Lady Lyndon smiled. ‘That’s exactly what I said. Of course I hope we can return to London very soon, but this place is really quite pleasant and the air smells delightful. I’m going out into the garden to see what the children are doing.’ She rose from her chair. ‘How is your mama this morning, Kate? I should have asked you sooner. The poor lady looked very out of sorts last evening.’

‘She was still asleep when I came downstairs, ma’am. I’ll check on her again as soon as I’ve had my breakfast.’

Annie stood up, still cuddling baby John. ‘I’ll come with you, Aunt Margaret.’

‘I think Charlie wants to hold your hand,’ Kate said, trying not to laugh at the little boy’s determination to attract Annie’s attention.

Annie reached downwards and Charlie curled his tiny hand around her index finger. He followed Lady Lyndon, leading Annie as carefully as if he understood that she was unable to see. Kate watched them with a smile on her lips. They had barely left the dining room when Martha bustled in carrying a silver rack filled with toast.

‘It’s a pleasure to have the house filled with people,’ she said, beaming. ‘I could do without them nippers, but I have to say they’ve behaved themselves so far.’ She placed the toast rack in front of Kate. ‘I could make up a tray for your ma, if that would help. I like to clear the dining room as soon as everybody’s finished. I have a routine to keep up.’

Kate nodded. ‘A boiled egg and some toast would do very nicely, thank you, Martha. I’ll take it upstairs myself, and I’m prepared to help around the house.’

‘Oh, no, miss. That wouldn’t do at all. You’re definitely above stairs and we’re here to wait on you.’ Martha folded her arms across her ample bosom. ‘We might be a way out of London, but we do things proper here in Walthamstow.’

‘Yes, of course,’ Kate said hastily. It was obvious that her suggestion had offended Martha’s sense of propriety. ‘Perhaps I could help by going to the village. You might need some extra supplies now we’re here.’

‘I suppose that wouldn’t hurt,’ Martha said thoughtfully. ‘I usually write down an order for Mr Ruggles at the village shop. He makes it up and his boy delivers it, but we are a bit short of flour and lard. A pound or two of cheese would be useful.’

‘That’s settled then,’ Kate said cheerfully. ‘I’ll go for a walk and get my bearings. It’s a lovely day.’

‘Very good, miss.’ Martha picked up the empty silver serving dish and left the room at her usual brisk pace.