‘I’m sorry you think that way, Mama. It was never my intention to upset either of you, and Sir Jasper said that Papa’s illness could not have been predicted, nor was anyone to blame.’

‘You say that because it suits you. I saw the way you acted when you were with your uncle in Delhi. You were all sweetness and obedience then, but look at you now. You’re still defying me even at this moment. I’ll tell Barnet to start packing up our things now.’

‘You’ll do no such thing, Mama.’ Kate stood up, clasping her hands together in an attempt to stop them shaking. She had never lost her temper with either parent, but now she found herself very close to speaking out. Somehow she managed to remain calm. ‘This is our family home and always will be. You have no need to worry about money, or making economies – I will see to everything. All you have to do is to concentrate on helping Papa to get better. If anyone is going to move out, it will be me.’

Kate left the room without giving her mother a chance to argue, but she was shaking from head to foot as she closed the door behind her. Her mother’s words had cut deep and they were totally unfair. She knew her duty to her parents, even though she had seen very little of them while she was growing up. A succession of nannies, governesses and tutors had taken their place, and the only person who had shown her genuine affection and understanding was now dead. Uncle Edgar would have been horrified if he had heard what Mama had just said. Kate brushed tears from her eyes. She was of age now, even though her mother had called her a child. Circumstances had placed her in charge of the household. It was something wished upon her, but she would do her best to look after all those in her care.

Next day Kate was up early and she ate her breakfast alone in the dining room. Seated at the end of the mahogany table, which would seat twenty or more guests at dinner, Kate looked around at the elegant Sheraton furniture and the gilt-framed oil paintings of pastoral scenes, gushing waterfalls and a stag at bay, in the style of Sir Edwin Landseer. Arabella had been particularly proud of this acquisition, purchased just before the family embarked on the voyage to India. Kate sighed, pushing her plate away. Once again, the contrast of their opulent lifestyle was painful when compared with the way Ivy and her children existed, as well as the hundreds of people who now flocked to the soup kitchen every week.