It was a charming series of lies that her son peddled to her but Helena found it difficult to form a particularly substantial protest in her mind. True, she and John were more than content with their quiet, secluded lifestyle, often to the detriment of their social invitations, but they were not averse to company, especially when it came in the form of their granddaughter. And if it was only for a day or two – realistically she expected it to extend to a few days after that too but didn’t mind – then she was more than happy to oblige her son.

“Of course she can,” she answered her son, bouncing her granddaughter on her lap and earning a happy giggle for her trouble. Glancing towards Charles gave Helena pause though. His demeanour, so unlike his brother’s in every aspect, was off and almost immediately she sensed that he was relieved for some reason that she had agreed. But why? It was not an unreasonable request and surely he had not doubted she would wish to spend time with Althea…unless…

“How long do you expect her nurse to be indisposed?” She questioned coolly, eyes piercing into her son as she awaited the reply. Surely he was not trying to free himself of responsibility for his daughter in such a heavy-handed manner? She might be induced to understanding his reasons but Helena wasn’t sure she could excuse the clumsiness of it!