‘We always discuss such things before making a decision,’ Elaine said firmly. ‘Anyway, it’s Christmas Day and not the time for talking business. Come along, Humphrey, there are people waiting to speak to you. You’ll excuse us, Miss Martin.’

Kate managed a smile. ‘Of course. Perhaps I could speak to you tomorrow, Vicar?’

‘We are very busy for the next few days.’ Elaine tucked her hand into the crook of her husband’s arm. ‘Come, my dear. Another time, Miss Martin.’ She led her husband away and they were immediately surrounded by an eager crowd of worshippers.

Kate could see that she would get nowhere with the vicar if his wife had anything to do with it, and she decided it was time to call upon the senior members of the household. Kate was only too well aware that Elaine Courtney fancied herself as the leader of everything in the village, but there was one thing she could not argue with – a title. Lady Martin and Lady Lyndon were a force to be reckoned with.

That evening, after a splendid festive meal followed by the opening of gifts that Kate had placed under the Christmas tree, Ted, Ivy and the children retired to the winter parlour where a fire had been lit earlier that day. Kate had suggested they might like to spend some time as a family and both parents had agreed, although Ivy was worried that it might seem rude and ungrateful, but Kate had reassured her. Perry and Annie were seated together by the fire, with Annie doing most of the talking and Perry listening with a rapt expression on his face. Kate smiled, but there was an ache in her heart. She could not help wondering what Christmas would have been like if Harry had not answered the call of duty, but she put all such thoughts behind her as she approached her mother and Lady Lyndon. For once, upholding the spirit of the day, they were seated side by side on the sofa, talking as if they were old friends.

‘Ladies,’ Kate said, smiling, ‘I need your help.’

‘Really? That’s the first time in your life you’ve ever admitted that you were at a loss,’ Arabella said, frowning. ‘It must be something momentous.’

‘Of course I’d be willing to do anything you ask, Kate.’ Lady Lyndon beamed at her and took another sip of port. ‘What is it you want, my dear?’

Kate pulled up a chair and sat down. ‘I have two problems and one of them concerns Mrs Courtney.’

Arabella and Lady Lyndon exchanged meaningful glances.

‘That doesn’t surprise me,’ Arabella said with a wry smile. ‘We get along well because she loves to be seen with a titled lady, but if I were just Mrs Martin, I doubt if she would have given me the time of day.’