William stared at the young woman he had come to like and even admire over the last couple of years. If he was being absolutely truthful he still wished Alexander had married one of their kind, but nevertheless his son could have done a lot worse than Rose. ‘That is ridiculous, Rose, and you should dismiss such a thought from your mind. There is only one person to blame for this and that is this fellow Nathaniel. I agree with old Stubbs, he’s a madman but clearly a resourceful one. I shall have enquiries made as to his whereabouts. I should have done it when you first mentioned the wretch but I suppose I hoped he would disappear once you were married to Alexander. Obviously not.’

She stared at him helplessly.

‘Now I don’t want you worrying about this. He clearly wants to intimidate us and in that he will not succeed. When I find out where he is residing I shall put the fear of God in him regarding this latest outrage. I have friends in high places in the police force and if the man’s liberty is put in jeopardy no doubt he will think twice in the future.’

‘But we can’t prove anything.’

William smiled. ‘Let’s just say intimidation can work both ways, m’dear. The fellow is a scoundrel but not a fool and the police can be most persuasive when they want to be. In the meantime there are a couple of chaps I know from way back, gamekeepers who are retired now but still active enough. I shall get them to patrol the grounds at night from now on. I’m sure they could use the money and there will be men they can use if they are incapacitated. You and my grandchildren will be safe, you can count on that.’

Rose made no comment to this because of a sudden it seemed that all her strength was draining out of her. She did not feel the need to cry, but a great need to sleep. The shock of the gardener’s revelation and Nathaniel’s audacity coming on top of the birth of the twins and the heightened emotions of Alexander being at home and then leaving again had taken their toll, just how much she hadn’t realized until this moment in time. She was tired, tired of being in a state of anxiety and worrying about Betsy if her daughter was out of her sight. Nathaniel had killed Davey, she was sure of it, and that meant he was capable of anything.

She sat back in the chair and let a long-drawn breath out before she said, ‘He is dangerous.’

‘He is a good-for-nothing and a coward to boot. To hound a woman as he has hounded you is unforgivable. Now you are looking pale, m’dear, and I insist you retire to your quarters and rest. I have everything in hand, please believe me.’