In order to take her mind off the worries that haunted her dreams, Kate threw herself into preparations for Christmas. It would be the first time that she had had young children to think about and a large surrogate family to care for. She ordered the carriage and, taking Jenny with her, she set off for a day out in the West End, where there were exciting new shops opening up in Wigmore Street and Oxford Street. But after buying presents for everyone, Kate felt guilty for spending so much money on luxuries, and they visited a soup kitchen in Leicester Square to give a donation. It was an enjoyable day out, but both Kate and Jenny were glad to return to the peace and quiet of Walthamstow.

Goodfellow was unusually cheerful during the drive and Kate was quick to notice the sprig of holly stuck in his hatband. When they arrived back at Warren House, Kate could not resist the temptation to quiz him on his good humour.

Goodfellow handed her down from the carriage. ‘To tell the truth, Miss Kate, I’m to be married on Christmas Eve. The vicar has agreed to perform the ceremony in the morning. I’m the happiest man in the world.’

‘Congratulations, Goodfellow,’ Kate said, smiling. ‘Have you made any arrangements for the wedding breakfast?’

‘No, miss. Me and Marie were going to the village pub to celebrate with a few friends.’

‘Nonsense, Goodfellow. You must bring them here. We’ll do it in style. What do you say?’

His cheeks reddened and it was not just from the cold east wind. ‘Thank you, miss. Marie will be so happy. Neither of us has got any family – at least none that live nearby, and the rest of them don’t speak to us – so we’d be honoured to have our wedding feast here.’

Jenny climbed down to the ground and shook his hand. ‘Congratulations, Mr Goodfellow. I can’t wait to tell Ma and Mrs Boggis. Ivy will be pleased for you, I’m sure. A party at Warren House on Christmas Eve – who would have thought it?’

To Kate’s surprise, it seemed that everyone in Warren House was delighted by the idea of a wedding on Christmas Eve with a party to follow. Everyone, except Arabella, who made it plain that she thought it extravagant and unnecessary. To act in such a manner towards a servant, especially a coachman, would create a precedent and all the staff would expect similar treatment. However, Lady Lyndon was enthusiastic and so was Annie, who offered to provide a musical accompaniment to the wedding breakfast. Martha and Ivy set about making lists of the ingredients they would need to make a feast more suitable for a prince than a coachman, as Kate was adamant that no expense should be spared. It was time that the old house was filled with people who were enjoying themselves.