Kate could see that Annie was embarrassed. ‘Perhaps it would be better if you told us what’s been happening here in our absence, Lady Lyndon. We’ve been looking forward to coming home ever since we left Bombay.’

‘Yes, indeed,’ Annie added hastily. ‘I’ve been telling Joe all about Warren House and the lovely times we’ve had here.’

Joe took a bite of buttered muffin, closing his eyes and smiling with obvious enjoyment. ‘Mm, that was so good. You have an excellent cook, Aunt Margaret. No wonder you are happy to live in the country.’

‘I can’t wait to return to London, as it happens, Joe.’ Lady Lyndon shot him a sideways glance. ‘I’m not a countrywoman, although I have to admit it’s been quite pleasant living here. However, I want to return to my house in Finsbury Circus, though you and Annie may live here as long as you wish.’

Joe hesitated with the other half of the muffin poised ready to take a bite. ‘But I can’t live here for ever, Aunt. How would I earn my living?’

‘That’s something you will have to decide for yourself, my boy.’ Lady Lyndon rose somewhat creakily to her feet. ‘I must go and change for dinner. You three had better do the same when you’ve finished your tea, although you will have to unpack your things yourselves. Since Jenny left it has been impossible to find anyone with her skills. Marie Goodfellow does her best, but she has fingers like sausages when it comes to doing one’s hair or fastening tiny buttons.’

Kate stifled a giggle as Lady Lyndon swept out of the drawing room. ‘Oh dear, I can see that this household needs a small adjustment, Annie. Maybe we ought to send for Mrs Hattersley, since your aunt is obviously desperate for a proper lady’s maid.’

Annie nodded. ‘As it happens I know that she went to stay with her sister in Epping. It’s not too far from here. Maybe Goodfellow could take the carriage and fetch her, when the snow clears, of course.’

‘Maybe I could train as a lady’s maid,’ Joe said gloomily.

‘That would be very funny.’ Annie put her head on one side. ‘I think I can hear a carriage approaching. Maybe it’s Perry.’

Kate stood up and crossed the floor to pull back the curtains. ‘I don’t know if it’s Perry or Mr Pomeroy-Smith. Stay here, Annie, and if it’s Perry I’ll send him to you.’ She hurried from the room before Annie could protest, and Joe was fully occupied, munching his way through the plate of muffins.