Rosalind was suddenly aware of footsteps and the rattle of china. She moved swiftly to open the door for Molly, who was carrying a tray laden with coffee and cake. ‘Put it on the side table. That will be all for now, thank you.’ Rosalind waited until Molly was out of earshot. ‘Let’s get one thing clear, Lady Pentelow. If you persist in criticising everything and causing trouble, I’ll be forced to ask you to leave. You wouldn’t behave like this if Piers were present, and I won’t put up with bullying in my own home. Do I make myself clear?’

Lady Pentelow stared at her in wide-eyed astonishment. ‘I beg your pardon, Rosalind. Do you dare to speak to me in that insolent manner?’

Rosalind filled a cup with coffee and handed it to her. ‘There is no need for us to fall out. We should be supporting each other in this time of crisis.’

‘I didn’t approve of you marrying my grandson, and the passing of time has not changed my opinion.’

‘I’m sorry you feel like that, Lady Pentelow, but Piers and I are happily married.’

‘So you say, but where is he? A devoted husband would be at your side at a time like this.’

Rosalind snatched up the silver knife and stabbed it into the cake. ‘Would you like a slice of seed cake, ma’am?’

Lady Pentelow glared at her as if about to refuse, but she seemed to relent, and she accepted the plate with a grudging nod.

Good manners prevented Rosalind from leaving the room, whatever the temptation. She sat down and poured herself a cup of coffee, while Lady Pentelow forked cake into her mouth, rendering herself speechless for a while at least.

Rosalind was trying to think of an excuse to leave when the door opened and Hester walked boldly into the room. She nodded to Lady Pentelow. ‘Good morning, Lady Pentelow.’

‘Hmm.’ Lady Pentelow eyed her frostily.

‘What is it, Hester?’ Rosalind asked eagerly. ‘Has the post arrived?’

‘Not yet, but Coaker has brought two fir trees, Rosie. Would you like to choose which one you want for this room?’

Rosalind put down her cup and saucer and jumped to her feet. ‘Yes, of course. You’ll excuse me, Lady Pentelow. As you said, the festive spirit here is somewhat lacking. We are about to put that right.’ She followed Hester to the great hall where Coaker was erecting a huge tree while a slightly smaller one was propped up between two suits of armour.

‘It was a ploy to get you out of her clutches,’ Hester said, chuckling. ‘Molly told me that you were alone with the good lady, and I thought you might need rescuing.’