Tilly and another girl from the village were on duty to take the guests’ capes, coats, cloaks and hats as they arrived, and Ivy was ready to hand out mulled wine or hot rum punch to fend off the chill. All the ground-floor rooms were open and log fires blazed up the chimneys creating warmth with the comforting scent of burning apple wood. The newly married couple seemed overwhelmed by the grandeur of the occasion, but Kate ushered them into the drawing room where Annie played them in with a rousing tune that sent feet tapping. After a few glasses of mulled wine or punch the guests, who at first were quiet and respectful, suddenly livened up, and one by one couples took the floor and were soon executing a lively jig.

Arabella sailed past Kate, who was standing in the doorway, enjoying the spectacle of Mr Ruggles, the shopkeeper, capering around like a spring lamb in an attempt to impress Emily, Dora Sloan’s spinster daughter. Dora’s plans to marry off the plain and awkward Emily had so far failed miserably, but it looked to Kate as if success might be in sight. Perhaps if Emily drank a glass or two of mulled wine she might relax enough to smile and enjoy herself. She might even flirt a little, with encouragement from Cyrus Ruggles. That would give Dora something to talk about when she was in a huddle with her friends.

‘They’ve turned the house into a bear garden,’ Arabella said crossly. ‘I’m going to the morning parlour.’

‘I think you’ll find it occupied, Mama,’ Kate said in a whisper. ‘You’ll find almost every room downstairs has been taken over by the wedding party.’

Arabella tossed her head. ‘I’m going to my room then. Send Jenny up with a bowl of soup and a slice of bread and butter. I can feel one of my headaches coming on.’

Kate glanced over her shoulder. ‘But, Mama, Mrs Courtney is coming this way. Who is that with her?’

Arabella’s pale cheeks flamed with colour. ‘Oh, my goodness. It’s Mr Pomeroy-Smith. Why on earth would Elaine bring him here today of all days? Especially when I’m not feeling my best.’