Next morning, Patricia was in the middle of eating her breakfast when Sir Michael strolled into the dining room, bringing with him the smoky smell of the lingering peasouper.

‘Good morning, Patricia. I trust you slept well.’

‘Yes, thank you, Greystone. You didn’t come home last night.’ It was a statement rather than a question, and Patricia eyed him warily. She knew that his latest mistress lived in one of the more squalid streets in Westminster, and she wondered if he would make an excuse or if he would tell her the truth.

‘It was too dangerous to travel far. The session continued for most of the night and what little sleep I had was in my office.’ Sir Michael examined the selection of dishes on the vast mahogany sideboard. ‘I’m devilish hungry.’ He selected bacon, sausages and a couple of fried eggs before taking his seat at the table. ‘What did you do last evening? I assume that the Stantons’ dinner party was called off.’

‘Yes, it was and I would have hesitated to go on my own, although Eldon called in with some ridiculous story about feeling his way along the railings to get here.’

‘That sounds about right. It was one of the worst peasoupers I’ve seen for a long time. What with the smoke from the manufactories and domestic chimneys and the terrible stink from the river last summer, we really need to think about cleaning London up before we suffer even further outbreaks of disease.’

‘Yes, of course. I suppose a new sewage system is very important. Will you be free to attend the opera this evening?’

‘I hope so, but if not I’m sure Eldon will be only too happy to escort you.’

Patricia eyed him curiously. ‘Doesn’t it worry you that Eldon is a terrible flirt?’

‘Not at all. I trust you implicitly, Patricia. We had an understanding when we married and it suits us both to honour it. Don’t you agree?’

‘Yes, of course, I do.’

‘Then you won’t be too upset when I tell you that I have to go away for a while.’

‘Go away? Where?’

‘It’s a diplomatic mission abroad, but I’m not free to divulge any details, even to you.’

‘But you know I wouldn’t say anything, Greystone.’

‘I do, but there are plenty of people who are very clever at extorting information. It’s their job and they do it very well.’

‘I see. How long will you be away?’

‘I don’t know, but I hope the business in hand will be dealt with quite quickly.’

‘Am I to stay here in London on my own?’

Sir Michael smiled indulgently. ‘You have a houseful of servants to take care of you, my love. But if you feel you would like to spend time in Devonshire, that is quite all right, too.’

‘It sounds as if you expect to be away for some time.’