‘I won’t.’ And it was true, she didn’t intend to. She had lived so long with the threat of Nathaniel in the background that once the shock of seeing him again had receded, she had determined she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of ruining their day – and in a strange way the dead rose had only strengthened her resolve. Besides which, the spectre of Nathaniel was nothing compared to her fears that she wouldn’t be all Alexander deserved her to be on their wedding night. Even his father’s obvious reserve about her didn’t worry her any more; she had Arabella’s support and that was more important. She reached and kissed Alexander hard on the lips, and as he responded, she thought, it will be all right. Everything will be all right. This is Alexander and I love him.

And it had been all right, more than all right. Rose lay entwined in Alexander’s arms, listening to his breathing as he slept, her heart full of thankfulness.

The service at the church and the wedding breakfast at the Hall had passed without a hitch, and she would never forget the look of wonder on Alexander’s face when he had turned and seen her walking down the aisle on Frank’s arm. It had brought all the women’s handkerchiefs fluttering. It had been a happy day, surrounded by family and friends, real friends, and although Amy and the others had been overwhelmed by the splendour of Highfield Hall, they had enjoyed themselves. Betsy and the other children had had a wonderful time and Betsy had stolen the show in her bridesmaid’s dress and sparkly shoes.

William and Arabella had made everyone welcome, pressing all their guests to stay for an evening buffet which had been held in the grounds of the house, much to the delight of the children who had run wild after being on their best behaviour.

And later, when all the guests but Lawrence and Estelle and family had departed, Rose and Alexander had put Betsy to bed in the child’s new rooms which Arabella had organized. They held everything a little girl could possibly want, right down to a magnificent life-size rocking horse which Betsy immediately christened King, saying she now had a king and queen as pets. Alexander had read her the bedtime story, and once she was settled with Queenie purring in her basket on the floor beside the bed, they had gone to Alexander’s suite, which was now Rose’s too.