‘No, leave her to think about what she’s doing.’ Alexander shook his head. ‘I never wanted to be the head of the household and I don’t intend to take my brother’s place, but I need to see the books and speak to Pedrick. I have a feeling that what I find won’t be good.’

‘Do you think that Pedrick was involved in Piers’ crimes?’ Rosalind asked anxiously.

‘There’s only one way to find out and I’d like to get there before the police start investigating the business, if they haven’t already done so.’

‘May I stay here with you, Rosie?’ Aurelia asked eagerly. ‘I do so want to be a bridesmaid.’

‘Of course, but only if you’re sure. Your grandmother won’t approve.’

‘I’ve been a dutiful granddaughter for long enough. I’m twenty-one now and I’ll be on the shelf in a few years’ time if I don’t get away from Trevenor. Patsy has promised that I can stay with them in London when they’re married. Just think of the balls I could attend, and the theatres I could visit, not to mention soirées and dinner parties. I’m being stifled in Cornwall.’

Rosalind smiled. ‘I understand. Of course you may stay here. I’ll be glad of the company. I can’t go far until Dolly is weaned, and I refuse to hire a wet nurse. Which reminds me, it’s time for Dolly’s next feed. I left Nancy in the nursery keeping an eye on her while we had dinner. The poor child must be ready for bed herself.’

‘Perhaps you should take on a nanny,’ Alexander said gently. ‘You’ll have enough to do just keeping this place going while I’m away.’

‘Are you planning on returning then, Alex?’ Rosalind made an effort to sound casual, but his decision to leave for Trevenor had come as a shock.

‘Of course. I won’t leave you to struggle along on your own. I’ll be back in time for the trial and then we’ll know how things stand.’

‘I managed this place on my own before I married Piers. I can do it again, Alex. I don’t want you to give up your life for us.’

Aurelia laughed. ‘Alex has never put anyone or anything before his own wants and needs. I wouldn’t worry about that if I were you, Rosie. Anyway, it’s Bertie who should come home. After all, he holds the title, and he owns Rockwood, not Piers.’

‘Of course, you’re right. He also has a son. I wrote a letter and posted it to the address you gave me, Alex. I hope it catches up with Bertie, wherever he is at present. I’m sure that he’ll love Tommy just as we all do.’