After a great deal of persuasion, Hester agreed to accept her invitation to the ball, but she refused to purchase a new outfit. The gown she had worn for her wedding to Sir Lucius was taken out of storage, smelling strongly of lavender and mothballs. It was only after several days of being hung outside in the sunshine that the odours faded, and a few dabs of Felicia’s expensive perfume made it wearable. Rosalind was in the last stage of her pregnancy and when she tried on her favourite ball gown, she simply moved the hoops of her crinoline cage a little higher, adding a strategically draped shawl. She knew that Piers was worried about her attending a public function so close to her time, but she assured him that she would sit with Hester and the dowagers and enjoy the atmosphere. Alex said nothing, but she sensed that he was always watching her closely and somehow that was comforting rather than disturbing.

On the evening of the ball, Felicia and Claude had left earlier in their own vehicle and the others were about to leave for Greystone Park when a messenger rode into the bailey. He leaped off his horse.

‘I have an important message for Mr Blanchard.’

Piers stepped forward. ‘I am he.’

The messenger handed him a sealed document. ‘Shall I wait to take an answer, sir?’

Piers glanced at the seal and frowned. ‘No. I’ll deal with it.’ He took a coin from his pocket and handed it to the messenger. ‘Thank you.’

The man nodded and vaulted nimbly onto his horse, urging it into a brisk trot.

‘I’ll have to read this.’ Piers broke the seal and unfolded the document. ‘You’d better go on without me. I’ll follow you in a while.’

‘We can wait for you, Piers.’ Rosalind eyed him anxiously. ‘Is anything wrong?’

He shook his head. ‘Nothing I can’t deal with.’

‘Do you want me to stay?’ Alexander handed Hester into the waiting carriage.

‘No, it’s business, Alex. You take Rosie and Hester to the ball. I’ll come when I can.’ Piers strode back into the house.

‘That’s very odd. Do you know what might be so urgent to do with the business, Alex?’ Rosalind hesitated as she was about to climb into the carriage.

‘No, but I’m sure Piers will tell us later. Let’s go and get this over, Rosie. I hope Patricia behaves herself.’

‘She won’t make a scene at the ball.’ Rosalind squeezed in beside Hester. ‘Aren’t you travelling with us, Alex?’

‘I’ll be riding alongside the carriage, don’t worry. I won’t let you out of my sight.’

‘All the more room for us.’ Hester stretched out her feet with a sigh of relief. ‘I’ll be with you all evening, Rosie. If you feel at all unwell we’ll come home immediately.’