‘Banns? How rustic! I can barely name a handful of our peers who were married by banns. I am sure you were not.’

‘But I did not need to rush.’

‘Nor did she. Sweet heavens, Maria, look at young Martley. Can you see anything of Elstead in him?’

‘No, but nor can I see anything of Pirbright.’

‘That is because he looks like Augusta in colouring, and you do not want to see Pirbright in him. Besides, Pirbright is a very ordinary-looking man with no features that are memorable. The only person who really ever believed the rumour of illegitimacy was you, and I am certain that Augusta knows it was you who tried to circulate the idea. No wonder she hates you.’

‘I saw the way she used to look at Elstead, when we were younger.’

‘If you were married to Pirbright, would not you look longingly at the man you did not get? Pirbright is decent, dull and depressingly “nothing”. Augusta Pirbright is a bitter woman, and it has told upon her looks. She is married to a man she despises, loathed her brother, and her sister, and disliked her parents. She also appears to have no interest in her progeny. There is no affection in her life or in her, and it has dried her up like a stick.’

At this, Lady Elstead appeared much cheered. ‘That is true.’

‘Gloating does not look well, Maria.’ Lady Vernham’s lip curled. ‘Young Martley is a surprise, because he is neither dull like his sire, nor twisted like his dam. I can only assume he has had little to do with either of them over the years. His lineage is good, he is of average intelligence, and above average sweetness, and he is besotted with your Caroline.’

‘She could do much better.’

‘She could do much worse. Who is on that list you must have, tucked away? Siddington? Evercreech? Not Kidlington, I hope.’ Lady Vernham snorted. ‘You married for love, Maria, yet you would deny that chance to your daughter?’

‘No, but I … the Pirbrights would not countenance the match.’

‘Augusta would not, but even if Martley is tied to their purse strings, and I hear he is not, he is not going to find his father disinherits him, whatever Augusta may threaten. She can hardly tell Pirbright that her objection is that you have been hinting for two decades that Martley is not his son.’ Lady Vernham watched all this sink in. Lady Elstead’s face was easy to read. ‘Yes, I thought you would reach that conclusion eventually. You are right, giving your blessing may scotch an old rumour only you recall, but it will also thoroughly upset Augusta Pirbright.’

‘She would hate it.’