Rose sensed what her future father-in-law was thinking. She had only told Alexander about her suspicions regarding the part Nathaniel had had in Davey’s death, and they’d agreed to keep silent about it in case it worried his mother. But the time for that was past. They needed to know what they might be dealing with now she was living with them. Taking a deep breath, she said, ‘I think it is only right that I tell you something. We didn’t want to worry you but we believe now that was a mistake. I think Nathaniel murdered my first husband.’

There was a sharp intake of breath from Arabella, and William sat up straighter.

‘The accident at the works when Davey fell – it was just him and Nathaniel present. In the days following, Nathaniel made it clear he wanted to take Davey’s place and that was the reason I left Sunderland. I didn’t suspect this at the time or else I’d have gone to the shipyard or the police while everything was still fresh, but something Nathaniel said when he came to the bakery makes me sure he was behind Davey’s supposed accident. Of course, it is too late to prove anything even if it had been possible back then.’

Arabella had gone white. ‘Might he attack Alexander?’

‘If he attempted to do so he would get the worst of it.’ Alexander’s voice was grim. ‘But I think it is Rose he is after. That is why I insisted she come here.’

‘I see.’ William stared at Rose. ‘I have to ask this. Did you lead this fellow to believe, even by default, that he had a chance with you?’

Rose pressed Alexander’s hand when he would have leaped to her defence. Her voice firm, she said, ‘No, I did not.’

‘Then what led him to believe . . .’

‘I don’t know. He was Davey’s best friend, they’d been inseparable from childhood and Davey loved him like a brother. Nathaniel was best man at our wedding and a frequent visitor to the house but I never liked him. There was always something about him I couldn’t put my finger on.’

‘Probably the fact that the man’s unhinged,’ Alexander growled.

‘And he never made overtures to you when your husband was alive?’

‘No, not really. As I say there was always something that unsettled me, the occasional look and things like that, but no, he didn’t try anything and of course Davey was oblivious to how Nathaniel felt. I am sure of that.’

Alexander was glaring at his father and his voice was acidic when he said, ‘Satisfied? Or would you like me to see if there’s a pair of thumbscrews in the house so you can continue your interrogation?’