He had telephoned his sister-in-law to let her know he was coming and demanding food and a bed for the night. The Duchess met him at the door and fussed over him. ‘No lunch! My poor boy, you must be famished. We’ll have tea straight away.’ ‘Connie, darling, it’s so good to see you. How’s Gerald?’ ‘He’s staying with the Conningsbys in Norfolk – shooting. I’m afraid I begged off. I can’t bear the rain and trudging after the men pretending to admire them for killing several hundred stupid birds bred for slaughter.’ ‘Ah well, it’s a blessing to find you alone. I want your advice on one or two matters which are absorbing me at the moment and, I don’t mind telling you, it’s rather a relief having you to myself.’ ‘How long can you stay, Ned?’ ‘Just a couple of nights, I’m afraid, old girl.’ ‘Oh, must you dash off? You never can sit still for a minute.’ ‘Now then, Connie, don’t chide me. May I make a telephone call before we have tea?’ The Duke was highly suspicious of the telephone and there were only two in the castle – one in his study and one in the hall.
