‘Lizzie cannot possibly remember those instructions, Mrs Baxter,’ snapped Ann, ignoring low mutterings from her housekeeper as she marched out the door.

Outside, the branches of the magnolia tree were still swaying but the wind had abated a little.

‘Mamma, I’m cold. I wanted to wear my muff, like you. Why do I have to carry this cake?’

‘The Craigs have given the Donaldsons a black bun every January the first for years.’

‘But why do I have to carry it?’

‘Don’t be lazy, my dear. You may wear my muff on the walk home.’

James stopped to look over the river towards the broken bridge. The water was grey, the waves rippling in the easterly wind. ‘Mamma, do you think Pappa is out there in the sea?’

Ann came to a halt and stroked her son’s head. ‘I don’t know, James. But I simply cannot think where else he might be. Until we have firm evidence though, we must continue to hope.’

‘I was looking at the globe in the study this morning. I remembered Pappa used to tell me about someone he knew who had gone to Australia. He showed me on the globe where it is. I wonder if he has gone there and once he has a house for us, he will call us to live with him.’

‘Mamma, the bun is too heavy.’ Lizzie looked round from the Donaldsons’ gate, whining.

‘Wait there, Lizzie,’ ordered Ann, tugging on her son’s sleeve. ‘Come, James, we will be late. I know of no one who went to Australia or indeed any of the dominions, what nonsense.’ They joined Lizzie at the gate and Ann gave them each a kiss on their cheeks. Margaret would be watching from the window and she hated the affection Ann displayed in public towards her children. Well, let the cold fish see and judge.

Ann frowned as she pondered her son’s comments. Australia? Robert had always been scathing when they read of people emigrating there, and he certainly never knew anyone personally who had gone.

‘Now, best behaviour, both of you,’ Ann whispered, as she pulled the polished brass door knocker. ‘And be especially polite to old Mrs Donaldson.’

* * *

‘Will you partake of another, Ann?’ Archibald Donaldson lifted the crystal stopper from the decanter of Madeira.

‘No, thank you, Archibald. We must leave soon, I must take the children home.’

‘They are playing sweetly upstairs, Ann. They may stay even if you must leave,’ Margaret said. ‘Aggie will walk them round in an hour or so if that is suitable?’

Ann shook her head. ‘I do not like to impose.’

Margaret stood up. ‘Not at all. I shall go to the nursery myself and check they wish to stay.’ She swept past Ann and out the door.