Exactly what was involved in “setting up a nursery”, she had only the vaguest notion. Whatever it was, she knew, she was not looking forward to it. These unpleasant thoughts were interrupted by her mother, who had woken.

“Are you quite well, Emily, my dear? You have gone very white? I hope you are not feeling travel sick?”

“No, I'm fine. Just a little apprehensive about starting a new life. You're going home, Mama; Westerham is entirely new to us.”

“You are all going to love it; I was so happy there. In some parts it dates back hundreds of years, you know. My grandfather had a new wing built in the modern style and it is in this part that we shall reside.” She closed her eyes and her mouth curved as she thought about her childhood home. “It has bathing rooms attached to the main suites where one can take a bath whenever one wishes. Only the hot water has to be fetched up; the dirty water escapes down a pipe.”

The two younger girls looked at their mother in astonishment. “But where does the water go to, Mama?” Serena asked.

“I have no idea, darling. I only know it disappears.”

“I expect it is directed outside,” Emily told the girls. “We shall have to investigate when we arrive.”

Foster had arranged for them to break their journey for nuncheon at The Bell, a prestigious posting house. The food provided was the best they had eaten for more than two years. Replete and happy they all snoozed the afternoon away. The overnight stop was equally enjoyable, for only Lady Althea would ever have experienced such fawning and bowing as they were offered.

The best of everything had been bespoken and they were given the attention such expense merited. Serena and Millie were almost sorry when the carriage turned into the impressive stone gates and began the final stage of their trip down the three miles of impeccably tended drive.