“I don’t know what we’re going to do with you, Beatrice, I really don’t,” Mother replies, and her voice sounds sad and quiet, as though she’s given up on me somehow. The ache inside me grows. I made fun of Cuthbert but the bleak truth is that they are probably right. My future as it stretches out in front of me looks horribly empty. I can’t carry on like this for ever. Maybe Cuthbert – or someone like him – really is the only option.

“There, there, Delilah,” Father says. He walks up and down the room a few times and then stops suddenly, looking at her. “Listen, I think … I think it’s time for us to consider Leo’s offer.”

“No!” Mother exclaims. “Michael, I thought we agreed…”

Father holds up his hand and Mother falls quiet. She always does, when he says so.

“We have no choice,” he goes on. “Clearly we’re not getting through to Beatrice. These childish antics are getting out of hand, and now she’s embarrassed us in front of half the county. Best thing for everyone if she’s far away for a while, under some strict supervision. I’m sure” – he turns to me, suddenly fearfully tall, a glint of steel in his eyes – “that, given time to reflect, Beatrice will reach the same conclusions we have, and that on her return she’ll behave in a way more becoming of a young lady in her situation.”

“Return from where?” I ask suspiciously. “Where exactly am I going?”

“Your uncle feels that your cousin Hero needs some young companionship. He has invited you to stay with him this summer. Your mother and I had not yet decided, but under the circumstances I think it might be a good idea.”

“Uncle Leo?” I say, a sudden flare of excitement catching inside me. “Uncle Leo who lives in Italy?”

“It’s not a holiday, young lady,” says Father. “It’s a chance for you to reconsider your appalling behaviour.”

“Oh, yes,” I say, my mind racing. I clasp my hands together to keep them from trembling. “In Italy.” The feeling of claustrophobia that has been dogging me more and more these last few months loosens its grip a little.

“Leo is such an upright man,” Mother says thoughtfully. “He won’t stand for any nonsense, and perhaps spending time with a sweet girl like Hero will help to mend your atrocious manners. My sister – God rest her soul – was an extremely proper woman. You’re right, darling – this may be exactly what Beatrice needs.”

An image of gaunt, miserable Aunt Thea flashes through my mind and I barely manage to repress a shudder. Uncle Leo always seemed pretty severe too. But still. Italy.