‘And the ceiling!’ She stood in the centre and bent her long neck to study the gilding upon the stucco. ‘Among the finest I have had the privilege to see.’ But the glaringly obvious must, at some point, be mentioned. Though Fanny did try hard not to stare at the walls, it was like trying not to stare at a boil on a nose: the eye simply insisted on looking. ‘Am I right in thinking that in here, some objects may have lately been moved?’

The financial affairs of Sir Edward’s late father had been much discussed in local circles. His three wives, nineteen children and unfortunate liberal tendencies had inevitably combined to throw up the occasional crisis, to which London’s sale rooms were the most common solution.

‘It is true, there were one or two more’ – Sir Edward cleared his throat – ‘pictures in the rooms a few years ago.’ He was clearly in some discomfort.

The panelling, which Fanny could not help but notice was some distance from clean, had huge gaps upon it – dark squares outlining where any pictures had been. She walked through the huge double doors that led into the dining room – the size of the cricket pitch, with long east-facing windows – where a very large mirror had once adorned the chimney breast and also left its strong mark. It was clear from the dust that there had once been carpets throughout. Now the scuffed boards were bare.

‘And my man tells me,’ Sir Edward confessed, ‘that the ceiling in here is in some reasonable danger of – er – collapse.’

‘Yes,’ Fanny nodded. ‘That I can see.’

‘Shall I show you the library?’ he offered. Then, on seeing Fanny’s expression: ‘Or have you—’

‘I think, my dear sir,’ she said gently, ‘I have seen enough.’

‘Quite so.’ Sir Edward stood upright and clasped his hands behind his back. ‘Improvements are to be made to both house and grounds and, madam, I would like to assure you, will start in the New Year.’ It was clear that he was almost frightened by the thought of how Fanny might react.

‘And what an exciting project that will prove to be.’ Fanny smiled warmly. ‘The house has its own great natural beauty.’ She tucked her hand back under his arm and led him in the direction of the south door. ‘As does the park.

‘What pleasure you will have, sir, in restoring it to its rightful appearance.’ They walked out on to the steps, and she looked around her. ‘It will take a long time, of course, but I hope to be there, by your side, and doing my utmost to support you at every turn.’

They arrived back on the gravel, and Fanny smiled up at the Seasons. Nobody could possibly expect her to live here in its current condition!

‘I am so delighted we came.’