Of course, Mary herself had been shocked that the marriage was to happen so soon. The Knatchbull children had, somehow or other, got the idea that they could enjoy a two-year grace, which in turn had provoked the hope that it might never happen, with the result that they were quite unprepared. And yet, somehow, for Marianne, the blow had seemed much more severe. In just a few weeks, she had become pale and thin, was moved quickly to tears: it was as if all the light had gone out of her person.

Though still too young to see clearly, Mary had just enough wisdom to judge that this wedding would affect so many lives – not just those of the Bride and the groom. Like elements in one of Norton’s great chemical experiments, two families would be combined into one and the result could be, well – who could predict? Such a thing had never been tried with this particular set of ingredients. Suddenly, this new future – its changes and challenges – reared up before her. Though she could not expect to wield any control over, or say in, what might come next, she could not help but wonder …

There came the great rush of hooves, wheels, the roar of a coachman and with that her thought chain was broken. At once, her bags were stowed, her hand taken and small self settled. As the horses prepared, she turned for one last look at the mansion and, at that, the front door swung open.

‘Miss Knatchbull! Miss Knatchbull!’ Ned Knight skipped down the step and on to the gravel. ‘Forgive me! I was not aware you were leaving us. How rude not to bid you farewell! ’ He spoke through the window, kind face at the glass. ‘Let me wish you safe travel.’ The broad smile displayed near perfect teeth. ‘And I do hope we see you here soon.’

Before Mary could reply – and how could she have spoken? What would she have said? – he issued two sharp slaps to the carriage, the man cracked his whip and the journey commenced.

As they turned on the gravel and took to the drive, Mary twisted round in her seat the better to study him. He first plunged his hands into his pockets, then had a word with the footman – flung his head back and laughed – drew a shape in the dust with the point of his boot. So it would be quite wrong of Mary to claim that Ned was watching her go.

But he certainly stayed there and waited, until she could no longer see him.

CHAPTER XII