‘My thoughts precisely.’ Lady Lyndon nodded in agreement. ‘Dreadful woman. I feel sorry for her husband; he seems nice enough, if a little overbearing at times.’

‘Yes, exactly.’ Kate moved a little closer, lowering her voice. ‘Mrs Goodfellow’s cottage is vacant, and from what she told me it would be ideal for Ivy and her family, but it belongs to the Church and when I tried to broach the subject to the vicar, Mrs Courtney intervened. She made it clear that I would have to seek her approval as well, which is ridiculous.’

‘Ridiculous,’ Lady Lyndon echoed.

‘You said there were two problems,’ Arabella prompted.

‘Yes, Mama. The other is perhaps more serious. It concerns Hedley and Jenny. Apparently they’ve become close but Mrs Courtney will have none of it. She says that the Courtney ancestors came from France at the time of the Norman Conquest and Jenny is not good enough for their son.’

‘I suppose most mothers feel that way about their little boys,’ Lady Lyndon said thoughtfully.

‘But we’re talking about Hedley.’ Arabella rolled her eyes. ‘He’s nice enough, but the poor fellow is not right in the head.’

‘He suffered a bad injury, Mama,’ Kate said defensively. ‘He is much better now and he wants to rejoin his regiment, taking Jenny with him as his wife.’

‘Well, now.’ Lady Lyndon pursed her lips. ‘Let’s hope the poor girl knows what she’s letting herself in for.’

‘Jenny is a good servant,’ Arabella added. ‘I don’t know what her mother would say.’

Lady Lyndon placed her empty glass on a side table. ‘I am more than happy to help, but what is it you want us to do, Kate?’

‘Mrs Courtney respects both of you. I think if you asked her to tea on Monday it would put her in a better frame of mind towards my requests, and it would allow me to speak to the vicar without her at his side.’

‘It seems simple enough.’ Lady Lyndon glanced at Arabella. ‘What do you think?’

‘I agree. Anyway, I’m seriously considering taking over running the various committees. Elaine had better grow accustomed to asking my opinion on village matters. I’ve discovered I have quite a gift for organisation.’

‘Then I can rely on both of you?’ Kate rose from her seat.

‘Yes, my dear. And you can pour me another glass of port,’ Lady Lyndon said, smiling. ‘It is Christmas Day, after all.’

Kate picked up the empty glass. ‘What about you, Mama?’

‘I think I will indulge, Kate. I’m beginning to feel quite like my old self, and Giles has invited me to visit Pomeroy Park next week. Of course, I am still in mourning, but I’m sure that your dear papa would not want me to be miserable for ever.’