‘I’d be quite happy with a pot of coffee and some toast, Dawson. Don’t go to any trouble on my behalf.’

‘It’s no trouble, ma’am.’ Dawson gave her a sideways glance. ‘Would a boiled egg be acceptable?’

‘It would, thank you.’

Dawson nodded and hurried off in the direction of the green baize door that separated the servants’ quarters from the residents above stairs.

When she had finished breakfast, Rosalind went to the morning parlour. There was still no sign of her mother and Claude, and she suspected that Patsy would sleep until midday. As Dawson had said, there was a fire blazing away in the grate and the morning room was awash with spring sunshine. Rosalind tried to settle down to read a copy of The Times, but she could not concentrate, and in the end she rose to her feet and crossed the floor to stand by one of the tall windows. People were hurrying about their business, and horse-drawn vehicles jostled for position in the crowded street. It was all so different from the peace and solitude of Rockwood that it took her breath away. It would have been wonderful to spend a few days in London, visiting the art galleries and museums, or simply walking down to the river to watch the ships unloading at the wharfs. She would have loved to spend time with Bertie, but after meeting Alex the previous evening she knew that the sensible thing to do would be to return to Devon as quickly as possible. Mama would expect them both to attend the opera that evening, but Rosalind made up her mind to leave for home first thing in the morning. She turned with a start at the sound of a faint knock on the door.

‘Come in.’

Dawson opened the door but Alexander strode into the room before she had a chance to announce him.

‘I’m sorry, ma’am – the gentleman—’

‘My apologies.’ Alex treated her to a disarming smile. ‘I’m an old friend. Aren’t I, Rosie?’

Rosalind clutched the back of a chair as the familiar faintness threatened to overcome her, but she forced herself to sound casual. ‘Thank you, Dawson. Captain Blanchard is my brother-in-law. That will be all.’

‘Yes, ma’am.’ Dawson fluttered her eyelashes as she shot a coy look in Alexander’s direction and she closed the door.

‘You shouldn’t be here, Alex,’ Rosalind said breathlessly.

‘I doubt if anyone could find fault with your brother-in-law calling on you, even if it is a trifle early in the morning.’

‘Why did you come when I expressly asked you to stay away?’