He pulled a face. ‘Grandmama never could resist a party. She must have had a message from above or, knowing my grandmother, maybe the devil himself told her what to expect.’

Rosalind giggled in spite of herself. ‘Hush, Alex. Don’t say such things.’ She glanced at the children who had stopped what they were doing and were staring at them wide-eyed.

‘That’s really lovely.’ Rosalind walked towards the tree, clapping her hands. ‘You’ve done a splendid job, and thank you in particular, Noah. You’ve been a great help. Well done.’

Noah blushed scarlet and nodded. ‘Thank ’ee kindly, ma’am.’

‘You may go now, Noah, but you and your family are all invited to our Yuletide celebration on Saturday. Please pass the message on to all outdoor servants as well as those in the stables.’

Noah tipped an imaginary cap and hurried from the room. Rosalind turned to Tommy and Nancy. ‘I suggest you go to the nursery and have your luncheon, and afterwards you may wrap up warmly and go out to collect holly and ivy for the house.’

‘I haven’t much to do this afternoon.’ Alexander turned to Tommy. ‘Wait for me and we’ll go together. We’ll take the governess cart and then we can pick as much as we can find. We have the barns to decorate as well.’

‘Yes, Captain.’ Tommy clicked his heels together and saluted.

‘At ease.’ Alexander patted him on the head. ‘I’ll see you in an hour or so. You, too, Nancy. We need you to keep us in order.’

Nancy giggled. ‘Yes, Captain.’

Rosalind smiled at their eager faces. ‘Before you go, Alex, you’d better deal with your grandmother. I can’t think why she’s come here so close to Christmas, but—’ She broke off as the door opened and Lady Pentelow made a dramatic entrance.

‘Thank you, Jarvis, but I think I know my way to the drawing room.’

‘Good morning, Grandmama,’ Alex said warily. ‘This is a pleasant surprise.’

‘I’m afraid we weren’t expecting you, ma’am,’ Rosalind added hastily. ‘Your rooms haven’t been made ready.’

‘I’m not staying, Rosalind. Sylvia has invited Aurelia and myself to spend Christmas with her at Greystone Park instead of travelling to Cornwall. She is unsure whether her father and your sister will return home, or if they would choose to remain in London for the festive season. The poor girl has been all but abandoned.’

Rosalind shot a wary look in Alexander’s direction, but he remained impassive. ‘I see. Well it’s good of you to call. May I send for some refreshments?’

‘No, thank you. I just wanted to let you know that we are in the vicinity.’