‘Don’t worry, ma’am,’ Eliza said soothingly. ‘I’ve delivered so many babies I’ve lost count. You’ll soon have a little one in your arms. Just listen to what I say.’

Rosalind could do nothing but obey Eliza’s firm instructions. Time seemed to stand still and her whole body felt as though it was tearing itself apart. Then through a mist of pain she heard the door crash against the wall and the sound of footsteps.

‘I came as quickly as I could, Mrs Madge.’

‘She’s here, as you can see, sir.’

‘Alex?’ Rosalind held out her hand. ‘Alex.’

He clasped her cold fingers in a firm grip. ‘I’m here, Rosie.’

‘Don’t leave me.’

‘I won’t. You’re doing very well, my brave girl.’

‘Move away a little, sir.’ Eliza’s voice was firm.

‘Don’t go, Alex.’ Rosalind gripped his hand so hard that she felt his bones creak. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘Don’t be. You squeeze as hard as you can. I can take it.’

‘You’re nearly there,’ Eliza added triumphantly. ‘Take deep breaths, ma’am. Don’t push until I tell you to.’

Suddenly it was over and the pain ceased. Rosalind attempted to sit up. ‘My baby?’

‘You have a beautiful baby girl,’ Eliza said, smiling. She wrapped the naked infant in a clean cloth and laid her in Rosalind’s arms. ‘Hold her while I go and make a pot of tea.’ She backed away and stepped into the kitchen.

Through tears of joy Rosalind gazed at the mewling, red-faced scrap of humanity. ‘She is a little angel.’

‘She’s beautiful, Rosie,’ Alex said, gently caressing the baby’s cheek with the tip of his finger. ‘What will you call her?’

‘I like Adela.’ Rosie’s lips trembled. ‘But Piers wanted a boy. He’ll be so disappointed.’

‘Nonsense,’ Alex said sharply. ‘She’s like a little doll. He’ll take one look at Dolly and he’ll fall in love with her, as I have.’

‘Really? Do you think so?’

‘I know so, Rosie. Put any thoughts like that out of your head and rest. I’ll take you home when Mrs Madge thinks you’re ready.’

Rosalind sighed and closed her eyes. ‘I am so tired, Alex.’

It was close to midnight when Alexander drew Ajax to a halt in the bailey. Despite the wild weather Hudson came running from the coach house block to take the reins, and Jarvis held the front door open. Rosalind knew that they had been waiting up for them and she felt her throat tighten with unshed tears.

‘I’m so lucky to have people who really care about me,’ she said shakily.

Alexander smiled as he lifted her and her baby in his arms. ‘Of course we do. We all love you, Rosie. I’m no exception.’ He carried them into the entrance hall.