‘You’re an angel, Hester. She doesn’t like me; she never did, although I believe she did try at first, but in her eyes no one would be good enough for Piers or Alex. Anyway, there’s no call for her to be rude and ignore you. You are Lady Carey now and you should receive the respect due to your position.’

‘It doesn’t worry me. It’s what I would expect from someone whose family money came from trade. She has no call to set herself up so high above others. That woman should be grateful that her grandsons have chosen to ally themselves to the Careys.’

‘We’ll forget her for the moment and decorate the tree. That’s something I always enjoy.’ Rosalind walked over to where Coaker was surveying his handiwork. ‘That’s a splendid tree, Abe. And the one for the drawing room looks equally good. You may put that one up when Lady Pentelow goes to her room, which will be soon, I think. In the meantime I suggest you go to the kitchen and charm Mrs Jackson into giving you a cup of tea. She might even let you have some cake.’

Abe nodded and grinned. ‘I’ll do that, Miss Rosalind.’

‘What is the weather like now, Abe? Any sign of a thaw?’

‘Aye, it’s certainly warmer today and the snow was soft under foot.’ Coaker picked up his cap and shambled off in the direction of the kitchen.

‘What are you thinking, Rosie?’ Hester put her head on one side. ‘I know that look.’

‘If the thaw really has set in and we don’t get a sudden freeze, the roads should become passable quite quickly. If it’s humanly possible I know that Alex will get here in time for the wedding.’

‘And if he doesn’t?’

‘I don’t know, Hester. There’s nothing we can do, which makes me feel so helpless.’

‘Take my advice and keep Patricia occupied. There are the two trees to decorate, for a start, and there’s a big pile of holly and ivy in the flower room. We’ll get through this, Rosie.’

At dinner that night Rosalind had a feeling that her mother was plotting something with Claude. They kept exchanging conspiratorial smiles and Felicia seemed to have forgotten her dislike of Lady Pentelow, going out of her way to include her in the conversation. Rosalind was suspicious and by the time they reached the end of the meal she was convinced that something was afoot.

‘I think it’s time the ladies withdrew,’ Lady Pentelow announced, about to rise from her seat, but Felicia shook her head.