‘I’m sure you managed perfectly well without me, Rosalind,’ Felicia said coldly. ‘You were always an independent little creature, even as a child, whereas Patsy needs me.’

Rosalind stood aside as the coachman and footman brought in a mountain of luggage.

‘It looks as if you’ve come to stay for a while, Mama.’

‘May we continue this conversation somewhere warmer?’ Felicia slipped off her fur-lined mantle and handed it to Jarvis. ‘A cup of tea would be nice, with a tot of whisky to keep out the cold. I may be resting temporarily, but I have to look after my voice.’

Rosalind nodded. The reason for her mother’s sudden arrival was now perfectly clear. ‘Come into the drawing room. I’ll send for refreshments and have your rooms made ready for you.’

‘We will both share the master bedroom,’ Felicia said firmly. ‘Claude has asked me to marry him and I have accepted. Don’t look so disapproving.’

‘I’m not judging you, Mama. But Piers and I occupy the master bedroom now.’

‘As your father’s widow I take precedence over you, even if you are a married woman. I am the head of the household.’

‘I think you’ll find that the Dowager Lady Carey holds that position, Mama.’

Felicia laughed. ‘Really? You expect me to kowtow to a servant who happened to wheedle her way into a mad old man’s good books?’

‘Hester deserves the respect due to her, Mama. You’ll find that all of us agree on that.’

‘As I recall, your husband was not above breaking the mores of society when it suited him. Where is he, by the way?’

‘Piers should be arriving soon, Mama. He’s been abroad on business.’

‘I’m amazed that he was actually here for your wedding.’ Felicia tossed her head. ‘Don’t look at me like that, Rosalind. I knew Piers Blanchard before you did and he took me in completely with his story about being the heir to the estate. A man who lies so glibly should never be trusted.’

Claude slipped his arm around her shoulders. ‘Don’t upset yourself, my love. Let’s get you into the warmth with the benefit of some sustenance.’ He gave Rosalind an apologetic smile. ‘Your mama is exhausted after the long journey from Paris. We stopped there for a few days in order to visit the fashion houses.’

‘I know my way to the drawing room,’ Felicia said, walking off with her head held high. ‘I lived here for many a long year when I was married to your father, Rosalind.’

Claude smiled apologetically. ‘She doesn’t mean half of what she says.’