Once again, James found himself wishing he could wear his camouflage to go into battle or even his service dress. As it was, he smoothed down his khakis and shirt, then knocked on the breakfast room door.

There were a few dining areas in the castle, but ‘the breakfast room’ referred to the main one. Its décor was more mediaeval than regal, or so James had always thought. Wooden cabinets holding historical weaponry lined the walls. A dozen sabres hung on the wall opposite the doorway, criss-crossed in a pattern that made them look like a spine and ribs, their curved blades glinting wickedly in the morning sunshine. Tapestries hung against the walls and the floor was polished wooden boards.

A table big enough for eight stood on a simple patterned rug. The first thing James noticed were the five dogs all subdued and lying around the table legs. But upon his arrival, Bonney jumped to her feet and yowled, wagging her tail.

“Oh, do shut up, Bonney,” James and his mother said automatically in union.

His mother gave James a beaming smile as he closed the door and entered the room. “James,” she enthused, opening her arms out for a hug. “It’s good to see you, darling.”

“Hello, Mother,” he said, obediently hugging her back. However, his attention was on the other two people behind her who had risen from the table to also greet him. “What a pleasant surprise.”

“James,” his mother said, turning and wasting no time holding her arm out to introduce their guest. “You remember Princess Klara, don’t you?”

“Of course,” James said.

Klara was a handsome young woman with a square jaw, delicate hands and dazzling blue eyes like sapphires. Her platinum blonde hair was tied in an elaborate knot, and she wore a floaty floral dress with cork wedges. Very casual for a royal, but the diamond tennis bracelet on her wrist hinted at her wealth. She and James both walked towards each other and she raised her hand for him to kiss the back of it.

He and Klara had met several times as children. He had to admit she had grown into a lovely young woman. But, as much as he knew it was bound to devastate his mother, he felt absolutely no spark upon seeing her again as an adult.

He knew his mother would never make him marry anyone. But she and Iggy, who was hovering behind the princess like a ghoul, were very concerned that he appear happy to the world at large. And being happy meant getting married, apparently. Now he was over thirty, they were bound to start pressing the issue harder.

But why now? When James had only just met Theo, when they were just starting to explore one another and learning to trust each other.

“Klara was delighted to receive your invitation to the ball, weren’t you, dear?” his mother said. Klara opened her mouth to reply, but James’s mother was already speaking again. “It’s so charming that you’ve got this little project going on. We’re all really quite proud of you.”

“Thank you,” James said dryly, ignoring her patronising tone. He glanced at Klara and smiled. This wasn’t her fault. But he knew damn well he hadn’t invited her. He saw Iggy’s meddling fingers all over this.

“We thought we could spend the day together,” his mother continued as they all took their seats at her indication. Having not eaten much dinner last night, then proceeding to have sex, twice, James was ravenous. At least there was plenty of eggs, bacon, toast and tea on offer. He busied himself filling his plate as his mother continued talking. “Klara is making the most of a week in England, aren’t you, dear?”

Klara opened her mouth.

“She can’t stay at Bodiam for all that time, naturally,” James’s mother carried on. “There’s not much to do in this pile of rocks.” She tittered and took a nibble of toast. “I don’t know what you see in this place. But it is rather charming for a ball, I suppose.”

Klara blinked. James’s mother and Iggy were focused on James, so he didn’t think they saw her subtly lean down and feed Blenheim some sausage.

“We thought we would do a spot of shopping,” James’s mother said. “Can you believe Klara has never been to Harrods?” she said with a shriek, as if this was a great crime. Klara gave James an apologetic smile. “Naturally, they’ve agreed to shut the shop down for an hour. Then we can pop to The Ivy for lunch. They’ll have our usual table free, I’m sure.”

Only James’s mother would assume London’s most exclusive restaurant would just have a free table waiting for them at the drop of a hat. James could feel his resentment growing.

“I’m delighted to see you,” he said graciously. “And I would be happy to give Klara a tour of the castle. But we really are very busy with the preparations. I’m not sure I can sacrifice a whole day out.” Because by the time they drove into London, James was sure his mother would insist on making a whole day and night of it.

“Nonsense,” Iggy said, his eyes narrowed over his teacup as he took a sip. “That’s why you hired that boy from Essex.”

James swallowed nervously at the mention of Theo. “Yes,” he said. “Mr Glass is more than capable. But this is my project. I’ve not attempted anything such as this before. I’m keen to supervise closely. I wouldn’t want the team to feel like they’ve been abandoned.”

“Don’t micromanage,” James’s mother told him, wagging her manicured finger his way. “He’s gay, isn’t he? This Essex boy?”

James spluttered and coughed on his eggs. “What does that have to do with anything?”

His mother didn’t appear at all flustered. “Gay men are so good at these sort of creative things,” she said flippantly. “Party planning, interior design. You’ll have nothing to worry about.”

James frowned and wiped his mouth with a napkin, in case any of his breakfast had escaped while he coughed. “That’s so prejudiced, Mother,” he said.

She rolled her eyes. “It’s not prejudice if it’s a compliment, darling.” Iggy nodded in agreement. James thought he might have seen Klara wince, but he couldn’t be sure. “No,” his mother continued. “I absolutely insist. You shan’t be rude to our guest, James. You can spare one day away and still have plenty of time to fuss over the wine selection before Saturday. Klara’s been so looking forward to spending the day together.”

Klara glanced at James’s mother as she went to open her mouth. As soon as James’s mother drew breath, though, Klara gave up and went back to her orange juice.

“We three can take the car together,” James’s mother said happily. “I do believe your sister has agreed to meet us in town.” At least Livy might make things more bearable, James thought. “Ignatius can stay here and man the fort, can’t you, dear?”

“Of course,” Iggy said. He turned his gaze to James. “I should like the chance to speak to Mr Glass myself,” he said with a smile that didn’t meet his eyes.

James cleared his throat. “Theo is very busy,” he said as firmly as he dared. “I hope you won’t pester him when he has a great deal of work to do.”

“James,” his mother admonished. “That’s no way to speak to Ignatius.”

James offered the private secretary a tight smile, but he couldn’t help it if his gaze was hostile. He loathed the idea of Iggy prowling around Theo, sniffing for trouble. There was nothing Iggy despised more than what he saw as a commoner who was trying to step above his place.

“My apologies,” he said to Iggy, not caring if he believed him. “I’m just a little thrown by the change in plans. I shall be happy to accompany you and Klara into town,” he said to his mother. He gave the princess the warmest smile he could muster. She sighed and gave him a genuine one back. “And I would love to see dear Olivia. Let me speak with Mr Glass and we can be on our way.”

“Oh, just leave word with someone,” his mother said, waving her hand. “What does he care if you’re here or not? If we’re all done with breakfast, we can head out. We’ll take my chauffeur, darling. No need to bother your man.”

Of course. Iggy had probably found a way to turn his mother against Manjeet. Probably something about Indians not being very safe drivers. Racist prick.

James’s mother allowed them another few minutes to eat and finish their tea. Then she was escorting Klara from the room, patting her hand as she held it between hers. “Perhaps we can get you a new dress for the ball while you’re in London?” she suggested happily to the princess. “I’m sure Stella McCartney would be utterly thrilled to lend you something from the upcoming season. We must have you looking your best, don’t you agree?” She all but pushed Klara out the door. “Why doesn’t Ignatius escort you to the car, darling. I must just run something by my son.”

Klara glanced at James, offered him a small smile, then let herself be walked down the hall.

James’s mother turned on him at the threshold of the door once the princess was out of earshot. At least James had the pack sitting loyally by his feet, so he didn’t feel quite so alone.

“Just what do you think you’re playing at, young man?” his mother hissed in absolute fury. “How dare you be so rude to our guest.”

James gritted his teeth. “I wasn’t trying to be rude,” he said as calmly as he could. “But you caught me by surprise. I have a job to do, for once in my life. I don’t appreciate you treating me as if it’s nothing of consequence. A lot of people are depending on this fundraiser.”

“Oh, nonsense,” his mother scoffed. “Klara is your job for today, do you understand? This little party will happen with or without you.” Bertie whimpered at James’s feet. James felt the same. “You know her mother is keen to see her married to a good man. Do you want to see her fobbed off to some two-bit diplomat?”

So, she wasn’t even going to be subtle about it? James glowered at his mother. “I am sure that Klara will have a lot to say about who she marries,” he said. “Throwing me at her is desperate and cheap.”

His mother gave him a cold look. “You will not embarrass this family,” she said, her voice soft and determined. “Do I make myself clear?”

James sighed. That was what it always came down to. Family was worth more than everything else. “Of course, Mother,” he said. “And I have no desire to be unpleasant to a lovely young lady. I’ll be a perfect host. But, please. Do not mention anything about marriage.”

His mother looked triumphant. “There’s a good dear,” she said, patting his cheek.

Reluctantly, he followed her to the front entrance. But a bit of luck was on his side. Quintin was waiting to see them out. Trust him to know just when James needed him the most.

He shook his hand as he approached the front door. “Please give Mr Glass my sincerest apologies,” James told Quintin, giving his hand a squeeze. “I will catch up with him once I have returned from London. In the meantime, please ensure Mr Bellamy-Walters is comfortable and not neglected.” Please keep him away from Theo! he tried saying with his eyes.

God damnit. Now would be an excellent time to be able to text and explain to Theo himself. But Quintin widened his eyes just a fraction more and nodded. Then he squeezed James’s hand back. “It will all be taken care of,” he assured him.

James was left with no choice then but to step out into the sunshine and cross the bridge over Bodiam’s moat. He glanced down at the pair of swans as they swam past, their heads bent towards one another. They were mated for life. They didn’t have meddling mothers or secretaries trying to keep them apart.

James glanced back at the castle, looking up at his and Theo’s turret. If he could see Theo, he might feel better about abandoning him.

But of course, he didn’t.