CHAPTER FOURThe dinner party was set, not for the following day, but the one after, and the invitations were despatched that afternoon. The acceptances came back immediately. Nobody was going to refuse the honour of dining at the castle.
“The Honourable Mr and Mrs Dalrymple are coming,” said Lady Hester. “The vicar and his wife, also their married son and daughter who are visiting.”
They were sitting in the drawing room after dinner. Tea had just been served. The Dowager Countess was assiduously working on a shapeless piece of embroidery that had occupied her for years. Lady Hester was compiling a guest list.
“Sir Kenton and Lady Arnfield, and their niece Lady Cliona,” continued Lady Hester.
She paused for a reaction. Receiving none, she stole a glance at her son, but he was leaning ba
