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again,’ she said. ‘I shall be at your disposal directly, aunt. For the moment, however, out of concern for everyone’s health – not least my own – I beg leave to quit this draughty hall and change my clothes instead.’
    With that, both she and Julia escaped hurriedly upstairs.

Chapter 3
    It was not many days before Lydia was able to form her own opinion of the favoured Captain Churchman. She was sitting with her cousin in the morning room, wrestling with some of the more intricate stitches in Mrs Abdale’s embroidery while that lady rested an aching head in her boudoir, when an exclamation from Julia, seated by the window, caused her to look up with interest at a horseman on the drive. From the glowing look on her cousin’s face Lydia had no need to be informed of the identity of the visitor who, having been notified by the servant that the young ladies were alone in the morning room, immediately appeared, smiling, in the doorway.
    ‘May I beg the privilege of disturbing you, Miss Abdale?’
    Lydia regarded him with some curiosity. Tall, of athletic build and with good looks made striking by a tanned face under almost white-blond hair, she instantly understood how it was that Julia’s affections had become engaged. And indeed, she found him not displeasing herself. He carried off his disability with panache, striding confidently into the room and bowing low over Julia’s outstretched hand.
    Mr Churchman then turned towards Lydia. His eyes ranged lingeringly over her face and elegant figure. Detecting this, had Lydia not known that his affections were already engaged, she would have sworn that the gaze in which he held her reflected an instant and somewhat unexpected attraction.
    ‘Miss Barrington,’ bowing over her hand before looking directly into her eyes, ‘we meet at last. Miss Abdale has told me all about you. She was quite looking forward to your arrival, I must say. I am delighted to make your acquaintance – although I understand that under the circumstances of your stay at Abdale the pleasure must all be mine.’
    ‘Thank you,’ murmured Lydia. ‘I have been looking forward to meeting you, too.’
    Captain Churchman raised his eyebrows in mock surprise.
    ‘So you have heard of me already? I am honoured,’ he said.
    ‘But of course. How could it be avoided? With Grantham being but a step away it is hardly likely that I should remain in ignorance of you for long.’
    ‘Captain Churchman is a welcome addition to the neighbourhood,’ put in Julia. ‘We should be quite lost without him.’
    ‘That is my good fortune, Miss Abdale. I take great delight in demonstrating how neighbourly I am.’
    ‘And yet you must have been acquainted with my cousin’s family these many years.’
    ‘Of course,’ with a smile. ‘The pleasure grows, however.’
    ‘Well, Captain Churchman, you have come at an unfortunate time to further your acquaintance with us today. Papa is busy with the bailiff, mama is indisposed, while I – I am awaiting the arrival of Mr Swales, with whom I must spend a miserable hour in practising scales and arpeggios.’
    ‘What worse time could I have chosen? I might have guessed that you would be busy. But at least your tormentor has not yet arrived, so you have no excuse to leave me immediately – and the results of his handiwork bring pleasure to everyone. You must, therefore, admit it to be worthwhile?’
    Julia looked unconvinced.
    ‘As for that, all young ladies sing and play. I doubt that I am much better than anyone else.’
    ‘You are too modest, Miss Abdale. I can think of no-one whose performances give me more pleasure.’
    Julia flushed.
    ‘Well, sir,’ she teased, ‘I am not convinced of your taste, that’s for sure, though I am glad you enjoy my playing. It makes all the hours of practising worthwhile.’
    Lydia wondered when these hours of practising actually took place, as she had no recollection of ever having seen her cousin open the instrument except when