‘I don’t think you will, ma’am. Just imagine what a scandal would do to your career.’

‘It would not help your political ambitions either, Sir Michael.’

Rosalind laid her hand on her mother’s arm. ‘Mama, this should be conducted in private.’

‘Quite so.’ Claude came up behind them. ‘We’ll be leaving for Italy tomorrow, my love. Surely you don’t want to part from Patricia like this?’

Felicia held her hands out to her younger daughter. ‘Patricia, my dear, I’m only thinking of you.’

‘Don’t worry about me, Mama,’ Patricia said airily. ‘I know exactly what I’m doing. Michael and I have come to an agreement that suits us both, and everyone else will have to get used to the idea.’

Rosalind could see that Patricia had made up her mind and she knew that nothing would stop her now. She held out her hand. ‘If you are certain you’re doing the right thing, I won’t stand in your way, Patsy.’

‘Then you’ll come to my wedding?’

Rosalind smiled reluctantly. ‘Yes, of course.’

Alexander slipped his arm around Rosalind’s shoulders. ‘Would you like me to send for the carriage, Rosie? It seems that we’re done here.’

‘I’ll send for our carriage, too,’ Claude added in a low voice. He glanced anxiously at Felicia, who was fanning herself vigorously. ‘I think we’ve all had enough for one night.’

‘I always knew you would get your own way, Patricia,’ Hester said with a heavy sigh. ‘You are single-minded, just like your dear grandpapa. But be careful, my girl, you might have taken on something that will be too much, even for you. I think you ought to return to the castle with us until you’re married.’

‘You are not my grandmother.’ Patricia tossed her head. ‘I am staying here. I don’t care what the gossips say.’ She linked her hand through the crook of Sir Michael’s arm. ‘I want to dance, Greystone. We’ll show everyone that we are serious.’

He smiled indulgently. ‘Of course, my love. I’ve already spoken to the vicar about posting the banns. We’ll be married within weeks.’ He shot a glance at Felicia. ‘With your permission, I hope, or at least without your opposition.’

‘It seems I have little choice,’ Felicia said bitterly. ‘But I was headstrong like Patsy, so I can hardly criticise her for knowing her own mind.’

Hester glanced anxiously at Rosalind. ‘Alexander was right to send for the carriage. You’re white as a sheet.’

‘I’m a little tired, but the truth is I’m worried about Piers. He said he would join us, but he hasn’t arrived. I wish I knew what was so important that it kept him at home.’

‘We’ll be home within the hour and you can ask him then. You know how he forgets everything when business is concerned.’