‘Yes, exactly.’ Kate turned to her mother. ‘Sit down, please, Mama. Jenny will pour you a glass of sherry wine and then she’ll make sure that your bed is aired and ready. You must be exhausted.’

‘I am not a child, Katherine. You don’t have to speak to me as if I were half-witted. I will take a glass of sherry, for medicinal purposes.’ Arabella lowered her voice. ‘Did you pack my laudanum? Sir Jasper recommended I take some before retiring.’

Kate exchanged meaningful glances with Jenny. ‘I’m sure that Miss Barnet saw to everything, Mama.’

‘I’ll have a glass of sherry wine, and one for Annie,’ Lady Lyndon said eagerly. ‘Play us another tune, Annie, dear.’

‘I don’t want a drink, thank you, Aunt Margaret.’ Annie struck up a lively jig.

‘No, no, no!’ Arabella covered her ears with her hands. ‘My nerves are already on edge. If you must play that common instrument, please play something soothing.’

Kate took the glass of sherry from Jenny’s hand. ‘I think the sooner my mother gets some rest the better.’

‘Of course, miss. I’ll make sure that her room is ready soon.’ Jenny hurried from the room.

‘Here you are, Mama.’ Kate pressed the wineglass into her mother’s outstretched hand. ‘Try to relax a little. Things will look better in the morning.’ She moved swiftly to a side table and poured sherry for Lady Lyndon, which she placed on a small table within easy reach.

‘That’s a lovely tune, Annie,’ Kate said appreciatively. ‘It’s “Come into the Garden, Maud”, isn’t it?’

Annie smiled. ‘Yes, it’s quite new but it’s one of my favourites. The words are nice, too, but I can’t sing.’

‘Nonsense,’ Lady Lyndon said, sipping her drink. ‘You have a sweet voice, Annie. It’s a bit late now, but tomorrow you must entertain us properly. I’ll look forward to that.’

Arabella drained her glass and handed it back to Kate. ‘You may take me to my room now. I’m in need of peace and quiet.’

Kate knew better than to argue and she helped her mother to her feet. ‘I’ll say good night, too, Lady Lyndon. I need to sort some things out with Martha before I go to bed. Good night, Annie. Thank you for the lovely music.’ She picked up a chamber candlestick and opened the door, standing back to allow her mother to pass.

‘Lovely music!’ Arabella muttered as she left the room. ‘I thought we’d walked into an ale house when I heard that dreadful noise.’

Kate closed the door. ‘Mama, I know you’re upset and tired, but please try to be civil. Lady Lyndon is Harry’s mother and she’s a very nice person. You could at least try to get on with her, and Annie is blind.’