He nodded. ‘Yes, you’re right, and I’m sorry if it’s embarrassed anyone present.’ He turned to his father. ‘I will be returning to my regiment as soon as possible, Papa, but before that I hope to persuade Miss Marsh to marry me and accompany me on my next tour of duty.’

‘The de Courtneys came to England with William the Conqueror, Hedley. You can’t sully the family name by marrying a servant.’ Elaine held up her hand for silence when Hedley looked as though he were about to argue. ‘We’ll talk about this at home. Open the door, Humphrey. We’re leaving.’

Kate patted Hedley on the shoulder. ‘Well said, and congratulations. At least I hope that you and Jenny will be very happy, should she be prepared to take on the role of army wife. She’s a wonderful girl and I value her as a friend.’

Hedley smiled, looking almost handsome. ‘I know that. She speaks very highly of you.’ He squeezed Kate’s hand. ‘I have to go now, but I’ll return as soon as I can. Please tell Jenny that for me.’ He glanced over Kate’s shoulder to where Jenny was standing at the far end of the hall. He blew her a kiss before following his parents out into the swirling snow.

Kate had to see several other couples out before she managed to speak to Jenny, who was clearing the table in the dining room.

‘Is it true about you and Hedley?’

Jenny’s cheeks reddened. ‘I know I’m not in his class, but we get along so well it doesn’t seem wrong.’

‘Of course it’s not wrong, Jenny. You are as good as he is, if not better.’

‘I don’t think that Mrs Courtney, or the vicar, would agree with you.’

‘Well, they should be grateful that someone cares about their son. He’s been through a bad time.’

‘He might be a little awkward, miss, but he’s got a kind heart and he makes me laugh.’

Kate eyed her thoughtfully. ‘He told his parents that he wants to marry you.’

‘I didn’t know that he felt so deeply. We’ve only seen each other a few times on our own, and we do get along splendidly. I blame his parents for his condition. His mother bullies him and so does his father.’

‘Would you consider being an army wife?’

‘Yes, I think I would. Of course I wouldn’t want to leave you and Ma, but I think I do love Hedley.’

‘You must be absolutely certain, Jenny. As you admitted, you hardly know him.’