Rupert flung himself down onto an armchair and watched as Parker opened the trunk and began to unpack the clothes he’d brought, hanging them in the ornate armoire in the corner of the room.

‘So, Parker, tell all! What news from the old homestead?’

‘I’ve brought you letters, sir,’ Parker replied. ‘From Sir Philip, Lady Chalfont and Mr Justin. Oh, and Miss Frances.’

‘I’m sure you have, Parker, and I’ll read them in a while, but you can tell me the news, the real news seen through the eyes of the kitchen!’

‘What do you want to know, sir?’

‘Well, let me see.’ Rupert gazed up at the ceiling as if in search of inspiration, then turning again to Parker asked, his expression serious, ‘How’s Mary Dawson these days?’

For a moment Parker stared at him in horror and then, catching the flicker of a grin in Rupert’s eyes, relaxed to answer calmly.

‘I believe she’s getting married, sir.’

‘That’s good to hear,’ Rupert said cheerfully. ‘I’m all in favour of marriage!’

‘In that case, sir, I think you’d better read your letters before I pass on news that isn’t mine to share.’

The laughter left Rupert’s eyes, and holding out his hand, he said, ‘Hand them over then and let me know the worst.’

He opened Justin’s letter first, scanning it quickly and then going back to read it more carefully.

My dear Rupert

So you got to France, and I imagine, since you have sent for Parker, that you are having an enjoyable time with your friends there and are planning a lengthy stay. However, I have news that I hope will bring you home again before very long. Kitty and I are to be married in the early autumn and of course I need you here with me to stand as my best man. We have set the date for Friday 21st September, so we shall expect you back well before that date to join in the celebrations of our happiness.

Mother is now all of a fluster making wedding plans with the Blakes. We’re to be married in the village church, of course, and then the Blakes are giving the wedding breakfast at Marwick House. It looks as if they’re inviting half the county!

Otherwise, things go on here much as usual. The question of Mary Dawson and the baby has been resolved. She is to be married after the banns have been called to Fred Brooks. He’s the blacksmith over at Heathfield and has accepted paternity for the child. Goodness knows if it is truly his, but both he and Mary seem happy enough with the plan and it saves face for everyone… you included?

The fishing looks good this year, there are plenty of trout about and even some salmon coming up river, so you’re missing a treat. Dawson says it’s the best year for some time, so I’m hoping for some big fish!

We all miss you here and look forward to your homecoming, especially now that you have something special to come home for.