‘We were carried away by your music.’ Kate turned to Lady Lyndon, may I introduce you to my good friend and legal adviser, Peregrine Harte? He is also Harry’s lawyer.’

Perry moved forward to take Lady Lyndon’s outstretched hand and he raised it to his lips.

‘How do you do, my lady? It’s a pleasure to meet you.’

‘Have you news of my son, Mr Harte?’

‘I saw him this morning, ma’am. He is quite well and he sends you his best regards. He asked me to come here and make sure that you were comfortable.’

Lady Lyndon smiled sadly. ‘I can’t bear to think of him in that dreadful place. Did he say when we might go home?’

Kate met Perry’s anxious look with a frown. ‘We are all to remain here for a little longer, my lady.’

‘I hope he’s not suffering too much,’ Annie said gently. ‘You are sure that they are treating him as well as can be expected?’

Perry turned to her. He held out his hand, then, as if remembering that she could not see the gesture, he dropped it to his side. ‘Harry is strong physically and he never allows anything to disturb his equilibrium. I wish I had his ability to adapt to any situation.’

‘Are you going to be here for a while, Perry?’ Annie said with a sweet smile.

‘If it’s not inconveniencing anyone, I would love to stay for the night, but I’m afraid I’ll have to leave early in the morning.’

Kate was standing close to the bell pull and she gave it a sharp tug. She knew that she had no reason to be annoyed, having just turned down Perry’s offer of marriage, but he was gazing at Annie like a love-struck youth. ‘I’ll have a room made ready for you, Perry.’

She had spoken more sharply than she had intended but Perry seemed not to have noticed and he went to sit beside Annie on the sofa.

‘Would you play another tune, please?’

Annie blushed and picked up her concertina. ‘I think Aunt Margaret has had enough of my playing for now. Shall we go for a walk in the garden, Perry?’

‘That’s a good idea, Annie,’ Lady Lyndon said with a nod of approval. ‘You go out and get some fresh air. Kate will keep me company.’

‘Of course.’ Kate took a seat in a chair close to where Lady Lyndon was sitting.

Perry took Annie’s hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm in a spontaneous gesture that brought a smile to Annie’s pretty face.

‘I can find my way about, you know.’

He opened the door for her. ‘I’m sure you can. I am the one who needs guidance, Annie. I don’t know this big house.’

‘Has that young man upset you, dear?’ Lady Lyndon asked gently as the door closed on them.