She smiled reluctantly. ‘No, of course not. It was just that he came racing towards us before I’d even knocked on Meggie’s door. His master is a dreadful man.’

‘I’m sure you’re right, but we can’t rescue all the poor little orphans and sweep’s boys.’

‘Of course not, but Tommy is special.’

Piers leaned over and kissed her on the lips. ‘If you want him to stay then that’s what will happen, Rosie. But you shouldn’t have got into an altercation with the sweep, especially in your condition.’

‘I’m not ill, Piers. Women have been having babies since the beginning of time.’

‘Yes, maybe so, but I’m concerned for you and our child. From now on I want you to take Hester with you when you go out, or one of the maids, and I don’t want you riding your horse either. You must take the chaise or, better still, Gurney should drive you in the barouche.’

‘Piers, you’re worrying unnecessarily. I’m young and healthy and I know how to look after myself and my baby.’

‘We’ve hoped for this event for two years or more, my love. I can’t wait to introduce my son to the world. He’ll carry on the business and make it even more successful. The future of Blanchard Clay is assured.’

Rosalind shook her head. ‘Oh, Piers. Do you never think of anything else?’

‘Of course I do, Rosie. I’m thinking about you all the time. By the way, talking of the mine, I really will have to travel to Cornwall in the next day or so. I need to keep any eye on things. You don’t mind, do you?’

Chapter Twelve

Piers left for Trevenor early next morning, and when Rosalind went down to breakfast she found Hester already at the table.

‘You’re up early, Hester.’ Rosalind helped herself to a small portion of buttered eggs.

‘I kept Tommy in my room last night, which was a mistake. That poor boy was moaning in his sleep and crying out for his mother. That man Hodges should be horsewhipped for treating children like that.’

‘I’m afraid it will go on until the government enforce the Act making it illegal for young children to climb chimneys. I think I’ll take it up with Sir Michael when I next see him – not that it will do any good.’

‘You can but try. In the meantime what are we going to do with the young fellow? I’ve sent him to the kitchen to be fed, but he’s neither a member of the family nor is he a servant. You need to decide which it’s to be.’

‘I’ve been thinking about it and I’ve decided to use the old schoolroom. I’m going to give Nancy and Tommy lessons myself.’