‘That would be wonderful,’ Kate said earnestly. ‘Poor Ivy has been so brave and she’s worked so hard to keep herself and her children. I really admire her.’

‘I’m ashamed that I’ve done so little to help her, but I will do what I can now.’

‘Go and tell her the good news. I’m going to see if I can persuade Mama to join us in the drawing room.’

Kate watched him walk away with mixed feelings. She had never felt anything other than friendship for Perry, but his open admiration had helped during the first bleak days back in England and her enforced separation from the man she loved. So much had happened in such a short time, however, and she was beginning to wonder if she was the same person who had stepped off the ship on that cold and miserable day. She caught sight of her reflection as she walked past a mirror in the passage leading to the morning room, where she expected to find her mother. The image gazed back at her with a rueful smile. Despite heartbreak, life went on and there was nothing she could do other than wait and hope maybe one day she would receive news from Delhi. She had given Ashok the address of her home in Finsbury Square and he had promised to send word, if only that he had survived the bitter conflict. She sighed and walked on. Ash belonged to another world, a completely different way of life. Their stars had crossed but she could not foresee a happy ending.

She opened the morning-room door. ‘Mama, why are you sitting in here on your own?’

‘I prefer my own company, Kate. You, of course, are welcome to join me, if you can tear yourself away from Peregrine.’

‘There is nothing between him and me, Mama.’ Kate hesitated in the doorway. ‘Please come to the drawing room. What will Lady Lyndon think if you continue to avoid her like this?’

Arabella shrugged and held her book closer to the flickering candle. ‘I’m engrossed in this tale by Mr Dickens. I found the book in my room. It’s about a man called Mr Pickwick and his friends – it’s quite entertaining. Go and join your friends, Kate. I’m quite content to sit here and read.’

‘All right, but remember that we’ve been invited to the vicarage tomorrow afternoon. I hope you’ll agree to come. Mrs Courtney is very keen to meet you.’

‘I would welcome the chance to get away from this dreadful old house. Now go and entertain Perry. I’m sure he would propose again if you gave him some encouragement.’

Kate knew better than to enter into an argument with her mother and she merely nodded. ‘Good night, Mama. I hope I’ll see you at breakfast.’