‘Nicholas.’ Alexander didn’t shout but there was steel in the reprimand and suddenly Rose could see how this man could control the soldiers beneath him.

The atmosphere in the carriage had changed completely and as Rose felt Betsy move closer in to her she put her arm round the child. Rosaleen had turned from the window to stare at her godfather and Nicholas had sunk back in his seat, hunching his shoulders and clearly trying not to cry. After a moment Rose saw Alexander reach out and take the boy’s hand, and as Nicholas looked up at him, he said very softly, ‘Your father needs all your support and help. Remember we talked about that? This will pass but for the time being you need to be strong for your mother and sister. I wouldn’t ask this of you if I wasn’t sure you were man enough.’

The small boy gave a tremulous smile and nodded, and Rose was relieved to see that the coach had turned into her street and a moment later had drawn up outside her house. The coachman jumped down almost before the horses had stopped and opened the door, and Rose handed Betsy to him before alighting herself. Before she’d had a chance to say her goodbyes, Alexander followed her out of the carriage, and as the coachman climbed back into his seat he stood with her on the pavement. ‘I need to explain.’ His voice was soft and low. ‘If you will permit me? Nicholas does not normally behave in that way and I would not wish you to think ill of him.’

‘Really, there’s no need.’

‘Nicholas’s father was with me eighteen months ago on a posting to India. There was some local unrest but nothing serious, mere skirmishes here and there, but then one night a mob attacked the Hindu quarter and we were sent to restore order. Different religions and not least the caste system makes for a volatile combination at times. Lawrence and two of his men were chasing a group of natives who had attacked a young mother and her children and they followed them onto the rooftops. A terrace gave way and they plunged some ten or fifteen feet to the ground. Lawrence’s men sustained nothing more than cuts and bruises. Lawrence broke his back. He’ll be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.’

‘That’s awful.’ She stared at him, aghast.

‘He’s only been out of hospital a few months but he’s finding it hard, hence the drink. There have been a couple of’ – he hesitated – ‘difficult incidents at home which unfortunately Nicholas has witnessed, one with the children’s mother. Lawrence is penitent afterwards but the whole situation is damnable.’

She didn’t know what to say.