His mouth twisted in a wry grin. ‘I was thirteen, and my parents were missionaries. I ran away and joined the army as a drummer boy. My father bought me a commission before they returned to England, and I stayed on – until my accident.’

Kate laid her hand on his arm. ‘I’m so sorry. How did it happen?’

‘I was thrown from my horse and they say I cracked my skull, but I don’t remember any of it. They all think I’m simple-minded because I forget things. Sometimes I don’t even remember my name.’

‘That’s quite shocking. But your mama said you are recovering slowly.’

‘Slowly is the right word. I feel, at times, that I’m going to be trapped forever in this peasouper fog that was once my brain.’

‘Will you return to India?’

‘I don’t know. According to my papa, who reads The Times every day, the East India Company Army is going to be disbanded. I’m not sure if there is any prospect of retaining my old rank if the British Army takes over.’

‘But you would like to return to India?’

He nodded vigorously. ‘I would.’

‘As would I, but I doubt if I’ll go back. My uncle had a good position with the East India Company in Delhi, but he was killed during the rebellion.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Hedley said simply.

‘Yes, I was very fond of him.’ Kate turned away, struggling with her emotions. The loss of her uncle Edgar still brought tears to her eyes.

‘I think we should go indoors,’ Hedley said, taking her by the hand as if she were a small child. ‘There’s a slight chill in the air.’

Kate nodded wordlessly. She allowed him to lead her to the parlour door where he bowed and was about to walk away. ‘Aren’t you coming in with me?’

‘No. I think I’ll go to my room for a while. Mama won’t expect me to join you.’ He smiled. ‘They are used to my foibles by now. I spend a lot of time on my own. Anyway, it was nice meeting you, Miss Martin.’

‘Kate,’ she said firmly.

‘Kate. I won’t forget you.’ Hedley walked away, heading for the staircase, and leaving Kate little alternative but to rejoin her mother and Mrs Courtney. She entered the parlour to find her mother and Mrs Courtney chatting amicably over cups of tea.

Elaine looked up and smiled. ‘Well, my dear, how did you get on with my son? He must have taken to you because he normally shies away from meeting new people. Perhaps you could come again and spend more time with him? I’m sure that talking to another young person would speed his recovery.’