Grumbling beneath his breath, Frankie went to help her, with May and Jimmy doing their best to assist them. Kate made up a story about an Indian elephant who saved the Maharajah from being eaten by a tiger. It was all make-believe, but she described the colourful costumes of the villagers and the intense heat with such feeling that Nellie began to fan herself, complaining that she was hot. With perfect timing, the story ended as the last few feathers were packed away.

Kate placed a sleepy Charlie in his bed and rose to her feet. ‘I’ll sew up the seams in the morning and no one will know any different. Now I want all of you to get into bed and go to sleep, and that includes you, Frankie.’

He opened his mouth as if to protest, but seemed to think better of it and reluctantly climbed into the bed he shared with Jimmy.

Kate drew back the curtains so that moonlight flooded the room. Outside the world was white and sparkling. She picked up the candlestick she had brought with her. ‘Good night, children. It’s good to be back home with you.’ She left the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Downstairs the family had assembled in the formal dining room by the time Kate joined them. She was pleased to see that Giles Pomeroy-Smith had made it through the snow and he was seated next to her mother at one end of the table, with Joe and Annie on either side of Lady Lyndon. Perry held out a chair for Kate before resuming his seat next to Annie.

Ivy, assisted by Tilly, served the food and it was a pleasant meal, although as far as Kate was concerned it would have been more enjoyable had Harry been present. Conversation flowed and there was plenty to talk about after their absence for the best part of a year. Joe was the only one at the table with little to say, and Kate felt for him, but there was nothing she could add to the conversation that would bring him out of his torpor.

When they retired to the drawing room for coffee, the gentlemen having decided to forgo their brandy and cigars, Giles took Joe aside. Kate could not hear what they were saying but Giles had an easy way with him and Joe began to look more relaxed.

‘What did he say to you, Joe?’ Kate asked when Giles returned to the sofa to sit beside Arabella.

‘He offered me work,’ Joe said, grinning. ‘He’s bought more land and he needs an agent to go round collecting rent and sorting out problems. He said that as I’m a military man I’m just the sort of person he’s looking for. He needs someone disciplined and above all, honest. I wouldn’t cheat anyone, least of all the man who was paying my wages.’