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door.
    She knocked and after a few seconds, she heard her father’s deep voice exhorting her to enter.
    â€œAh, Robina. This is an unexpected pleasure.”
    â€œPapa, we have not had any time alone since I came home and I wish to speak with you.”
    â€œI am rather busy this afternoon, my dear, can it not wait?”
    Her face fell. Did he really no longer care for her?
    He saw her expression and relented at once.
    Laying down his pen he smiled at her indulgently.
    â€œBut yes, come, you are right that we have not been together since your return. Please stay for a while.”
    She felt as if she wanted to run to him and embrace him, but there was something in his demeanour to suggest that she should not.
    It seemed that he had quite a cold and unapproachable air about him – so unlike his old self.
    â€œPapa,” she began, “I am resigned to the fact that I shall have to move to the blue bedroom and I want you to know I shall not complain about the new arrangements.”
    â€œThat is good, I am glad that you have seen sense,” he replied delightedly. “Laura has put a tremendous effort into turning Trentham House into a modern residence. I don’t want you to think I am doing it to erase all memory of your mother. No, that could never happen.”
    For a second he gazed off into the far distance and she felt that he did, indeed, still love her Mama very much. It heartened her to see his softened expression.
    â€œBut times are changing,” he continued, “and Laura has reminded me that the house I live in reflects my status. Being totally disinterested in such matters, I did not see what the colour of a wall or the style of the curtains would say to the world. Thankfully she has educated me otherwise.”
    Robina nodded.
    She was only too aware of how the Lamonts would judge a person by the furnishings in their house.
    â€œSo I am embarking upon this series of renovations and, once completed, you will have a room that befits the daughter of a Knight of the realm.”
    â€œThank you, Papa,” answered Robina gratefully.
    â€œBesides should your stepmother produce children then we will need the nursery.”
    Robina’s mouth fell open.
    She had not considered that as a possibility.
    â€œBut Papa, forgive me for my boldness, I had assumed Stepmama would not be interested in children.”
    What she really wanted to say was that she thought her stepmother too old to be of child-bearing age!
    â€œShe is still a young woman, Robina and it is a very real possibility. Much as I love you, a man desires a son so that he may pass his house and lands on to him as is right.
    â€œYou must understand that, being a female, if your stepmother has a boy, he will inherit everything. You will have to prepare yourself for that eventuality.”
    Robina sat still in stunned silence.
    The notion had not even crossed her mind.
    â€œThat is how Robert Hampton inherited his estate. His elder sister was passed over when their father died and all went to him as the elder male.”
    â€œBut Papa – it is so unfair!” remonstrated Robina. “Surely whoever may be the eldest should inherit the title and estate?”
    He laughed indulgently at her.
    â€œNo, my dear, the law is inflexible on this fact. The eldest son, regardless of whether or not he is the eldest child, is always the beneficiary. What do women know of business affairs or running estates?”
    Robina felt that the law was not fair and it made her realise just how unstable her situation had now become.
    If her stepmother gave birth to a boy, she could find herself forced to live off his charity!
    â€œBut you will make provision for me?” she asked, her voice trembling.
    Her father looked at her and shook his head.
    â€œRobina, I would hope that when I come to die, you will be taken care of by your husband. Really, my dear, Laura is correct – it is time that you turned your