Rosalind hurried to the entrance hall, but as Jarvis opened the front door she came to a sudden halt as she saw Piers alight from the carriage, followed by Patsy, who rushed past him and flew into the hall as if carried by the mad March wind.

‘Patsy, I wondered if you’d come home,’ Rosalind said warily.

‘What choice did I have when Alexander turned up unexpectedly? I could have died, Rosie. You should have kept him here until he was fit enough to return to his regiment.’

‘Alex is a grown man. He does as he pleases and he wanted to return to Trevenor, which is his home, after all.’ Rosalind turned slowly to face Piers. ‘You look well. The Cornish air seems to have done you good.’

He kissed her briefly on the lips. ‘You’re very pale. Could it be that you’ve missed me?’

She managed a smile. ‘Of course I have. Anyway, don’t let’s stand about in the draughty hall. Come to the morning parlour where it’s nice and warm and I’ll send for some refreshments.’

Patricia peeled off her fur-lined cape and handed it to Jarvis. ‘For goodness’ sake, Rosie. You sound as if you’re speaking to a stranger. Surely you want to give Piers a proper welcome home.’

Rosalind met Piers’ amused look and she laughed. ‘All in good time, Patsy. Let’s get you both settled and you can tell me everything that’s been happening at Trevenor.’

‘Well, I was having a splendid time with Aurelia until Alex arrived, and then it was very awkward. I can’t imagine why I thought we were well suited.’

‘My brother has a way with women,’ Piers said drily. ‘But I don’t think he’ll ever settle down to be a good husband.’

‘Now you’re being tedious, Piers,’ Patricia said, tossing her head. ‘We’ve talked about this all the way from Cornwall and I, for one, have had quite enough on that subject.’

Rosalind had no intention of getting involved in a conversation where Alex was the main topic and she hurried on ahead. She entered the morning parlour to find Nancy seated on the floor, studying the reading primer that Rosalind had come across in the old schoolroom. Nancy leaped to her feet when she saw Patricia.

‘I’m sorry, missis. Shall I go now?’

Rosalind took her by the hand. ‘No, it’s quite all right, Nancy. This is my sister, Patricia, and the gentleman is my husband, Mr Blanchard.’

‘Who is this?’ Patricia demanded, eyeing Nancy up and down.

‘Nancy has come to live with us,’ Rosalind said firmly. ‘She was far too young to be put to work at the vicarage and they were going to send her back to the orphanage.’

‘So you stepped in and brought her here.’ Piers smiled down at Nancy. ‘You’re very welcome. I’m sure my wife has great plans for you.’