‘War’s coming, Alex,’ the colonel had said, puffing his pipe, his face dour. ‘In my opinion it’s no longer a matter of if but when. And it’ll be the same as all wars – tens of thousands will die without having any real idea of what it’s all about but they’ll do as they’re told by men like us, and we’ll do as we’re told by the generals.’ He’d shaken his grizzled head. ‘Greed and power, the two great vices.’

‘You really think the Kaiser will force the issue, sir?’

‘He already is. The writing’s on the wall for anyone with the sense to read it. He’s not a man of peace, Alex. He never was. And I tell you one thing, we’ll need men like you out in the field. Experienced soldiers who know what’s what. But enough of this, m’boy. You get off home to your bride-to-be and enjoy your leave.’

‘I will, sir, and thank you.’ Alexander knew the colonel had pulled strings to get him an extended leave of four weeks and he was grateful. It meant he could take Rose on honeymoon and show her a little of Europe before they were separated again.

Now he looked at the woman he adored with every fibre of his being and said softly, ‘A few more days and we’ll be Mr and Mrs Bembridge. You’ll love France and Italy, especially Italy. If I was going to live anywhere but England that is where I would like to settle.’ He sat down, pulling her onto his lap and kissing her. ‘The Italians love children, they’re very family orientated. Betsy will be a great hit.’

He had been all for taking Betsy with them on honeymoon, something Rose hadn’t expected but had been very grateful for. Much as Betsy liked Alexander, her daughter was going to find her life changing – it was inevitable, and especially now they were going to live at Highfield Hall. A time of just the three of them being together and Betsy getting to know Alexander properly would be wonderful.

‘Thank you for letting her come with us,’ Rose said, stroking his cheek. It was stubbly under her fingers – he needed a shave – but he’d told her he had dropped everything at the house and come straight here, such had been his desire to see her.

‘Of course she must. We’re a family.’

‘Some folk will think it strange.’

‘I think we are well past worrying about what people think,’ he said drily.

‘I love you so much.’

‘And I you.’ He nestled her against him. ‘My beautiful winter rose.’

Since the New Year’s Eve when he had first called her that, it had become a term of endearment, and now she reached up and kissed him, feeling safe again in his arms.