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talked her out of it, though.’
    ‘That’s a relief.’ Mary settled back on the pillows again. ‘If she hears the name too often, she may begin to remember things. My first memories are from about the age of four. I certainly cannot recall anything when I was younger than that, but being removed from her family was traumatic for her, and you never know if memories might surface.’
    ‘That’s what worries me. We are going to have to tell her one day—’
    ‘It is only right that she knows, Albert.’ Mary reached out for his hand. ‘She has been happy with us, and still is, and as far as she is concerned, she is our daughter. But I’m going to ask you to wait until she’s older and more able to cope with the revelation.’
    He sighed. Like his wife, he was reluctant to do anything to make Eleanor unhappy, and finding out that she was not their natural child would most certainly upset her. And he was quite happy to leave it for a while longer. He was a coward when it came to telling her. ‘Very well, but I will have a word with Nanny to make sure she doesn’t make the same slip again.’
    ‘That would be wise.’ Mary closed her eyes for a moment, and then opened them again, looking directly at her husband. ‘As you are aware, the doctors have given me only a few months to live, so by asking you to wait, I am leaving this burden with you.’
    ‘Doctors have been wrong, Mary. If you take life easy …’
    ‘No, my dear, we must face this. I have already stayed alive for longer than I thought possible, but I did so want to see our daughter grow into a woman, and she is almost there. In my bureau there is a box with all the details of Eleanor’s past family. You may give it to her when you feel the time is right, or burn it.’ She gave a tired smile. ‘I know you love our daughter, and will always do what is right for her, but I would like your promise that when the time comes, you will not leave her to face this alone. Stand byher side, Albert, and support her, whatever she decides to do.’
    ‘I promise.’ Albert stood up. ‘Now you must rest, Mary. I’m sure you are worrying unnecessarily. We will both be here to look after her.’

Chapter Four
    Over the next week Ellie enjoyed the freedom of roaming the estate, riding Silver and visiting Uncle Henry. He had one child, a son two years younger than her, who was away at school.
    She gave the horse over to the care of one of her uncle’s grooms after her ride, and bounced into the library to find him.
    ‘Hello, Eleanor.’ He glanced up from the letter he was writing. ‘Are you bored with nothing to do? This is the third visit this week.’
    ‘I never get bored.’ She sat down and grinned. ‘I’ve come with a message from Mother. She would like you to join us for dinner tonight. Father’s coming home.’
    ‘You may tell her that I would be delighted to come.’
    ‘Good. Have you heard from Philip this week?’
    ‘He’s returning tomorrow. He has been unhappy at that school and your father has suggested that the tutor he is engaging should teach both of you.’
    ‘What a splendid idea! Father is so sensible.’ Ellie giggled when her uncle pulled a face. ‘I don’t know what you have against him. I do believe you are afraid of him, Uncle Henry.’
    ‘You’ve never seen him in a rage. It is a frightening sight. I did something once he was furious about, and it’s not an experience I would wish to repeat.’
    Settling back in the chair, Ellie rubbed her hands together in glee. ‘Do tell.’
    He sighed, gazed at her intently for a while, and then gave a crooked smile. ‘It was a long time ago, and everything turned out well in the end.’
    Disappointed, but not prepared to let the subject drop, she leant forward again. The past had been mentioned again, and she was beginning to get curious – more than curious really. ‘Have we got family skeletons, Uncle Henry?’
    The look he gave her was wary. ‘No more than any other family. Why do