The rest of the day passed in a haze. Rosalind was exhausted by the tumultuous emotions that her meeting with Alex had created, and her one desire was to leave London and return to the security of Rockwood Castle. Bertie had said that Alex was a flirt, and that was true, but she knew that what they shared had been real. Their brief time in the Château Gris was theirs for ever and no one could take that away from them. Her feelings for him would have to be buried deep within her soul, never to resurface, and she would devote herself to her husband and her child.

It was fortunate that Patricia had enjoyed a triumphant first day at the rehearsal and had been offered a part in the chorus. She was bubbling over with excitement and Felicia seemed delighted, although Rosalind detected a hint of resentment. Neither of her daughters must be allowed to outshine the leading lady, and as usual, Rosalind found herself pushed firmly into the background. Felicia de Marney was not going to broadcast the fact that she would soon become a grandmother, and Patricia was living in a romantic dream all her own. The only person who took notice of the fact that Rosalind announced she would be leaving next morning for Devon was Bertie.

‘You can’t travel on your own, Rosie. What would you do if you felt faint during the train journey? I’ll come with you. I suppose I should put in an appearance at the old ruin now and again.’

‘It is your home, Bertie.’

He shrugged. ‘It’s yours for as long as it pleases you to stay. Colonel Munday told me in confidence that we will be embarking for the Crimea very soon. Heaven alone knows when I’ll return.’

‘Then we’ll leave tomorrow morning, if that’s all right with you, Bertie.’

‘What are you two talking about?’ Patricia demanded crossly. ‘We’re off to the theatre to get ready for tonight’s performance. I’m just walking on to start with, but when I’ve mastered the libretto I will join the rest of the cast. Isn’t it exciting?’

‘Yes, I’m thrilled for you, Patsy,’ Rosalind said earnestly. ‘We’ll watch you from the stalls. Good luck.’

‘I won’t need it. The intendant says I have great talent, just like Mama. Although to tell the truth,’ Patricia lowered her voice, glancing surreptitiously over her shoulder, ‘I think she is a bit worried that I might one day steal the limelight. Isn’t that amusing?’

‘Very,’ Bertie said drily. ‘I wouldn’t care to be in your shoes then, Patsy.’

‘I can take care of myself. When I’m famous and Alexander wants to associate with me I’ll snap my fingers in his face and walk away. Make certain you don’t include him in any of the festivities at Rockwood that I might attend, Rosie. Now I must fly.’