Patricia left soon after luncheon, having behaved reasonably well during the meal, in that she remained stubbornly silent. This might have made things awkward but Alexander and Claude kept everyone entertained with anecdotes about their widely varying experiences. Alexander talked about near disasters on the military field that had ended surprisingly well. Claude’s tales were slightly more scandalous, involving gossip concerning the lives and loves of well-known theatrical personalities. Felicia had drunk two glasses of Madeira as well as claret with her meal, and she was pleasantly tipsy. She kissed Patricia warmly when it was time for her to leave, ignoring her daughter’s sullen expression. Claude tucked Felicia’s hand in the crook of his arm and led her upstairs to take an afternoon nap.

Piers excused himself on account of some work he was preparing and he retired swiftly to his study. Walter, who had left his books for long enough to eat luncheon, returned to the library with Louise, having asked for her opinion on his latest efforts. Rosalind had invited Louise to stay for the meal in the vain hope that her quiet charm might set a good example to Patricia, although in fact it had had the opposite effect. Patricia seemed determined to make her presence felt, even in silence. It was a relief to wave goodbye to her as the carriage drove off laden with her luggage.

Rosalind turned to Alexander, who was standing quietly behind her. ‘I’m so sorry that Patsy behaved like that. It was inexcusable.’

He shrugged. ‘Nothing more or less than I would have expected. I might have refused Piers’ kind offer had I known that she would be here.’

‘None of us knew they were coming, Alex. That’s what my mother does every time – she just descends upon us, only this time she had Patsy with her.’

‘If my being here is upsetting you, I’ll leave immediately.’

‘No, no, of course not. Piers told me that you’ve been discharged from the army on medical grounds – it must be terrible for you.’

‘It was a blow, I must admit, but I’m coming to terms with it, Rosie. I was wondering what I would do with myself when Piers offered to make me a partner in the clay mining business. It would be madness to refuse, but I won’t take him up on it if it’s going to make you unhappy in any way. I’ll be based at Trevenor, anyway.’

‘Of course.’ Rosalind eyed him curiously. ‘But won’t you find that dull? I mean you’ve been used to living such a different way of life.’

He gave her a wry smile. ‘I’ve been playing toy soldiers for long enough.’

‘You don’t mean that, Alex. I know you love army life.’