Rosalind chose to turn a blind eye to this overexuberant behaviour and was chatting to the vicar and his wife when she looked up and saw Lady Pentelow at the entrance, together with Aurelia and Sylvia, and close behind them were Patricia and Sir Michael. Rosalind edged her way through the crowd of dancers to greet them.

‘This is a pleasant surprise, Lady Pentelow.’

‘Is it? I’m not here for pleasure, I can assure you of that. I’m merely keeping tongues from wagging.’

‘This is all so rustic and quaint,’ Sylvia said excitedly. ‘I love mixing with the villagers, but I can’t imagine that Papa finds it so charming.’

‘Your papa is a politician, Sylvia. He’ll shake hands with the pig man and kiss grubby babies if it gets him a vote.’ Aurelia grabbed her friend by the hand. ‘I’m hungry. Let’s go and get some food. I love eating with my fingers – it’s so common.’ They walked off arm in arm, giggling like schoolgirls.

‘Good evening, Rosie.’ Patricia stood beside her husband, looking far too elegant for such an informal occasion, diamond earrings sparkling in the light from the lanterns hanging from the rafters, and her ice-blue satin gown would have been more appropriate for a ball in a great house.

‘This is a nice surprise. I thought you were spending Christmas in London,’ Rosalind said happily. ‘Good evening, Sir Michael.’

He inclined his head, smiling, but his eyes searched the crowd as if he were looking for likely voters. Rosalind could have told him that very few of the local people were eligible for the franchise. Patricia seized her by the arm and drew her towards a table at the side of the dance floor.

‘This was a splendid idea, Rosie. This sort of thing is very good for Greystone’s career.’

Rosalind stifled a giggle. ‘I didn’t organise a Yuletide party to further your husband’s political ambitions, Patsy.’

‘I know you didn’t, but it really does help. Moreover, Greystone has plenty of money, so if you need financial help I’ll make sure you get it.’

‘Thank you but we’re not bankrupt yet.’

‘Things must be tight with Piers destined to serve his sentence on the other side of the world. Who knows when he’ll return, or if he’ll survive? Who will look after you and little Dolly if he doesn’t return?’

‘I ran Rockwood single handed before I married Piers. We survived and I can do it again.’

‘I know you will, Rosie. All I’m saying is that we can help if need be. I might be Lady Greystone now but we are still sisters and we look after each other.’

‘At one time it was me advising you, Patsy,’ Rosalind said with a wry smile. ‘Now our situations are reversed.’