A grunt was the sole response.

Jack’s eyes narrowed a little as he gazed out of the window. “So Lavinia never cared? Lord, what a mix-up! And Dick?”

“I’m afraid he still does.”

“Poor old Dick! Devil take the woman! Does she bully him? I know what he is⁠—always ready to give in.”

“I am not so sure. Yet I’ll swear if ’twere not for John his life would be a misery. He misses you, Jack.”

“Who is John?”

“Did not Warburton tell you? John is the hope of the house. He’s four and a half, and as spoilt a little rascal as you could wish for.”

“Dick’s child? Good Lord!”