He crossed the floor, leaning heavily on his stick. ‘I thought I could control my feelings for you, Rosie, but I can’t get you out of my head or my heart. I expected to be posted to the Crimea, but Colonel Munday thinks I’ll be given a desk job in the War Office, at least until my leg is properly healed. A lame soldier is not much use when it comes to a fight.’

‘You know there can never be anything between us, Alex. Anyway, if you get the job you’ll be in London, miles away from Rockwood.’

‘My interview is later this morning, but I wanted to come and tell you about it first. I was afraid you might make a bolt for it, and catch the first train to Devon.’

‘I was tempted, but Mama wants Patsy and me to see her performance tonight.’

‘You could stay for a few days. It would be quite proper for you to meet Bertie for luncheon or a trip to the Zoological Gardens.’ He reached out to take her hand in his. ‘I promise not to say anything that will make you unhappy. It will be enough just to be with you one last time, because I will get posted eventually, and we might never see each other again.’

‘Alex, you’re making this so hard for me.’

He smiled and squeezed her fingers. ‘I know, and I’m pressing home my advantage because I think you want to be with me, too.’

‘You haven’t said anything to Bertie, have you?’

‘No, of course not. I know there’s no chance for me, Rosie. I know I’ve said it before, but I should have carried you off before my brother snapped you up. I made the biggest mistake of my life then and I will pay for it for as long as I have left on this earth.’

She raised his hand to her cheek. ‘Don’t say things like that. You’ll break my heart.’

‘Never! I’d die first, Rosie. I’m not a cad. All I want is a few days in your company, as we had in France. I think those were the happiest days of my life.’

‘If I say I’ll stay until tomorrow at least, will you go now? I don’t want Patsy to find you here.’

‘All right. I’ll leave, but if Bertie invites you to join him for any reason, please accept. I promise to behave like an officer and a gentleman.’ He kissed her hand and released it with obvious reluctance.

Rosalind nodded, biting back the tears that threatened to overcome her. ‘All right, I will. Now go, please.’