Now she had seen it, she could be sure that there was no other viable option than to stay living at Godmersham for many months yet to come.

Her much-desired long engagement was quite guaranteed.

CHAPTER VI

It was a few weeks later, in the middle of September, that Fanny discovered she had been mistaken.

On this particular morning – though she was quite sure she had been as diligent as ever – discussions with Cook had proceeded at an excellent speed. And when the menus were settled and Fanny emerged into the hall, she saw from the clock she had won a few minutes to spare.

‘Excellent!’ She spoke over her shoulder. ‘We just have time to pop into the schoolroom.’ As she passed the hall table, Fanny noticed the second post laid out, and yet another letter from Sir Edward had arrived. Tucking it into her dress, she headed for the staircase and lifted her skirts to the ankle. ‘Marianne. Please.’

Although Fanny knew she would not be leaving Godmersham for a long time yet, she was insistent that her younger sister, Marianne, shadow her throughout the day so as to be fully prepared when the difficult moment eventually came. ‘Do hurry along.’ If only Marianne showed just a little enthusiasm for the many tasks in hand.

‘Oh yes, Fan.’ There was a tone in Marianne’s voice which sounded horribly like something close to bored. ‘I am quite sure you are right.’ She stopped, looked out of the window and immediately brightened. ‘Do look! There goes Ned out for a canter.’

‘My dear, if we stopped to watch every time a brother took to a saddle then nothing would get done at all.’ Fanny reached back, grabbed Marianne’s arm and marched her up the next flight.

‘He has promised to take me to the Ashford Assembly while he is home,’ Marianne chattered on. ‘I thought I might wear my—’

‘You really must at least try to concentrate.’ They had now reached the attic. ‘Running this house is very important work. The whole family depends on it.’ They moved briskly down the corridor, and arrived at the door of the schoolroom.

‘Think of these young girls, for example. I know it is hard to accept when you were so recently of their number, but they are soon to be your responsibility, and when Sir Edward has engaged a new governess, she will come under your jurisdiction.’

Fanny’s hand went to turn the doorknob when Marianne’s own came down to prevent her.

‘If I may, Fanny’ – Marianne’s voice was as sweet as her dear, pretty face – ‘there is one thing I do not yet quite understand.’

‘Then do say, dear!’ Fanny was so eager to teach, the question delighted her. ‘Anything! You must always ask.’