‘I’m sure that’s not true, Sylvia.’ Sir Michael strolled over to the elegant Adam fireplace and tugged at the bell pull. ‘It’s a pleasure to see you, Mrs Blanchard, but might I ask if there’s a reason for your visit?’

Rosalind smiled. ‘Sir Michael, we’ve known each other for many years. There’s no need for formality, please call me Rosalind.’

‘Of course, but you haven’t answered my question, or is this a purely social call?’

‘It is, but there is also a reason for my coming here today. You might know that I have taken in two orphans.’

‘Yes, I have heard something of the sort.’

‘Well, one of them, who was being sent up chimneys and in danger of being burned alive or suffocated, or worse, is apparently the son of a woman who used to work here as a chambermaid.’

Sylvia sat on the edge of her seat, her eyes wide with interest. ‘Really? Would I know her?’

‘Sarah or Sally Farthing. She was here ten or eleven years ago.’

‘I would have been seven or eight then. I don’t think I remember her.’

‘The name is vaguely familiar,’ Sir Michael said slowly. ‘Is there a reason for this sudden interest?’

‘I’m wondering if Tommy has any family left in the area. He’s settling in nicely at Rockwood, but he might have relatives who would want to adopt him. What sort of girl was Sally?’

Sir Michael frowned. ‘If I recall rightly she was very young. A pleasant enough girl, eager to learn and to do her job well. But my housekeeper, Mrs Hardwick, would know more about her.’ He turned his head at the sound of a knock on the door and a maid entered. ‘Ivy, please bring a jug of lemonade and two glasses. I’ll have coffee and perhaps Cook has made cake.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Ivy bobbed a curtsey.

‘And send Mrs Hardwick to me. Thank you, Ivy.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Ivy curtsied again and left the room.

‘I haven’t seen Christina for a while,’ Rosalind said conversationally. ‘Is she well?’

‘She’s always out with Oscar Cottingham.’ Sylvia tossed her head. ‘I’m sure she could do better. He’s finished university but he shows no sign of trying to find a parish. Somehow I can’t imagine him as a clergyman.’

‘He has the Cottingham fortune behind him,’ Sir Michael said smugly. ‘They’re a respectable family, even if Glorina is a little unconventional. Christina could do worse.’

‘The squire’s wife smokes cigarillos in public.’ Sylvia pulled a face. ‘And I think she dyes her hair. No one has hair that red naturally. The servants say she dances naked on the lawn when there’s a full moon.’

Rosalind laughed. ‘I don’t imagine she’s doing any harm by that. She’s a charming woman when you meet her.’