Felicia’s smile froze. ‘Don’t say that where anyone might hear you. I doubt if my huge following of admirers would believe it anyway, but my rivals would broadcast it to the world. How could you do this to me, Rosie? I’m far too young to be a grandparent.’

‘I won’t be here long enough to embarrass you, Mama,’ Rosalind said calmly. Her mother’s reaction was exactly as she had expected, but it still hurt.

‘Don’t worry, Mama.’ Patricia leaned over to pat her mother’s hand. ‘No one will believe it, and those who do will imagine that you must have been a child bride.’

‘Thank you, darling. You always say the right thing.’ Felicia turned to Rosalind with a half-smile. ‘Congratulations, of course. I’m sure that Piers is delighted, especially after waiting so long for a son and heir.’

Rosalind was trying to think of a suitable response when the door opened and Claude breezed into the room, followed by Dawson, carrying a laden tea tray.

‘Rosalind, my dear. How lovely you look.’ Claude kissed her on the cheek. ‘And Patsy, how are you? Have you forgiven us for stealing your wedding day?’

‘That’s not funny, Claude.’ Felicia turned to Dawson. ‘Put the small tea table in front of Miss Rosalind, or should I say Mrs Blanchard, especially now.’

Dawson did as she was asked and left the room quietly.

‘You did me a favour, Claude,’ Patricia said airily. ‘I was never meant to marry Alexander. I hope to meet someone far more suited to my taste and temperament, maybe while I’m in London. I hope you know plenty of eligible bachelors.’

‘I’m sure I can find one or two.’ Claude eyed Rosalind curiously. ‘Piers didn’t accompany you to London?’

‘He is away in Cornwall.’ Rosalind filled a cup with tea and handed it to him. ‘I’m only staying for a day or two, Claude. I have so much to do at home.’

‘Rosie has taken it into her head to adopt orphans,’ Patricia said, smiling.

‘Don’t exaggerate, Patsy. I haven’t adopted them. Nancy is a small girl who was working as a servant in the village and about to be handed back to the orphanage like an unwanted parcel. The other is a young climbing boy who was being ill-treated by his master.’

‘Well done, I say.’ Claude beamed at her. ‘You always were a kind-hearted young woman, my dear. Piers is a lucky man to have snapped you up.’

‘My sister is keen to fill the nursery, Claude,’ Patricia added. ‘Soon the castle will be filled with little replicas of Piers.’

‘I think we’ve exhausted that topic of conversation,’ Felicia said before Claude had a chance to speak. ‘I have to be in the theatre in half an hour. Claude and I have a later supper after the performance, but you girls might like to eat earlier.’