A log fire blazed in the grate, sending out the familiar fragrance of burning apple wood, and in the corner of the room a decorated Christmas tree was surrounded with presents. The children had obviously been busy making colourful paperchains, which they had draped over the portraits of stern-looking dignitaries who must once have held prominent positions, but were now simply part of the festive décor. Lady Lyndon remained seated in an armchair by the fire, but Arabella rose to her feet with a welcoming smile.

‘Kate, my dear. We were beginning to think that the weather had held you up.’

Kate dutifully hugged her mother. ‘We were determined to get home for Christmas, Mama.’ She smiled down at Lady Lyndon. ‘I’ve brought someone to see you, ma’am.’

Lady Lyndon glanced past Kate and her face lit up when she saw Annie with Joe lingering in the doorway. ‘Annie, my dear. I’m so glad to see you safe and sound, and is that Joe loitering behind you? Come forward, Joe. Let me look at you.’

Joe limped into the room, leaning heavily on his crutches. ‘I’d kiss your hand, Aunt, but I’m hampered by these dreadful wooden things.’

‘Don’t be silly, Joe,’ Lady Lyndon said sharply. ‘I don’t expect you to kowtow to me, but you were always a rebel, just like your father.’

‘I’m a soldier, Aunt. Or I was …’

Kate sent him a warning look. ‘Take a seat near the fire, Joe. You look perished. It’s quite difficult to get used to an English winter after the heat of India. I should know.’

‘Yes,’ Annie added hastily. ‘But you’ll soon get acclimatised, and you’ll love it here, Joe.’

Lady Lyndon glanced over Kate’s shoulder. ‘Where is Harry?’

‘He’s following later,’ Kate said, improvising wildly. ‘He had a few things to settle in London before he came home.’

‘I do hope he isn’t going to start up that gaming club business again.’ Lady Lyndon sighed, shaking her head. ‘And I hope the police have caught that dreadful creature who forced us out of our homes. Perry visits occasionally, but he never tells me anything.’

‘I’m sure they have everything under control.’ Kate pulled up a chair and sat next to her mother. ‘How have you been, Mama? I quite thought I might come home to find that you and Mr Pomeroy-Smith had eloped to Gretna Green.’.

‘Don’t say such things, Kate. Not even in jest.’ Arabella raised her left hand to her cheek, exhibiting an expensive-looking diamond ring. ‘We are officially affianced, but will wait until your papa has been gone for two years before we get married. It’s only proper.’

Kate leaned over to give her mother a hug. ‘I’m so glad, Mama. You deserve to be happy and Giles is a good man.’