After a moment, Rose said, ‘Perhaps, hinny, I don’t know. We’ll have to see.’

‘I always thought I wanted a sister,’ Betsy said thoughtfully, ‘like Alice an’ Rachel an’ Violet, but now Auntie Amy’s had John Wilbur, I think I’d like a brother.’

‘What about one of each?’ Alexander suggested, deadpan.

‘Oh, yes, one of each,’ Betsy agreed delightedly. ‘Can we, Mam?’

‘Like I said, we’ll have to see.’ Rose glanced at Alexander for help; he pretended to be oblivious although a quirk to his mouth indicated that he was enjoying the conversation. ‘Sometimes people have to wait for a long time for a baby, Betsy. Like Auntie Amy.’

Betsy considered this for a moment or two. ‘Did you have to wait a long time for me?’ she asked interestedly.

‘Not really.’

‘And Auntie Daisy didn’t for Alice and the others?’

‘No, I suppose not.’

‘So I think it will be all right,’ Betsy said contentedly. ‘We could have twins, couldn’t we, a boy and a girl, like Patience and Donald McArthur at school, although they don’t really look much alike. It might be nice to have twins like Sarah and Katy that look the same. What do you think, Mam?’

‘I think we’ll have to wait and see what God sends us,’ Alexander put in, taking pity on Rose.

Betsy nodded. ‘Well, I’ll ask Him for twins and let Him decide if it’s two boys or two girls, or one of each,’ she decided.

Alexander was smiling now but not so Rose. She felt her daughter’s words revealed her longing for brothers or sisters of her own and it made her sad. She had done her best for Betsy but there were some things she hadn’t been able to provide. Of course, Betsy had benefited in other ways, receiving her full attention and having her all to herself. Now that was changing and Betsy seemed more able to adapt than she did, Rose thought ruefully.

Once they were home they found Arabella waiting for them in the hall. ‘Come and see if you like your bouquet,’ she said to Rose. ‘The head gardener only brought it to the house with Betsy’s little posy a few minutes ago. Oh, and something was delivered for you this afternoon, my dear.’ Turning to Alexander, she added, ‘Your father is waiting in the drawing room. He said to tell you it is the only place where there is a little peace in what has become a madhouse, and he wondered if you would like a quiet drink with him?’