‘No! I don’t believe it. Surely we would have heard if the worst had happened?’

Claude fingered his waxed moustache nervously and lowered his voice. ‘From what I’ve read I’m afraid it doesn’t look good, my dear.’

Chapter Two

‘Don’t say anything to Patsy,’ Rosalind said urgently. ‘That is their regiment but it doesn’t necessarily mean that Alex and Bertie were on that particular vessel.’

‘It doesn’t say how many survived, or even the number of injured.’

Rosalind leaned over to read the small print. ‘But the soldiers and crew were taken to Brest – that’s in northern France, isn’t it? Someone in charge must have the list of casualties.’

‘I imagine that the army will notify next of kin.’

‘Don’t say that, Claude. It makes my blood run cold to think about it.’

‘We know nothing for certain.’ Claude glanced out of the window. ‘If this weather continues I don’t think anyone will be travelling very far. I think postponement is going to be the only answer.’

‘I won’t rest until I know they are safe.’

‘What are you two whispering about?’ Felicia demanded.

‘We were talking about the weather, Mama,’ Rosalind said hastily. ‘I hope it stops snowing soon or it will make travelling very hazardous, if not impossible.’

‘What are you saying?’ Patricia jumped to her feet. ‘Alex will make it, even if he has to dig his way through snowdrifts.’

‘Of course he will,’ Rosalind said firmly. ‘He has Bertie to help him, too.’

‘You don’t think the adverse weather will prevent our guests from coming, do you, Rosie?’ Patricia clasped her hands together, her eyes magnified by tears.

‘Of course not.’ Rosalind made an effort to sound convincing. ‘Can you imagine anything that would keep Lady Pentelow and Aurelia away?’

‘No, I suppose you’re right. Mama and Claude made it here.’ Patricia sank back onto her chair with a sigh.

‘I wouldn’t miss your wedding for anything, my love.’ Felicia reached for the decanter and poured a generous measure of whisky into her tea. ‘This is purely medicinal, so don’t look like that, Claude. I’d almost forgotten how cold this ancient pile can be in the winter. It’s a wonder that Sir Lucius lived to such a grand old age.’ Her smile faded. ‘Where is Hester, by the way? I hope she won’t presume on the fact that my late father-in-law chose to make an honest woman of her.’

‘Hester took great care of him in his last few months, Mama.’ Rosalind handed the newspaper back to Claude. ‘However, she is very conscious of your feelings and she has decided to keep her distance during your stay.’