There’d be no point by then. Richmond was a good hour from Westminster at least and the days were already starting to draw in. Vincent tried to take my hand but I snatched it back and turned away when I felt tears of frustration form in my eyes, annoyed for letting myself care so much. Vincent’s hand caressed my cheek and gently he turned me back to face him.

‘Come now. Don’t upset yourself. What about if we go next week instead? I can send to Fortnum and Mason for a picnic?’

The thought of one of those little hampers dampened down some of my anger and made me see sense. I should try to be more reasonable. Crillick was only just back and we’d been staying in his house. To complain that he wanted to spend time with Vincent could only make me seem churlish.

‘Will you order the beef tea?’

‘My love could have champagne or even game, prawns or poultry in aspic. Instead, she wants beef tea.’

It hadn’t even occurred to me to ask for those things. What did I want with game?

‘Beef tea will do just fine. I’ve had a hankering for it lately.’

‘Then that is what you’ll have.’

Vincent placed a kiss on top of my head.

‘I’ll make it up to you, Zillah, I promise. And we’ll be together tonight,’ he said.

This was my chance to ask him about Alexander but there was a commotion in the hallway and Crillick poked his head in at the door.

‘Come, man, don’t want to keep the horses waiting.’

Vincent tensed obediently and prepared to leave.

‘We’ll speak later,’ he said to me and with a final kiss he was gone.

I trailed my fork through the scrambled eggs. The pieces stuck together and my stomach turned, my appetite gone. Sikkings re-entered with the maid and the two of them set to clearing the table, not caring that I’d yet to finish.

‘I imagine you’ll be more comfortable in the kitchen, madam.’

If I told Vincent about these slights the man would lose his job. But he was counting on the fact that I wouldn’t, and of course he was right. Besides, it was much easier for me in the back rooms or the servants’ quarters, where I was less of an outsider. I was never truly comfortable in the morning room. I rose and left, dragging my feet as I made my way down the corridor and up the stairs to the first floor room I shared with Vincent. The housemaid Grace would’ve been in the kitchen and, sweet as she was, I wanted to be alone.