There was always plenty to do, although she missed Jenny more than she had thought possible. Kate hoped that Jenny’s marriage to Hedley was proving a happy one, but they were now far away and Hedley would be reunited with his fellow officers. Kate knew from experience that the tight-knit military communities could make life difficult for anyone who came from a different background, and she couldn’t help worrying about Jenny. In the face of such snobbishness Jenny would have to prove herself a resilient and resourceful soldier’s wife, although Kate did not doubt her friend’s ability to make a life for herself and Hedley, even in the furthest outpost of the Empire.

Despite all her underlying worries, one of Kate’s greatest pleasures was the garden. She planned the planting of the herbaceous borders with Morrison’s help, relying on his years of expertise and knowledge of plants. Ted did most of the labouring, and he seemed to thrive on working outdoors, although he was careful to defer to Morrison in all things. Ted’s main interest lay in the walled kitchen garden, where he was quick to learn when to plant the vegetables and how to tend them. The greenhouse was cleaned, the broken panes mended and trays of tiny seedlings filled the racks that Ted had repaired with a hitherto hidden talent for carpentry.

Arabella liked to wander about the grounds with a sunshade and straw bonnet to protect her porcelain complexion, especially when Giles paid a visit, which was at least every other day. Kate was waiting for them to announce their engagement, but her mother was coy whenever she tried to quiz her on her relationship with the handsome landowner.

They were in the garden taking the air after a hefty April shower when Kate heard the rumble of carriage wheels and the sound of horses’ hoofs on the gravelled drive.

‘I think your beau has arrived, Mama,’ Kate said, smiling.

‘Giles is not my beau. We are just good friends.’

‘I doubt if he sees it that way, Mama. He’s here so often he might as well move in.’

‘Don’t be vulgar, Kate.’ Arabella frowned, but her eyes were sparkling and there was a delicate flush on her normally pale cheeks.

‘Every time he visits I expect to hear that he’s proposed.’

‘Even if I were to consider marrying Giles,’ Arabella said sharply, ‘I would have to wait at least another year before we announced our engagement. I am still in mourning for you dear papa.’

‘But you do intend to accept when he does propose?’

‘I’m past the first flush of youth, my dear,’ Arabella said, sighing. ‘I don’t expect every gentleman I meet to fall in love with me.’

‘Oh, Mama!’ Kate said, chuckling. ‘You know very well that Giles is clearly smitten by you. It’s quite obvious to everyone.’