Tommy leaped to his feet again. ‘I was Tommy Trimble, but now I’m Tommy Carey and I have a father and a real family. Merry Christmas to you all.’

There was a moment of silence and then everyone began clapping.

Walter grabbed Louise by the hand and led her to stand with him by the tree, which was lit by dozens of tiny candles. ‘I have equally wonderful news to add to that. Louise has done me the honouring of agreeing to be my wife.’ He held up her left hand on which sparkled a diamond engagement ring.

The applause grew louder until Alexander moved into the centre of the gathering, holding up his hands for silence. ‘Grandmama, Aurelia, you have been my family since I was born, but recently I discovered the sad story surrounding my birth. Grandmama is actually my great-aunt, and Aurelia and Piers are my cousins.’

Aurelia clasped her hands to her mouth. ‘Don’t say such things, Alex. You are my brother.’

‘You will always be my little sister to me. I love you and nothing can alter that.’

Aurelia sniffed and wiped her eyes on a handkerchief that her grandmother passed to her. ‘I love you, too, Alex.’

‘There is still another obstacle in your way, Alexander,’ Lady Pentelow said icily. ‘The woman you want is still married to my grandson.’

Rosalind shook her head. ‘That’s not true, Lady Pentelow. Piers has given me my freedom. Sir Michael will give you the details, but an Act of Parliament has dissolved my marriage to Piers. For once he acted like a true gentleman.’

Alexander went down on one knee in front of Rosalind, clutching her hand. ‘Rosalind, I’ve loved you for so long that I can’t even remember my life before we met. You are my one love and I want to spend the rest of my days with you. Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?’

A murmur ran through those seated around them. Aurelia mopped tears from her eyes, although Lady Pentelow remained outwardly unmoved. Hester clasped her hands tightly in front of her, while Walter and Louise stood together by the window, smiling happily. Sir Michael reached for Patricia’s hand and raised it to his lips. It was Nancy who leaped to her feet, clapping her hands.

‘Say yes, Aunt Rosie. Please say yes. We love you and Captain Alex. Dolly would say yes if she knew how to talk.’

Rosalind curled her fingers around Alexander’s. ‘I do love you, Alex.’

‘Oh, for goodness’ sake, say yes, woman.’ Fletcher rose from her seat, standing arms akimbo. ‘You were born to marry the captain. Anyone can see that.’

Wolfe cleared his throat. ‘If that crone doesn’t shut her mouth I’ll carry her outside and leave her in the snow.’

‘Is it really snowing?’ Tommy rushed to the window, followed by Nancy.