‘Yes, he is proud,’ Fanny was continuing. ‘And with more than good reason, I might add. But when his own daughter betrayed him, his pride was wounded!’

And that was reason enough to destroy his own family, Cassandra thought with contempt. But she said only: ‘I see.’ And then: ‘Such a pity he could not be with us today. I was so looking forward to furthering our slight acquaintance.’

‘Heavens above!’ Fanny exclaimed. ‘I fear you have no real idea of the Ways of the World. Sir Edward is far too busy for this sort of thing.’

‘But of course!’ Cassandra returned. Though they both knew he was avoiding Mary and Ned.

‘Oh, Aunt!’ The Fanny of old had returned. ‘Who could have foreseen that this battle would go on for so long?’ Again, they held hands.

Cassandra said carefully: ‘There is always that risk: when a bond has been broken with violence, it requires some hard work to repair. Without, it is only too easy to let the weeks drift into months and then years. Until that which was once unimaginable has, all of a sudden, become completely the norm.’

‘My only ambition was to raise a good, Christian family.’ Fanny sighed. ‘I am sure I set out to try my absolute best. I now fear this – this – rupture has become a stain upon all of us.’

‘There is still time to cleanse it!’ Cassandra said urgently. ‘Fanny, dear: there have been ample opportunities to set everything right again – not least, the birth of five babies. They are such a sweet family and, in refusing to know them, your husband only denies his own pleasure …’ Tis a shame he had no time to spare us today, but I beg you: when the next chance presents, then you must act.’

Suddenly, they drew up at the steps of the church. ‘Ah, our turn at last,’ Fanny said with relief. ‘Thank heavens that’s over.’

And Cassandra – who had been more outspoken than she would have believed herself capable – could not agree more.

Once in the family pew, the two women took equal pleasure in the spectacle of the large congregation. Cassandra only had eyes for the Godmersham servants, fine in their livery. ‘Oh, do look,’ she whispered, ‘there is dear Cakey!’ The fond nanny was already wiping her tears.

However, Fanny’s attention was all on the array of nobility. ‘Lady Salisbury, I see. So gracious that she should turn out for this.’

How marriage had changed her, the once-fond aunt thought sadly. The husband’s character had infected her own. Though always regrettable, it was not uncommon. Some couples brought out the worst in each other; others, like Ned and Mary – thank goodness – brought out the best. And, though she had not known the gentleman long, Miss Austen had no fears for the two lovers approaching the altar. They had been tested; endured opposition; forced to wait for so long. This love was true.