‘Oh, it’s not the first time I’ve killed for you, but then you know that, Rose. After the first time’ – he shrugged –‘it’s easy. He was just a tramp, a nobody. No one will miss him. The hard part was making sure I stayed alive long enough for this day, but all good things come to him who waits, isn’t that what they say? And so I dodged the bullets and the shells – not an easy task, as the good major found out – and waited for my first leave as Private Robert Fletcher, and what did I find? You an’ him doing your lord and lady of the manor act for the poor peasants. Very touching.’

Alexander put his arm round Rose and in so doing shielded Betsy even more. ‘You don’t have to do this.’ He had seen the slightest of movements from the valet who was lying at the side of the road. If Hammond was still alive and if he could get to his feet without Nathaniel turning round, there was the faint possibility that between them they could take the man. It was Rose and Betsy’s only chance. He needed to keep him talking.

‘On the contrary, Major. It’s something I should have done a long time ago.’

‘What has Rose ever done to you, or Betsy for that matter? Kill me but let them live.’

‘That’s very kind of you and exactly what I shall be doing in a few moments. You’ll go first and they’ll live a little longer. Rose’s first wound won’t kill her. I want her to see what happens to her daughter first, but once I’ve finished with Betsy, Rose will join you both. As for what she’s done to me’ – his voice had risen higher and for the first time Alexander saw madness in his eyes – ‘you have no idea.’

Alexander saw that Hammond was on his knees now. ‘No? Then tell me. I’m all ears.’

Betsy was sobbing, quiet, choked sobs, and Rose turned slightly to say, ‘It’s all right, hinny. It will be all right,’ which seemed to enrage Nathaniel.

‘Don’t tell her that, tell her the truth,’ he ground out.

Rose swung back to face him, ‘You’re an animal,’ she said, coldly and very clearly. ‘A filthy, dirty animal, scum of the earth. Davey trusted you – you were his best friend and he would have done anything for you – and however clever you think you’ve been, now you will pay for this at the end of a rope.’

‘That’s enough.’

She had taken a step towards him and as Nathaniel involuntarily retreated, he said again, ‘That’s enough, stay where you are or so help me I’ll blast you to hell.’