Rosa took the letter from him and scanned down it, trying to make sense of the words, which seemed to shift like serpents across the page:

To whom it may concern,

In the event of my death, or any debilitating injury, I would like to plead mercy for my wife. In every way, Rosa is sweet, loving, attentive and an utterly devoted mother.

I remain hopeful that, with patience and time, she can be returned to full health, and I take full responsibility for disregarding Dr Livingstone’s recommendation and allowing Rosa to remain at Raven Hall. The fault is mine alone.

The doctor will attest to the fact that her mind became fragile after the birth of our twins and was put under further strain when one of our daughters passed away unexpectedly. If it makes her life easier to bear to blame me for this tragedy, then I am happy to accept her condemnation. Should her grief at what happened take a more violent turn, then I would like the authorities to know that I categorically do not want any action to be brought against her.

Furthermore, I am confident that our daughter, Ada, is not at risk in any way. It is true that some of Rosa’s clockwork creatures have exhibited worrying tendencies in the past, but so long as my wife is not permitted any access to the workshops, I have every confidence that she will be a safe and suitable mother and that Ada should not be removed from her care.

Eustace Hamilton

Twelfth Duke of Chalkley

Rosa’s hand trembled upon the page. ‘This …’ She was so furious that the words stuck in her throat like burs. ‘How dare you! This is a monstrous falsehood!’

‘It is hardly that, madam,’ Eustace said. ‘Have you not tormented me with those wretched birds for months now? Have you not threatened to have them peck out my eyes? Truly it is you who has the dark soul, not I. Exactly which part of my letter is false?’

‘You have left out the most pertinent details!’ Rosa cried. ‘You have not mentioned the fact that I would never have raised a hand to you, had you not struck me a hundred times first.’

‘I have asked the authorities to treat you mercifully.’

‘Knowing full well that they could not possibly accommodate your request! The very point of asking was merely to point an accusing finger at me.’

‘Well, I am sorry you see it that way. I am only trying to help you. That is all I have ever attempted to do. If you believe otherwise, it is only because your own mind is so corrupted and warped.’

‘You are despicable!’