‘I’m about to ring for Tilly.’ Rosalind walked over to the mantelshelf and tugged at the bell pull. ‘That might be the best plan, Patsy. After all, you haven’t seen much of the girls since you became an operatic singer. I’m sure they will hang off your every word, as will Sir Michael.’

Patricia shrugged. ‘Anything would be better than staying under the same roof as Alexander Blanchard.’

‘What on earth is going on?’ Piers strode into the room. ‘I could hear raised voices from my study.’ He smiled when he saw Claude and held out his hand. ‘It’s good to see you, Claude. We weren’t expecting you, though.’

Claude pumped his hand. ‘I’m sorry, old chap. I did tell Felicia that we ought to check first, but she was certain of a warm welcome.’

‘And of course we are very pleased to see you,’ Piers added, bowing to Felicia. ‘Do you have a problem with anything, Patsy?’

‘I hear that your wretched brother is due to arrive. I’ve decided to visit Greystone Park. At least I can be sure of a warm welcome and no embarrassing situations.’

‘Then you must tell Smithers not to unpack your things, Patsy. Send a message to Greystones and ask if it’s convenient for you to stay.’

Patricia frowned. ‘There’s no need. I’m always welcome there, but I can’t go without a personal maid. What would Sir Michael think?’

‘I don’t suppose you could spare Smithers, Mama?’ Rosalind said tentatively.

‘Certainly not. She has been my maid and dresser since I found my place in opera history. Haven’t you got a maid you could spare, Rosie?’

Rosalind thought quickly. ‘Molly Greep has a talent at arranging hair. She’s training to be a housemaid but I’m sure she’d be delighted to have promotion to lady’s maid. You must be patient with her, though, Patsy. No shouting and storming at her if she makes a mistake or two.’

‘As if I would.’ Patsy tossed her head. ‘All right. You can organise it for me, Rosie. I won’t even bother to take off my bonnet, so you can tell Heslop to bring the carriage round. I’ll go immediately.’

‘Really, Patricia, there’s no need to be so theatrical,’ Felicia said crossly. ‘You could at least stay for luncheon and wait for a reply from Greystones. In fact, I insist upon it. I don’t want everyone to think you’re running away from Alexander. He’s not worth it.’

‘Leave it to me, Mama.’ Rosalind shot a resigned glance in her sister’s direction. ‘Sit down, everyone, and I’ll arrange everything. You will stay for luncheon as Mama suggests, Patsy. I’ll send Gurney to Greystone to make sure that Christina is at home in the first place, and I’ll ask Molly if she’s willing to accompany you as your maid.’