen felt happier – more necessary somehow – than she had felt for some months.

CHAPTER XXXVIII

They all left the mansion together – out through the great, thick oak door, down the flagstone steps worn to a shine by the forebears of centuries – then the couple bade Cassandra goodbye and took the path to the stables. She allowed herself a small moment to stand in the carriage sweep with the Great House to her back, the green glory of Hampshire around her, and watch them go.