A fire roared up the chimney, sending sparks flying and filling the air in the drawing room with the scent of burning apple wood, which mingled with the sharp and refreshing pine aroma from the Christmas tree. The children had opened all their presents with cries of delight and Rosalind handed gifts to everyone, including the items she had purchased in London. The servants were having their own Christmas party in the servants’ hall, including receiving the presents that Hester had organised for them. However, both Fletcher and Wolfe had refused to join their colleagues below stairs. Wolfe insisted that he was the only person strong enough to lift Bertie and carry him wherever he wished to go, and Fletcher simply stood her ground, arms folded as she stood at the back of the room, watching the proceedings. Rosalind had tried to persuade her to sit down and enjoy herself, but Fletcher continued to stand, even when she was handed a glass of sherry and a plate of Mrs Jackson’s famous Christmas cake.

Hester rose to her feet and marched over to Fletcher. ‘It’s Christmas Day, woman. Stop acting like a martyr being burned at the stake. Come and sit by me and stop scowling. You’re frightening the children.’

Fletcher managed a faint smile. ‘Ta, Lady Carey. Just this once. After all, you and me are sisters under the skin, ain’t we?’

Rosalind had been close enough to overhear this exchange and for a moment she thought Hester might slap Fletcher, but Hester remained calm.

‘I wouldn’t go so far as to say that, Fletcher. But sit down anyway.’

Fletcher manoeuvred herself onto a chair beside Hester and took a swig of sherry. Lady Pentelow raised her eyebrows and sighed heavily, but Bertie clapped his hands, chuckling.

‘I’ve missed all of you so much. It’s almost worth the injury to be home with you on Christmas Day.’

‘I’m sorry we didn’t get you a present, Bertie,’ Rosalind said, clasping Alexander’s hand out of sight of the rest of the company. ‘But we had no idea you would be home.’

Bertie was reclining on the day bed that Wolfe had brought down from one of the tower rooms, but he raised himself on his elbow. ‘I want to make an announcement as I have all of you here. Even my brother, Walter, who has abandoned his books for long enough to share this moment with us. I have had the most wonderful news today, and the finest Christmas present ever.’ He beckoned to Tommy, who ran to his side and squatted on the floor. ‘This young man and I have been getting to know each other. Fate separated us years ago but today I have found out that I have a son. Tommy, tell them who you are.’