‘Don’t be ridiculous, Rosie. He’s going to take holy orders when he finishes at Oxford. Can you imagine me as a vicar’s wife? I think not.’

‘I’m sure you’d get on well with his mother. Glorina lives up to her Romany ancestry. She’s always causing a stir in the village.’

‘That’s true, but the squire simply adores her, according to Christina. Anyway, she is welcome to have Glorina Cottingham as a mother-in-law. I intend to aim higher than a squire’s son. I want to marry a really wealthy man who will take me touring on the Continent, and lavish expensive presents on me. I don’t fancy standing in church handing out musty prayer books like Mrs Shaw and poor Louise, who is definitely on the shelf.’

‘So you think you’ll meet this person in London?’

‘Of course. At least I’ll have a much better chance there than here at Rockwood, and you know what I told you about the curse on this place. All the Rockwood brides have been deserted or widowed, or have had unhappy unions. Alex might have married me, but for the Rockwood curse.’

‘You broke off your engagement, Patsy.’

‘Only because I knew his heart wasn’t in it. Aurelia agrees with me. She said it was the right thing to do.’

‘I see.’ Rosalind eyed her thoughtfully. ‘Does Mama know you plan to join them?’

‘She invited me after the wedding. Claude had booked her for a whole season at the Royal Opera House, and they’re renting a residence not too far from the theatre. I’m leaving tomorrow, Rosie.’

‘So soon?’

‘Yes, but I need someone to chaperone me on the journey.’

‘I don’t think Hester would be very keen. She doesn’t like London.’

‘I wasn’t thinking of Hester. I thought you might be ready for a break from Rockwood for a few days.’

‘Me? But I have too much to do here, and I need to make sure that Nancy and Tommy are looked after.’

‘That’s just an excuse. Surely your sister’s wellbeing is more important? What would Mama say if I travelled on my own?’

‘But it would mean I’d have to return to Devon without anyone to accompany me.’

‘You’re a married woman, Rosie. You can do what you like.’

‘Really?’ Rosalind laughed. ‘If that’s what you think you’ll find the married state quite a disappointment.’

‘You like saying these things, but seriously, Rosie, please will you come with me? I’ll get lost in London on my own. You can return to your precious Rockwood the day after we get there if you’re homesick. I just thought it would do you good to get away for a while.’