‘Pedrick had matters in hand. It was just a case of checking the books and going over a few things with him. I missed you too much to stay away for long, sweetheart.’

‘That’s so nice, Piers. Sometimes I think I come second to that wretched clay mine.’

‘We must remedy that.’

They walked side by side into the entrance hall where Rosalind took off her cape and handed it to Jarvis.

‘Welcome home, ma’am.’

‘Thank you, Jarvis, but I’ve only been away for a few days.’

He stood stiffly to attention. ‘You were missed, ma’am.’

‘Oh dear,’ Rosalind said, laughing. ‘That sounds ominous. I hope the children weren’t naughty.’

Jarvis rolled his eyes. ‘Not exactly, ma’am.’

‘I’ll ask Hester. She’ll tell me everything.’ Rosalind smiled up at Piers. ‘I’m glad you’re here.’

‘Where else would I be? I realise that I’ve neglected you, Rosie. All that will change from now on. We’ll be a proper family and I’ll be here to see that my son grows up to be the sort of man I wish him to be.’ Piers came to a sudden halt. ‘I was hoping that Alex might have accompanied you. Aurelia told me that he was thinking of taking a position at the War Office until his leg heals well enough for him to rejoin his regiment.’

‘Does he write to Aurelia?’

‘I think she corresponds with Alex on a fairly regular basis, and occasionally he replies. Did you see him in London?’

‘Briefly. I think he’s very busy now.’ Rosalind turned away. ‘Where’s Hester? I need to see her and find out what’s been happening in my absence.’

‘Yes, I’ve met your latest protégé. Poor boy, he’s certainly been through a hard time. I hope he’s the last of your charity cases, Rosie. You have enough to do with everything else, and you should rest as much as possible. In fact I’m going to make sure that you don’t overdo things. I’ll be a model husband from now on.’

Bertie came up behind them. ‘That’s what I like to hear. My sister deserves the best.’

‘And I will make sure that she doesn’t work herself to the bone for the people who depend upon her.’

Rosalind met his fond gaze with a worried glance. ‘Perhaps I have put Rockwood first. If you really wish it I will make Trevenor my home.’

Piers kissed her gently on the lips. ‘I wouldn’t want to tear you away from the place you love most in the world. Besides which, I can’t imagine Grandmama taking kindly to having another woman taking charge. I couldn’t cope with two unhappy women in my life.’

‘Sensible fellow,’ Bertie said, chuckling. ‘How do you feel about a day’s fishing, Piers? We could hire one of the fishermen to take us out into the bay.’