‘That can’t be true,’ Rosalind said weakly. ‘Piers repaid all the people who were affected by his wrongdoings more than three years ago. He swore to me that he would never break the law again.’

‘I’m afraid he broke his promise, ma’am.’

‘Are you sure about this, Lambert?’ Alex demanded angrily. ‘Can’t you see that you’re upsetting Mrs Blanchard?’

‘I didn’t have to come here tonight, Captain. I felt I owed it to Mrs Blanchard.’

Rosalind fell back against the cushions. ‘I had a feeling that something was terribly wrong, but you tricked your way into our household, Lambert. We treated you well.’

‘That’s why I came here even at this hour of the night. You deserve better than this, ma’am. I’m sorry to have deceived you, but there was no other way. I’ll say this to you, Mrs Blanchard, your husband is a clever man. It’s a pity he didn’t put his talents to better use.’

‘You’ve said your piece, Lambert.’ Alexander clenched his fists at his sides.

Hester placed the squalling baby in Rosalind’s arms. ‘Can’t you see that this isn’t the time to upset Mrs Blanchard?’

‘I’ll see you out.’ Alexander made a move towards the door. ‘You can give me the details outside. Mrs Blanchard needs rest and quiet. This is a very difficult time for her.’

Lambert nodded. ‘You will be kept informed, Captain. If it’s worth anything at all, I’m sorry for the deception, and I regret having upset the Widow Madge, but Blanchard was getting suspicious and I had to prove that I was doing my job.’

‘You’ve said enough.’ Alexander ushered him out of the room.

‘He’s gone, poppet,’ Hester said softly. ‘You must put all that out of your mind. The little one needs putting to the breast, and then I’ll help you upstairs to your bed.’

‘You’re right, of course, but Piers is my husband. I can’t believe that he’s lied to me for the past three years.’

‘Lambert said that Piers is very clever, Rosie. It looks as if he’s deceived us all.’

‘There must be some mistake.’ Rosalind shook her head. ‘He wouldn’t risk losing the clay mine for whatever gains he’s made illegally. Maybe Lambert was lying. We don’t know that he’s working for the police.’

‘Why would he lie about it? We would soon find out if it weren’t true, so what would he gain by making up such stories?’

‘I don’t know, Hester. I can’t think straight at the moment. I need to speak to our solicitor as soon as possible. I can’t go to the prison until I’m back on my feet, but Mr Mounce would be able to see Piers.’

‘You mustn’t upset yourself, Rosie. You have little Adela to think of now.’