‘First of all, Mrs Blanchard, might I offer my condolences,’ Mr Mounce said hesitantly. His teacup rattled as he replaced it on its saucer with a hand that shook. ‘I find the whole business very upsetting, mainly because I know what privations you suffered before your marriage. I really thought that everything was settled and your husband’s dealings were above board.’

‘So did I, Mr Mounce. Please tell me everything you know. My brother-in-law went to the prison but he wasn’t allowed to see Piers.’

‘Yes, I realise that, Mrs Blanchard. I’m afraid your husband is being treated as if he were a dangerous criminal, a gang leader, even.’

‘But that’s not true,’ Rosalind said anxiously. ‘Piers would never condone violence.’

‘I’m sure you are right, but there is a great deal of money involved. Over the last two years Mr Blanchard has been shipping goods from abroad without declaring them, and he is suspected of having connections to several illegal operations abroad. His dealings on the Continent have been subject to investigation in France and Spain. I’ve spoken to him briefly but he is reluctant to give me any further information, and he doesn’t seem willing to co-operate.’

‘I don’t understand,’ Rosalind said slowly. ‘Surely all this can’t be true. Piers promised me before we got married that his criminal activities were all in the past.’

‘It seems that he’s lied to all of us.’ Alexander laid his hand on her arm. ‘But I’d want to hear the full story from his own lips. Perhaps someone is threatening him. I don’t believe that my brother is a criminal.’

‘Neither do I,’ Rosalind added fervently. ‘Please try to make him see sense, Mr Mounce. Did he give you a message for me?’

Mr Mounce shook his head. ‘No, ma’am. I’m sorry.’

Rosalind turned to Alexander, grasping him by the hand. ‘You left word for Piers informing him of Dolly’s birth, didn’t you, Alex?’

‘Yes. I tipped the guard handsomely to pass on the good news.’

‘I know he wanted a son,’ Rosalind said miserably, ‘but I thought he might at least acknowledge the birth of his daughter.’

‘I’ll mention it when I see him again.’ Mr Mounce produced a gold half-hunter watch from his waistcoat pocket. ‘I really should be going now, Mrs Blanchard. I have a meeting later this afternoon, but I’ll call in at the prison and make another appointment to see your husband.’

‘Yes, please do, and if you can find out when his trial is likely, or if they will allow bail, that would be very helpful.’

‘Bail has been denied, I’m afraid. I think the magistrate was of the opinion that Mr Blanchard would leave the country.’ Mr Mounce stood up, eyeing Rosalind with a curious gaze. ‘Tell me, Mrs Blanchard, did your husband go abroad on business very often?’