‘Let’s change the subject,’ Kate said firmly. ‘Remember the season, Joe. We’ve bought presents for everyone and they’ll be longing to hear about our time in Bombay and our voyage home. You’ll be all right, I won’t let you and Annie starve.’ She faced him with a meaningful frown. ‘And don’t say that you won’t accept charity. I’ll help you because I love you both, and Annie is the nearest thing I have to a sister, so that makes you my brother, and family look after each other.’ She sat back in her seat, silently daring him to argue, but Joe was obviously chastened by their words, and he kept his thoughts to himself for the rest of the cab ride.

When they reached the road that crossed the marshes the rain turned to sleet and then to snow, and by the time they reached Warren House large wintry flakes were settling on the ground. Kate gave the cabby a large tip and he grunted a response, refusing her offer of a hot drink before he undertook the journey back to London. He drove off, sending flurries of snow from the horse’s hoofs and the carriage wheels.

It was Tilly who opened the door and she forgot herself enough to give Kate a hug. ‘Oh, miss. It’s so good to see you. We was hoping you’d make it, even though the snow started falling over an hour ago. Let me take your cape and bonnet, and Miss Annie’s, too.’

‘Where are my mother and Lady Lyndon?’ Kate asked, smiling.

The weather might be awful but Tilly’s welcome was genuine and her enthusiastic greeting brought a smile to Joe’s lips.

‘In the drawing room, miss. The nippers are in the kitchen having their supper with Ivy and Mrs Boggis.’

‘When they’ve finished their meal we’d like a tray of tea in the drawing room, please, Tilly.’ Kate turned to Joe. ‘Would you like something stronger? Something to keep out the cold.’

He handed his greatcoat, hat and gloves to Tilly. ‘Tea will be very welcome. I don’t suppose there are any muffins or crumpets in the kitchen, are there, young lady? I’ve been dreaming of hot buttered muffins all the time I was in hospital.’

Tilly blushed to the roots of her mousy brown hair. ‘I’ll ask Mrs Boggis, sir. If there are I’ll bring you some with lots of butter.’

‘Good girl,’ Joe said with a disarming smile. ‘I love it here already.’

‘Behave yourself, Joe.’ Annie gave him a gentle push in the direction of the drawing room. ‘Mind your manners in front of Aunt Margaret and Lady Martin, and don’t go on about your injuries; they don’t want to know.’

‘Stop nagging me, woman,’ Joe said, chuckling. ‘I’ve had my moan. I’ll make an effort to be cheerful now.’