‘It may take him some time to come to terms with the fact that he’s a father, but I’m sure you’re right, Rosie. Tommy is a lovable child and very intelligent. It’s amazing how well he’s settled in here.’

Rosalind sighed. ‘He still has nightmares of being trapped in the darkness of a chimney and he thinks he’s suffocating. I think he’ll have those fears for the rest of his life.’

‘Then we’ll do our best to make him forget the past,’ Alexander said firmly. ‘When I return from Trevenor I’ll take the little chap in hand. I’ll teach him to ride and take him fishing.’

Aurelia threw her head back and laughed. ‘You two sound like doting parents. I’m sure Piers wouldn’t concern himself over the wellbeing of one small sweeping boy.’

Rosalind rose hastily to her feet. ‘It’s time I went to the nursery, so I’ll say good night.’

‘It’s still quite early,’ Alexander said with a worried frown.

‘I’m tired. It’s been a trying day.’ Rosalind gave Aurelia a beaming smile, but she walked past Alexander. Aurelia might give the impression of being flighty and only interested in herself, but Rosalind had a feeling that her sister-in-law suspected something. She made her way to the nursery where she found both children already in their night clothes. Nancy was attempting to soothe the crying baby by rocking the wooden cradle, and Tommy was sitting on the floor playing with a battered set of lead soldiers that had once been Bertie’s pride and joy.

‘Your baby cries a lot,’ Tommy said, frowning.

‘I can’t pacify her.’ Nancy jumped to her feet. ‘I think she’s hungry.’

‘I should have come sooner.’ Rosalind bent down to lift the squalling infant in her arms and she sat down to feed her. ‘There, you see, now she’s quiet, and it’s time that both of you were in bed. Did Tilly bring you some supper?’

Tommy looked up, grinning. ‘I had a bowl of bread and milk and a slice of cake.’

‘And I had bread and milk and a jam tart,’ Nancy added, smiling. ‘I never got food like that in the orphanage, nor the vicar’s house.’

‘Into bed with you, Tommy,’ Rosalind said firmly. ‘And you, Nancy.’

‘Will you tell us a story like you did last night?’ Tommy asked eagerly.

Rosalind could see that she was not going to get away easily. ‘All right. Settle down in bed and I’ll sit here by the window, looking out at the stars. Did you know that you each have a special star that looks after you all night? It twinkles happily in the sky, watching and guarding you from anything that might scare you.’

‘Which one is mine?’ Tommy asked sleepily. ‘Does it have a name?’