‘Nonsense. This old ruin is about as welcoming as the crypt of St Paul’s. I can feel the ghosts from the past shuddering at the thought of guests arriving to such a bleak welcome. I’ve sent a message to Coaker, assuming he is still managing the groundsmen and gardeners?’

‘Yes, Mama. He is.’

‘I’ve told him to cut down holly and ivy, and we need a huge Christmas tree in the entrance hall, as well as one for the drawing room. Really, Rosie, I don’t know why you haven’t attended to decorating the reception rooms. That girl who’s waiting on table – I don’t know her name – I’ve told her to instruct Hester to have the decorations brought down from wherever they are stored these days.’

‘The girl is Molly Greep. She’s Farmer Greep’s daughter and I’m training her as housemaid, but Hester is no longer a servant, Mama. You may not approve but I would ask you to treat her with the respect she deserves.’

Felicia bit into a slice of buttered toast. ‘You know my opinion on that matter. I refuse to talk about it. Anyway, there are more important matters to attend to. I’m assuming that the guests will be arriving very soon. I want the castle to appear to be welcoming, if that’s at all possible.’

‘My dear, I don’t think you quite realise the seriousness of the situation,’ Claude said gently. ‘It’s possible that not even the groom will get here in time.’

‘I would have persuaded Patricia to think again before she agreed to marry an army officer, but it appears that fate is on my side.’ Felicia smiled smugly as she selected another slice of toast from the silver rack.

‘Patsy loves Alex.’ Rosalind filled her cup with coffee. ‘She is fully aware of the difficulties she might face.’

‘Don’t be ridiculous. She’s still a child, with no more knowledge of the outside world than a newborn baby. I sincerely hope that the groom does not show up on time, but we will be prepared for all eventualities. In the meantime I will do my best to change her mind for her.’

Rosalind looked round at the sound of the door opening, but it was only Molly with the coffee and more toast. She set them down close to Felicia and backed away.

‘Did you pass on my instructions to those concerned? I’ll know if you are lying.’

Molly bobbed a curtsey. ‘Yes, ma’am.’

‘That will be all, thank you, Molly.’ Rosalind gave her an encouraging smile, which faded as she turned back to glare at her mother. ‘Mama, please remember that you are a guest here these days. You will confuse the servants if you start giving them orders.’