‘It’s true, but I’m too old to bother with pride. I leave that to you young ones.’

Alexander held on to Rosalind’s arm as she lowered herself onto a spindly gilt chair. ‘You’re not old, Hester. You are a woman in your prime. I expect to be warding off your gentlemen admirers all evening.’

Hester raised her fan to cover her face and giggled. ‘You are a dreadful liar, Alexander.’

He smiled. ‘Not at all. You’re a very handsome woman, Lady Carey.’

‘Well, you can start by getting me a glass of fruit punch.’ Hester’s tone was severe but there was a twinkle in her eye.

‘I’d like some too, please,’ Rosalind added. ‘It’s very hot in here. There must be a hundred candles, at the very least. Sir Michael really is showing off his wealth tonight.’

‘I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.’ Alexander headed for the refreshment room.

‘It’s high time he went to Trevenor,’ Hester said in a low voice. ‘I know you’re both trying to act as if there’s nothing between you, but it’s clear to anyone with eyes that he’s in love with you, Rosie.’

Rosalind glanced round anxiously. ‘Don’t say things like that. We’re very fond of each other and that’s how it is. We know the boundaries and neither of us will do anything to hurt Piers or the family.’

‘I hope so, poppet. But sometimes these things get out of hand. Piers is still away too often and he’s behaving as if there is something preying on his mind.’

‘It’s just business, Hester. He takes it very seriously.’

Rosalind looked round at the sound of a female voice calling her name, and she saw Glorina Cottingham making her way between the tables, followed by the squire.

‘My dear Rosalind, how well you look, considering your condition, of course.’ Glorina pulled up a chair and sat down. She turned to her husband. ‘Gervase, I am dying of thirst. A cup of fruit punch would be very welcome, and an added tot of brandy would make the evening a little more bearable.’ She watched him as he walked away. ‘He’s a darling, but I have to prompt him all the time.’

‘It’s nice to see you, Glorina. You must be very proud of your son. Christina is a lovely young woman.’

‘And she’ll inherit a large fortune one day,’ Hester added in a low voice.

Glorina brushed back a lock of hennaed hair, eyeing Hester with a calculating look. ‘Some people marry for money and position. You would know all about that, Hester Dodridge.’

‘As would you, Glorina Beaney. People round here have long memories.’