‘You’ve said your piece, Lambert.’ Alexander clenched his fists at his sides.

Hester placed the squalling baby in Rosalind’s arms. ‘Can’t you see that this isn’t the time to upset Mrs Blanchard?’

‘I’ll see you out.’ Alexander made a move towards the door. ‘You can give me the details outside. Mrs Blanchard needs rest and quiet. This is a very difficult time for her.’

Lambert nodded. ‘You will be kept informed, Captain. If it’s worth anything at all, I’m sorry for the deception, and I regret having upset the Widow Madge, but Blanchard was getting suspicious and I had to prove that I was doing my job.’

‘You’ve said enough.’ Alexander ushered him out of the room.

‘He’s gone, poppet,’ Hester said softly. ‘You must put all that out of your mind. The little one needs putting to the breast, and then I’ll help you upstairs to your bed.’

‘You’re right, of course, but Piers is my husband. I can’t believe that he’s lied to me for the past three years.’

‘Lambert said that Piers is very clever, Rosie. It looks as if he’s deceived us all.’

‘There must be some mistake.’ Rosalind shook her head. ‘He wouldn’t risk losing the clay mine for whatever gains he’s made illegally. Maybe Lambert was lying. We don’t know that he’s working for the police.’

‘Why would he lie about it? We would soon find out if it weren’t true, so what would he gain by making up such stories?’

‘I don’t know, Hester. I can’t think straight at the moment. I need to speak to our solicitor as soon as possible. I can’t go to the prison until I’m back on my feet, but Mr Mounce would be able to see Piers.’

‘You mustn’t upset yourself, Rosie. You have little Adela to think of now.’

Rosalind smiled fondly at her daughter. ‘She will be christened Adela, but I think she’ll always be Dolly to me.’ She looked up at the sound of the door opening and Alex walked into the room, but was met halfway by Hester.

‘You can’t come in here now, Alexander.’

‘I held her hand while she was giving birth, Hester. Surely I can see her for a while. I won’t tire her out, I promise.’

‘That’s not the point.’ Hester barred his way. ‘You are not her husband. Your position in this household will be in question now.’

‘Hester, don’t.’ Rosalind spoke more sharply than she had intended. ‘I’m sorry, but Alex is right. I don’t think I could have borne the pain if he hadn’t been there to give me courage. Please let him stay for a while.’

‘I’ll turn a blind eye this once, but you two will have to be careful. It was one thing for Alexander to stay here while Piers was at home, but the gossips will delight in spreading malicious stories about your relationship if your husband is convicted and kept in prison. Do you want to ruin the family name?’