Sir Bartholomew smiled modestly. ‘Well, I have to admit that I’ve worked hard to earn the position. I put myself forward before we left England, and now my chance has come.’

‘It has indeed, my dear.’ Arabella clasped her husband’s arm, smiling up at him. ‘We must celebrate.’

‘I’ve invited Perry to dine with us tonight, Arabella. That will be enough. One doesn’t want to appear ostentatious.’ Sir Bartholomew strolled off towards his study with a definite swagger in his step.

Kate took off her bonnet and handed it to Jenny. ‘Have you engaged a new lady’s maid, Mama?’

‘Yes, as a matter of fact I have. Miss Barnet will be starting tomorrow. I won’t need Jenny’s services then. She can go back to being a housemaid.’

‘But she’s to be my maid, Mama. You promised.’

Arabella’s smiled faded. ‘I don’t remember promising anything, Kate. You assume too much. Of course she will help you when needed, but you are hardly a debutante. You are “a spinster of this parish”, I think is the correct way to describe your position in the family. You are dependent upon your papa for everything, and I think you would be well to remember that.’

Kate knew this to be true, but her mother’s harsh words acted as a reminder that she had not forgotten their previous exchange of words.

‘I’m hardly likely to forget the fact, Mama.’

Arabella recoiled as if Kate had hit her a physical blow. ‘That’s no way to speak to your mama.’

‘But you may say spiteful things to me and I’m supposed to bear your comments in silence. I’m sorry, Mama, but as you pointed out, I’m a grown woman now, and I expect to be treated like an adult and not a wayward child.’

‘Oh! I won’t listen to this. I’ll tell your father what you just said to me.’

‘Please do, and if he’s as good a judge as he’s supposed to be, I’m sure he will see my side of things. I don’t wish to argue with you, Mama, but I have feelings, too.’

Arabella threw up her hands and hurried off in the direction of her husband’s study.

‘I’m sorry, miss.’ Jenny emerged from the vestibule. ‘I brought that on you. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop but I couldn’t get to the back stairs without being seen.’

Kate turned to her with a wry smile. ‘It wasn’t your fault, Jenny. But you heard what my mother said. I am a person of no account in this family.’

‘It’s not for me to say, miss. But I’d be very upset if Ma spoke to me like that.’

‘Mrs Marsh probably thinks for herself, Jenny. My mother simply voices my father’s opinions. I’ll be in my room if anyone wants me.’

‘Yes, miss. Of course.’