‘Where is my brother? Why did he allow you to travel to London in your condition? If you were my wife I wouldn’t let you out of my sight if you were carrying our child.’

‘It’s not his fault. Patsy wanted a chaperone and I agreed to come with her. Piers is in Cornwall.’

Alex grasped both her hands in his. ‘He should be taking care of you. Leave him. Come with me and I’ll bring up the child as if it were my own. I mean, we shared a bed once in the château …’

Rosalind held up her hand. ‘Don’t, Alex. You know nothing happened between us. Don’t ruin my marriage because of hurt pride.’

‘As if I would. But you know you feel the same as I do.’

‘Alex, please …’

‘No, I won’t just give in and go away so that we can conform to the standards set by others. Tell me you love me.’

Rosalind glanced over his shoulder. ‘Bertie has come looking for us. Don’t say anything more, please.’

‘Are you all right, Rosie?’ Bertie hurried up to them, his face creased into lines of concern. ‘Do you want to go back to Bedford Street?’

‘I’ll take you if you do,’ Alexander said hastily.

‘No, thank you both, but I feel all right now. I expect my soup will be cold,’ she added in an attempt to lighten the mood.

‘They’ll have plenty more in the kitchen.’ Bertie proffered his arm. ‘I was getting worried. Are you sure you aren’t sickening for something?’

Rosalind managed a smile as she tucked her hand in the crook of her brother’s arm. ‘It’s normal in my condition, Bertie. You’re going to be an uncle in the autumn.’

‘No! Really?’ Bertie kissed her on the cheek. ‘Why didn’t you tell us before? This is wonderful news, isn’t it, Alex?’

‘Yes, of course.’ Alex hesitated. ‘You two go on in. I’ve just remembered that I have to see someone at the War Office. It’s about my appointment so I should hurry. I’m sorry, I’ll have to leave right away.’ He stepped into the road to hail a cab and leaped on board, barely waiting for the cabby to draw his horse to a standstill.

‘He’s forgotten his hat and cane,’ Bertie said drily. ‘That’s so typical. I know for a fact that he had his interview this morning. You may depend there’s a woman involved, Rosie.’

‘Why do you say that?’

‘There always is. Alex has a reputation in the regiment for being a ladies’ man. I think Patsy had a lucky escape.’ Bertie gave her a searching look. ‘You’re shivering, Rosie. Let’s get you inside. A hot meal is what you need and then I’ll see you safely back to Bedford Street.’