‘I might just take you up on that.’ Piers glanced at Rosalind with raised eyebrows. ‘Would you mind if we deserted you for a whole day?’

She laughed. ‘I think I can manage to fill my time. Go with Bertie and enjoy a day on the water.’

‘That’s settled then.’ Bertie turned to Walter. ‘What about you, brother? Would you like to come fishing with us?’

Walter shook his head. ‘I have some studying to do. Anyway, you know I’m not much of a fisherman. I don’t like killing the poor creatures.’

‘But you don’t mind eating what I catch.’ Bertie slapped him on the back. ‘It’s all right, Walter. You do whatever makes you happy. One day you’ll eclipse us all.’

‘I’m going to find Hester.’ Rosalind left her brothers and Piers chatting amicably as they made their way to the drawing room, and she headed for Hester’s parlour.

‘Nancy told me you’d arrived,’ Hester said, smiling. ‘Come and sit down and tell me all about London.’

‘When did Piers come home? I wasn’t expecting him so soon.’

‘He’s concerned for your welfare, Rosie. That man really loves you, even if he doesn’t always show it.’ Hester gave her a long look.

‘Yes, I know he does and I love him, too. Everything will be different now.’

‘You’ve seen Alexander?’

There was no hiding anything from Hester, and Rosalind nodded. It was a relief to talk to someone who knew everything, even if she could be rather judgemental at times. ‘Yes, I did, but I’m putting all that behind me now.’

‘Did you tell him about the baby?’

‘Yes, he knows. He also knows that I love Piers. It’s hard because I love them both, but that’s as far as it goes. Alex understands that now, even if it hurts.’

‘You’re bound to meet from time to time, Rosie.’

‘I hope it will get easier. It has to.’ Rosalind went to sit beside Hester on the sofa and laid her head on Hester’s ample shoulder. ‘I knew you’d understand.’

‘I do, of course. I’ve practically raised you, Rosie, and I don’t want to see you get hurt any more than you are now. You’ve done the right thing.’

‘Yes, I know, but that doesn’t make it any easier.’

‘I’m here to help you, and you won’t have time to brood over what might have been after the little one arrives. There are so many people who depend upon you, poppet. You are the heart of Rockwood. Never forget that.’

Chapter Fourteen