‘That’s settled then. When you’re ready perhaps you’d like to take a walk around the grounds with me. I want to take a look and see what needs doing.’

Arabella eyed her warily. ‘It sounds as if you’re getting too fond of this old mausoleum, Kate. Remember that we’re only visiting.’

‘Yes, of course.’ Kate moved towards the door. ‘I’ll send Jenny to you.’

Despite all Kate’s efforts at persuading her mother to explore the gardens surrounding Warren House, Arabella refused to go outside, using a variety of excuses, and she declined to join Lady Lyndon and Annie in the drawing room, even though the older children were still playing outside. The sight of Charlie being entertained by Annie, and Lady Lyndon cuddling a sleeping baby John, was enough to send Arabella straight to the morning room, where she settled down to read a copy of The Englishwoman’s Domestic Magazine that she had brought with her from home. Kate gave up her efforts to make her mother socialise and she went out to explore the grounds on her own.

It was a balmy afternoon in late August when the fierce heat of the summer sun had mellowed to gentle warmth, and the leaves on some of the deciduous trees had already started to change colour. The hum of bees buzzing in great swathes of scented lavender and the twitter of sparrows as the tiny birds went about their daily business was interrupted by occasional shrieks and bursts of laughter from the children. They were obviously enjoying their first experiences of freedom, and Kate listened to them, smiling happily. Bringing them to the country had been the right decision, and Ivy had also settled in with surprising ease. Even at this moment she was busy helping Martha in the kitchen, and it pleased Kate to see how well they were getting on. She had been afraid that they might clash in the workplace, but Ivy seemed happy to take instruction from Martha, and Martha herself appeared to enjoy having a second in command. For the moment all was peace and harmony. Kate could only hope that this was a sign of things to come. Quite how long they would have to remain in Walthamstow was another matter, but for the moment she was content to stay away from the dangers of London.