Glorina leaned towards Rosalind. ‘I take no notice of people like her. I’m used to having my gypsy blood thrown back at me, but you, dear, you have trouble ahead, and I don’t just mean giving birth.’

‘What do you mean, Glorina?’

‘You are a good person, but there is someone close to you who is deceiving you. They have been doing so for a long time.’

‘What are you saying?’ Rosalind clutched her hands to her belly, instinctively protecting her unborn child. ‘Why are you telling me this?’

‘For your own good. There is a person who pretends to have your best interests at heart but that is to cover his misdeeds. You must be careful, Rosalind.’ Glorina looked up as Alexander approached carrying two cut-glass cups of fruit punch, closely followed by the squire. She rose to her feet. ‘Enjoy the evening, but it will end too soon for you, my dear.’

‘What did she say to you, Rosie?’ Alexander demanded as Glorina walked away with her husband, talking volubly. ‘You’re white as a ghost.’

‘Nothing, Alex. She always talks a lot of nonsense.’

Alexander handed a cut-glass punch cup to her and one to Hester. ‘What did Glorina Cottingham say to Rosie? You must have heard, Hester.’

‘I tried to listen but my hearing isn’t as good as it used to be, Alexander. That woman is poison.’

‘That’s not fair, Hester,’ Rosalind protested. ‘Glorina tells the truth and she doesn’t care if people like it or not. Everything she’s said in the past has come true. I know that from other people.’

‘So what did she say that scared you so much?’ Alexander sat down beside her and took her hand in his. ‘Tell me and I’ll have it out with her.’

She smiled, withdrawing her hand gently. ‘Nothing untoward, Alex. Let’s enjoy the evening, please.’ She glanced over his shoulder. ‘I think Sir Michael is going to make the announcement now before the dancing starts.’

Sir Michael strolled into the centre of the highly polished floor, holding up one hand. ‘My lords, ladies and gentlemen. Before we begin the proceedings I have an announcement to make, or to be exact I have two announcements of a very happy nature. The first concerns my daughter Christina, who has just become engaged to Oscar Cottingham.’ He beckoned to them and they joined him, smiling and acknowledging polite applause from the guests. He waited until the clapping ceased and cleared his throat. ‘My second, and perhaps more important announcement is that I have been fortunate enough to win the affection of a beautiful and talented young woman, who has agreed to become my wife.’ He held his hand out to Patricia, who made an entrance worthy of her mother. ‘My bride-to-be,’ Sir Michael continued proudly, ‘Miss Patricia Carey.’