Rosalind had nothing to say to this and she made her way to the old nursery where she found Louise rocking Dolly in her arms.

‘You should be dancing the night away, Louise.’

‘I’m not much of a dancer to tell the truth. I might venture on the floor if Walter were here, but he couldn’t get permission to return home so soon after the start of the new term. His professor is very strict.’

‘He’ll be taking his finals next year and then he’ll come home for good.’

‘I don’t expect anything from him, Rosie.’ Louise placed Dolly gently in Rosalind’s arms. ‘She is a beautiful baby. You are so lucky to have her.’

‘I am, but one day you’ll have your own children and you’ll think they are the most beautiful babies in the world.’

‘I hope so.’ Louise blushed rosily.

‘Walter will propose, I’m sure of it. He’s just waiting for the right time, Louise.’

‘I’m older than him.’

‘Only a few years. Look at Patsy and Sir Michael – he’s old enough to be her father. If it doesn’t matter with them why should a few years worry you?’

Louise giggled. ‘Well, if you put it that way, I suppose it’s immaterial. I do love Walter and I think he loves me, but he’s never said so.’

‘Walter isn’t very demonstrative, but I’m sure he cares for you deeply.’ Rosalind looked up as the door opened and Alex strolled into the room.

Louise leaped to her feet. ‘Perhaps this isn’t a good time, Captain Blanchard.’ She glanced anxiously at Rosalind, who had Dolly clasped to her bare breast.

‘I promise not to look,’ Alex said cheerfully. ‘I’m escaping from Miss Sylvia Greystone, who seems to have developed a crush on me.’

‘Who could blame her?’ Rosalind said, laughing.

‘I’d better join my parents.’ Louise made for the door. ‘I can come back if you need me, Rosie. I sent Ivy to get some refreshment, but she should be back soon.’ She shot a wary glance at Alexander as she left the room.

Rosalind laughed. ‘You continue to shock people, Alex. I believe you do it on purpose.’

‘Why shouldn’t I be present? We are family, after all, and I adore the little mite. She has your eyes, Rosie.’

‘Alex, be serious for once. What are we going to do? If Piers is convicted and sent to prison and the clay mine has to be sold, Rockwood is going to be in the same financial state as it was three years ago.’