Sir Vincent Clough was shown into the drawing room. He was soon followed by Lord Montley, Lord and Lady Criston, the Reverend Gee and a number of other gentlemen and their wives from the surrounding countryside.
Everyone settled themselves on various sofas, chairs and chaises-longues arranged for the purpose. Drinks were served and canapés brought in. The fire was merrily aflame and anyone coming upon the scene might well have imagined it was a lively social gathering, were it not for the grim expressions on many faces.
Davina remained apart, almost unseen in the unlit embrasure.
Aunt Sarah hurried in, looking somewhat flushed. Although her nephews had ridden alongside her coach, she had insisted on carrying her father’s sabre with her for fear of being waylaid. She had barely allowed P
