‘Who gave you the order to evict this poor woman and her children?’

‘I did.’ Ralph Lambert strode out of the cottage, clutching his riding whip in his hand. ‘I should have told you, Mrs Blanchard. But this woman is more often than not a late payer. This time she owes two months’ rent.’

‘You should have checked with me first, Mr Lambert,’ Rosalind said icily. ‘You gave the order and now you can cancel it. Tell that man to put everything back as it was.’

‘I can’t do that, ma’am. An official order has gone out. Mrs Madge is no longer your tenant.’

‘Tell your man to replace everything, Lambert. I won’t say it again. Mrs Madge will pay as and when she is able. You will not evict anyone in future without consulting me.’

‘With all due respect, ma’am, it was Mr Blanchard who hired me. I answer to him.’

‘Rockwood Castle belongs to the Carey family, Mr Lambert. I was a Carey before I married Mr Blanchard, and I am my brother’s representative when it comes to matters concerning the estate. You will do as I say or you will be looking for another position.’

Eliza Madge hurried to Rosalind’s side. ‘Don’t get yourself upset over us, ma’am. I’ve been in your condition eight times in all and it don’t do to get in a state. That’s how I lost two of my babies.’

‘I am quite all right, thank you, Mrs Madge.’ Rosalind gave her a reassuring smile. ‘Mr Lambert, you will do as I say immediately or suffer the consequences.’

He slapped his riding crop against his leg and a muscle in his jaw twitched, but he nodded to the bailiff. ‘You heard what the lady said. Put everything back where you found it.’ He strode over to Rosalind, towering over her, his handsome features controlled with an obvious effort.

‘I will do as you say, Mrs Blanchard, but I will write a full report for your husband.’

‘I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Mr Lambert. My husband will stand by what I’ve just said. If you don’t wish to take orders from a woman I suggest you hand in your notice and find another job.’

His nostrils flared but he said nothing and turned away. ‘Hurry, man. Do as I say.’

Rosalind knew she had made an enemy, but she did not care. Lambert would find that she was not the soft little woman he had taken her to be. She could give orders just like her late grandfather, Vice-Admiral Sir Lucius Carey, baronet. She might not have inherited the land and title, but centuries of ownership of Rockwood were in her blood.

She turned to Tilly and hugged her. ‘You can have the rest of the day off to help your ma get everything straight.’