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‘You always did love this movie,’ Kit said, looking at Fliss, and she knew he was thinking back to the Christmas they had been living together, when the two of them had curled up on the sofa in their flat one afternoon, sharing a bottle of wine and watching Fliss’s favourite film. They had both been so young and hopeful for the future, so desperately in love.

‘Some things never change,’ Fliss said softly.

‘Come and join us, Kit,’ Elizabeth said, moving up and patting the cushion beside her.

‘Much as I would love to, I’m heading into the village to get a few last-minute supplies.’

‘Oh, then that’s perfect. Fliss, weren’t you saying you wanted to go shopping?’

‘Yes, but …’ Fliss hesitated. ‘What about the rest of the film?’

‘We can finish it another time. You might as well catch a lift with Kit.’

‘If you’re sure?’

‘Positive,’ Lady Oliver insisted. ‘I need to catch up with Neville anyway. We have a few things to discuss. And it’s so pretty in the village at this time of year – you’ll have much more fun there than stuck here with me.’

‘I’m sure that’s not true,’ Fliss laughed. ‘Let’s pick this up later, though – it’s been lovely spending time with you.’

‘Let’s get going, Fliss,’ Kit said, jangling his car keys. ‘Your chariot awaits.’

Chapter 18

Lord Oliver was in his study, opening a batch of Christmas cards that Charlie, the friendly local postman, had just dropped off in his van. Elizabeth walked in, looking as fragrant and composed as ever.

‘How are you feeling, darling?’ she asked.

Neville glanced up over his half-moon glasses and waved her words away. ‘I’m fine. Don’t fuss.’

‘You gave us all a scare this morning. Shall I call for Dr Stephenson, ask him to pop up?’

‘I already said no, Elizabeth.’

‘All right, as you wish. I just don’t want anything to happen to you, and it’s not nice for the children – especially the grandchildren – to see.’

Neville set down the cards in his hand, turning in his chair to face his wife. ‘I understand, but it was nothing. Just overexcitement. I’m not going to let anyone down over Christmas – please, let’s just keep calm and carry on as usual.’

Elizabeth resisted the temptation to say what she really felt, knowing that her husband wouldn’t be swayed despite her concerns and it would only make him irritable if she continued to fuss. ‘Very well, I will “Keep calm and carry on”, too,’ she smiled. ‘Oh, that’s quite charming!’ she went on, changing the subject, as she nodded to the Christmas card on the top of the pile, showing a snowy landscape, embossed with flecks of silver. ‘Who’s that from?’

‘Susannah Montague and her family.’

Her interest was replaced with a flash of resentment which flickered across Lady Oliver’s face; her voice was tight. ‘How nice.’

‘Yes. She writes that they’re all well – her youngest grandson, Bertie, is at Charterhouse now – and that we should all catch up in the new year.’

‘Well, doesn’t that all sound lovely?’ Elizabeth snapped, unable to help herself, adding, ‘It’s wonderful that you’re on such good terms with your former mistresses. Very civilised.’

‘Now, now, Elizabeth … All that is in the past. And I always came home to you.’

‘Ah yes, and I always dutifully played the part of the compliant wife. Don’t ask. Don’t tell, wasn’t it?’ Elizabeth said angrily.

‘Yes,’ Neville retorted, his blue eyes narrowing. ‘And very well it worked for both of us. You’ve had the house, the title. You gave up your career, I didn’t ask you to. You were by my side on every public occasion, venerated in the press. And if I did have a few dalliances over the years, I was discreet.’

‘Oh rubbish, Neville! Stop rewriting history. There’s at least one that you flaunted in front of my face,’ Elizabeth shot back. ‘And now she’s—’ She broke off as she heard voices along the corridor.

‘Hey, what are you doing hovering out here. Snooping?’ they heard Bill say, just outside the door.

‘I was coming to check on Grandpa,’ came Jasper’s reply.