‘Why is he staring at us?’ Arabella demanded crossly. ‘It seems very impolite.’

‘You’ll have to forgive him,’ Elaine said hurriedly. ‘Hedley was injured some time ago in a skirmish – a head wound, which has left him with some problems.’

‘He seems to be a little nervous.’ Kate stared back at the young man, who immediately withdrew and walked away.

Elaine turned away from the window. ‘Please don’t trouble yourself about my son, Miss Martin. I think Hedley will be returning to his regiment in the not-too-distant future. I’m sure the sea voyage will be beneficial. But where are my manners? Please be seated, ladies.’

Arabella sank gracefully onto the cushions of an ornately carved armchair. ‘We were in Delhi at the start of the rebellion, Mrs Courtney. I wouldn’t wish to go through that experience again.’

Elaine’s hands flew to cover her mouth and her eyes widened. ‘Oh, my goodness. How terrible for you. Do tell me about it, if the memories are not too painful, of course.’ She glanced at Kate, who was still standing. ‘Perhaps you’d like to take a turn around the garden, Miss Martin? It’s not very large, but the herbaceous borders are still full of colour.’

Kate glanced at her mother, who seemed quite relaxed and even eager to talk about their time in India. ‘Would you mind, Mama?’

‘No, my dear. Go outside and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts. It will soon be winter and we will be confined indoors for months on end.’

Kate left the room and let herself out through the front door, but it was not the herbaceous borders that interested her – she was eager to speak to Hedley, who had served in India. It would be a relief to talk to someone who must know the country well. She made her way round the side of the house and came across Hedley standing in the middle of the lawn, staring up into the sky.

‘Good afternoon, Captain Courtney.’

He spun round, staring at her with dawning recognition. ‘You were in the front parlour just now.’

‘That’s right, I was.’ Kate held out her hand. ‘My name is Kate Martin. I’m staying at Warren House.’

He eyed her warily. ‘I don’t go out in society.’

‘I don’t know anyone in Walthamstow,’ Kate said casually.

‘Why are you here?’

‘Your mama invited us so that she could meet my mama. They are in the parlour getting to know each other, so I thought I’d leave them in peace, and I love flowers. Your garden is lovely.’

‘It is quite pretty, I suppose. I come out here to get away from my parents.’ A vague smile replaced the sombre expression in Hedley’s dark eyes. ‘I served in the East India Company Army for ten years.’

‘You must have been very young when you joined up.’