‘I’ve never been into the Garden House before,’ Hélène had confided to Annette earlier that day when she’d had a message to say that Simon intended to take her there that afternoon. ‘I’ve been to Gavrineau many times, but until she died last winter, old Madame Barnier, Monsieur’s mother, was living in there. I wonder what it will be like inside.’

Annette wondered too. If nothing had changed since the old lady had died, it might be rather old-fashioned. Perhaps Monsieur Barnier would let Hélène redecorate it, at least that would give her something interesting to think about; but for the moment Annette kept those thoughts to herself – they were suggestions for another day.

When the carriage reached the wide gravel sweep in front of the portico, it did not stop but proceeded slowly round the side of the house, following the extended drive until it drew up in front of the Garden House, and Hélène saw her future home. Simon handed her down from the chaise and, turning to Annette, said brusquely, ‘You can wait outside. I prefer to show Miss Hélène round her new home in private.’

Annette saw a look of anxiety flit across Hélène’s face, but it was gone as soon as it had come, and raising her chin, Hélène preceded her fiancé up the steps to the front door.

Annette knew she would have to do as he ordered, but as soon as Simon had unlocked the door and they’d stepped inside, she moved quickly to stand in the porch, which would give her some protection from the east wind… and keep her closer to Hélène.

As she reached its shelter, she heard Simon say, ‘I have employed an entirely new staff for the house. My grandmother’s servants were well past the age of service and I turned them off. I have chosen the new servants very carefully, experienced staff who know how a household should be maintained; they will answer to me until you have established yourself as mistress. I will see them installed tomorrow, ready for when we come home from Belair the following day.’

‘You seem to have thought of everything,’ Hélène said softly, and then, although she continued speaking, they passed out of her hearing and Annette could only hear her voice, not what she was actually saying.

She waited in the porch for some time as Simon took Hélène into the reception rooms on the ground floor. Their footsteps returned across the hall and Annette heard Simon saying, ‘… and of course you may furnish your parlour as you choose. Now, let’s go upstairs.’

Hélène had liked the principal rooms downstairs, elegant and tasteful, nothing too grand or stately. She followed Simon up to the first-floor landing, where the corridor divided, leading to the two wings that projected from the back of the house. He turned left and led her past two closed doors before flinging a third one wide and standing aside to let her enter.

‘This will be your bedchamber, Hélène,’ he said. ‘It was my grandmother’s, but I have had it redecorated, ready for you.’