‘I’m sorry.’ Kate could think of nothing else to say. She looked to Sir Jasper for confirmation and he nodded.

‘It was a peaceful end, Miss Martin. Your father did not regain consciousness. It made no difference if you were present or not – he would have known nothing about it.’

‘Thank you, Sir Jasper.’ Kate went to sit beside her mother on the sofa. ‘I’m sorry I wasn’t here, Mama. I had urgent business, but I wouldn’t have gone if I’d known that Papa was so ill.’

Arabella dropped her hands to her lap, her fingers tearing at the fine silk as if trying to punish the material for her distress. ‘You always put others before your own family. You are an ungrateful daughter. Go away and allow me to grieve in peace.’

Kate rose slowly to her feet.

‘Try not to be upset by your mother’s remarks,’ Sir Jasper said kindly. ‘Grief takes everyone differently. Give her time and I’m sure she’ll see things more clearly.’

‘I doubt it. I’ve never been able to please my mother, Sir Jasper, but thank you all the same.’

‘There’s nothing more I can do. Although I could notify a suitable undertaker, if that would help you?’

‘Thank you. Once again I am most grateful.’

‘Have you any relatives who could be with you at this time?’

Kate shook her head. ‘No, sir. My mother and I are the last in the line on both sides of the family.’

Sir Jasper walked swiftly to the door and opened it. He glanced over his shoulder with an attempt at a smile. ‘I’ll see myself out, but if there’s anything further I can do, just let me know.’

Kate nodded, at a loss for words. His kindness was in stark contrast to her mother’s harsh words.

The sound of the door closing made Arabella look up. ‘I hope you’re happy now. You own everything and I have nothing.’

‘I’m sorry, Mama. I don’t know what you mean.’

‘Don’t pretend ignorance, Kate. You know that this house belonged to your uncle. It was part of the estate he inherited, but he allowed us to live here. Now it’s yours and I am a penniless pauper.’

‘Don’t say things like that.’ Kate stared at her mother in dismay. ‘I’ll look after you, of course I will.’

‘I’m still a young woman and yet I have to depend upon your charity. I suppose I will end up queuing for food in your soup kitchen.’

‘Mama, you’re being ridiculous. I can only put it down to shock and grief or you wouldn’t say such dreadful things.’

‘Go away, Kate. Leave me alone with my grief.’

Kate hesitated but she could see that there was little point in continuing the conversation while her mother was in this mood. She left the room and found Jenny waiting outside.