‘Are you alright?’

‘Yes, dear, I am quite well, thank you.’ Percy Banks nodded, smiling weakly at his wife.

‘You seem awfully pale. Was your train delayed?’ Rose Banks watched as her husband gave his overcoat to the maid, brushed down his hair, straightened his waistcoat and jacket, then walked into his study, where the fire was still burning brightly.

‘I had a good deal of business to transact with Dr Mann and I missed the through train to Hartley as a result. Then the connection from Wakefield was late. All in all, it was a dreadful journey. Would that we had a better service!’

Rose Banks rang the bell for the maid to attend. Once the servant had arrived, she ordered tea and cake for her husband.

‘I think I will ha...

Please subscribe to keep reading.