‘Indeed, indeed.’ When she nodded, Lady Banks’s heavy jowls shook like blancmange. ‘And the easiest of husbands, of course, for he was so often away, and for excessively long periods. Captain Cook could be very demanding, you know. And Australia’ – Lady Banks leaned in, dropping her voice as if sharing a rare jewel of marital advice – ‘really is the most exceptional distance from our own shores.’

Fanny played safe with an ‘Ah’.

‘To sum up: it was the very best sort of marriage, the like of which, I r-r-regret’ – she looked up at Fanny, square in the eye – ‘you are unlikely ever to know.’ Her tone suggested something close to a death in the family. ‘Unfortunately, we cannot hope that my nephew will be travelling much without you beside him. I know from the last marriage to dear Annabella – forgive the indelicate mention, my dear, but a spade simply will be a spade – it is not his way. Perhaps a few days in London, I suppose, when the House is sitting; the odd journey to Lincoln on my behalf – and if you ever want me to increase these, do’ – she held up a gnarled hand – ‘just say the word. It is hardly Australia; nonetheless, it is something … Otherwise …’ She closed her eyes as she sighed: ‘I fear he will be most often around.’ Her whole head shook with pity. ‘I do hope you are up to it? Not everyone would be, my dear. Not by a long chalk.’

Fanny, mute, fumbled with the cake stand.

‘All of which brings me on to my next point.’ Lady Banks sipped her tea and examined the pattern on the china with a small moue of disappointment. ‘And that is your husband’s character.’

She dismissed the sad dish back to its saucer, and lifted her gimlet eyes back to Fanny.

‘Do not look so alarmed! Sir Edward is essentially a good man, of whom I am fond. But you should be aware that a hot streak of temper runs through that family. You are no doubt already aware of the brother in gaol—’

Fanny had heard, of course, but from other sources. The fact that Sir Edward himself never mentioned the man, she had chosen to take as a comfort. Surely it was just a trifling matter?

‘The sooner they hang him the better, in my view.’

Oh good heavens! Fanny felt rather faint.

‘Naturally, your dear husband is made of much finer stuff, and must not be tarred with the fraternal br-r-ush. Nevertheless, he will still require your control. Dear Annabella – God rest her soul – managed him very well, but then she was a first wife. They grew up together. She had some power.’

Fanny was not sure that she could bear much more of this. She glanced over at the door, and silently begged it to open. Meanwhile, Lady Banks settled further into her chair, with the air of one at last arriving at her salient point.