‘Well, I admit it was a woman…’ began Rupert.

‘I knew it!’ cried Fran. ‘It always is with you!’

‘Well, you’re wrong,’ Rupert said. ‘It was not “some woman”, it was the woman to whom I’ve become engaged and whom I intend to marry.’

‘What?’ Fran stared at him in amazement. ‘What did you say? You’re engaged?’

‘As good as,’ Rupert said with a smile. ‘Hélène’s very young, but if we are still of the same mind in the spring, we have her father’s blessing.’

‘Have you told Papa? Or Mama?’

‘No,’ replied Rupert. ‘This is hardly the time. I’ve only told you, and I’m trusting you not to mention it until the time is right.’

‘Of course I won’t,’ Fran said. ‘And I think you are quite right to say nothing for the time being. Papa is expecting you to stay here now and take over Justin’s role. You’re the heir and you have to learn about the estate.’

‘I realise that everything has changed,’ Rupert conceded. ‘Everything here at Pilgrim’s Oak – but my feelings for Hélène won’t change, I promise you.’

Chapter 28

The next morning Rupert rode over to Marwick House to call on Kitty Blake and her parents. He was greeted in the hall by Campbell, who took his hat and gloves and, as a retainer who had known the Chalfont twins since they were babies, offered his condolences in a muted tone before saying he would ascertain whether Sir James and Lady Blake were at home and receiving visitors.

He was back almost at once and Rupert was shown up to the drawing room, where Lady Blake sat stitching at some tapestry. Immediately she set it aside and, as Rupert crossed the room to her, held out her hand in greeting.

‘My dear Rupert,’ she said. ‘You’re home again, but on such a sad occasion. When did you arrive?’

‘Yesterday afternoon, Lady Blake.’

‘And you’ve come at once to call on Katharine. It is very good of you to do so. The poor girl is distraught, losing Justin so unexpectedly and so close to their wedding day. Sir James is from home, I’m afraid, but I’m certain Kitty will want to receive you. She’s not receiving callers at present, of course, but I’ve no doubt she’ll make an exception for you.’ So saying, she reached for the bell pull, and when a footman came in answer to her summons she said, ‘Ah, John. Please will you inform Miss Kitty that Mr Rupert has called and ask her to join us.’

The footman went off on his errand and while they awaited Kitty’s appearance, Lady Blake asked, ‘And how is your dear mother? I believe she has been extremely unwell since your brother’s accident.’ There was something in her tone of voice that seemed to imply that she should not have been so stricken, and Rupert, who had never really liked Lady Blake, found himself rising to his mother’s defence.

‘Of course she is most upset,’ he replied, keeping his voice even, ‘which is only to be expected. However, she is a little better each day, which is a comfort to my father.’