That didn’t answer her question but nor did it invite further conversation: which was something of a habit when one conversed with Fitzroy she had come to notice. Perhaps she ought to give up while she was still ahead? Focus her attentions onto her other sons and hope that Fitz eventually realised that being alone became harder with each passing year?

“If you could rally yourself to it before I die I would be most grateful,” she said with a sardonic smile. “I’m surprised the Minister is allowing you so much time away…there isn’t anything you need to tell me about work is there?”