Rosalind sank down on the sofa. ‘I’m not giving in to that brute. I don’t care what Trimble says, I’m not giving Tommy into his care.’

Chapter Fifteen

Tommy was obviously terrified of Trimble and it took Rosalind an hour or more to comfort him. She promised that she would never allow anyone to take him away from them, but he was still tearful. Even a large slice of Mrs Jackson’s feathery light sponge cake could not completely convince him that he was safe from the man who had made his young life a misery. Rosalind gave orders for everyone to be on the lookout for Trimble and they were instructed to refuse him entry should he return, although she knew that she had not seen the last of him. Trimble had sensed money and he was unlikely to give up easily.

Next morning Rosalind reassured Tommy yet again, but she made him promise not to venture far from the castle, and the woods were definitely out of bounds for the foreseeable future. She repeated this to Nancy, who gave her word that she would keep Tommy out of trouble, but Rosalind knew that it was not going to be so easy. It was only a matter of time before Trimble turned up again.

The following day she happened to be looking out of the oriel window above the front entrance when she saw two people riding a cart horse. The poor animal looked as though it should have been pensioned off years ago, and it was no surprise to see Trimble holding the reins. She could only assume that the woman must be Tommy’s mother, and her heart sank. It would be hard for the child to go against both parents, and if his mother became distraught Tommy might be persuaded to return home. Rosalind had just come from the schoolroom where Nancy and Tommy were busy with their lessons, so she knew they were safe for at least another hour, and she was more determined than ever to stand up to Trimble’s bullying tactics. She hurried downstairs and went outside where she was met by an enthusiastic Bob, who seemed to think she had come to take him for a walk. ‘Down, boy,’ Rosalind said firmly. She came to a standstill with Jarvis hovering anxiously in the background.

‘Shall I send for Gurney and one of the grooms, ma’am?’

‘Not yet, Jarvis. I’ll see if I can reason with the fellow first, and it looks as if he’s brought his wife with him. Let’s hope she’s more reasonable than he is.’

Rosalind waited until Trimble had dismounted, leaving his wife to slither to the cobbled yard without any assistance. ‘Well, what is it today, Mr Trimble? I can save you time by telling you that I haven’t changed my mind. Tommy stays here.’