Kate had fallen in love with Warren House and she continued to put her inheritance to good use. She paid for extra staff to help Morrison in the gardens and now, in their autumnal glory, they were looking quite splendid. She had engaged three daily women from the village to do the heavy work around the house, and a washerwoman came in once a week to see to the laundry. Martha was delighted to be in charge of the servants and Arthur took it upon himself to organise the work outside. Ivy and Martha had formed an alliance and it amused Kate to see them chatting together as if they had known each other all their lives. Elaine Courtney had made sure that Frankie, May, Nellie and Jimmy attended school, leaving the twins, Charlie and baby John in their mother’s care. Tilly proved to be a useful nursery maid when Ivy was busy, and for the most part peace reigned in the household, with only the occasional disagreement to ripple the harmony.

With Goodfellow at her side, Kate bought a horse for herself as well as one for Annie, and a pony so that Ivy’s children could be taught how to ride. Goodfellow had met Marie Parker, a comely if rather loud-mouthed widow, at church. Since then Kate had not heard him mention his desire to return to London. The cottage formerly used by the head groom was decorated and refurbished to his taste, although Kate suspected that Widow Parker had inspired Goodfellow’s sudden interest in domesticity. With the extra horses to care for and a carriage and a dog cart to maintain, Kate hired a stable boy to help Goodfellow.

By now Kate was well known in the village. She enjoyed walking to the local shop to purchase items that might not have been put on the weekly order, and she always stopped to chat to anyone who wanted to pass the time of day. It was pleasant to be greeted by friendly faces. Although she had been born and bred in the city, if she were to be truthful, she enjoyed living in the country and had no real desire to return to the house in Finsbury Square. She still felt that her heart was held captive in Delhi, but she tried not to think of Ashok. Even so, he stole into her dreams and she often awakened to find her pillow wet with tears. However, life had to go on.