‘But you were marrying Piers. He visits that old china clay mine he owns in Cornwall, but he’s never too far away. Alex could have been posted abroad and I wouldn’t know.’

‘Of course you would, silly. He would have sent a message to you one way or another. Besides which, he’s now in the same regiment as Bertie, who is on his way here as we speak, if his last letter is anything to go by. I’m sure you’ll hear from Alex in a day or so.’

‘Bertie had better arrive soon – he’s going to walk me down the aisle. If he doesn’t get home in time I’ll have to ask Walter to take his place. If he can tear himself away from his studies.’

‘Please don’t fret, Patsy. Walter would gladly stand in for Bertie if need be, but Alex and Bertie will probably arrive together.’

Patricia sighed. ‘I’m sorry. I’m being selfish, as usual. You must be worried about Piers, too.’

‘His ship is overdue, but it could be because of the weather and they’ve had to take shelter somewhere en route. I tried to persuade Piers to let Pedrick go in his stead, but Piers said that Pedrick might be a good manager at the clay mine, but he is no use when it comes to making business deals.’

Patsy shrugged. ‘At least Alex doesn’t have to travel the world promoting the china clay industry.’

It was on the tip of Rosalind’s tongue to argue that Piers was a civilian businessman, and his brother risked his life for King and Country on a daily basis, but she thought better of it. Patsy was still her little sister and must be protected from the harsh realities of the world as much as possible, although heaven only knew what she might have to face as an army wife.

Rosalind managed a smile. ‘Let’s not argue. We have enough to do, what with the weather, the wedding and then Christmas. I’m just wondering if Lady Pentelow will decide to stay on and spend the festive season here as well.’

‘I know she’s Alex and Piers’ grandmother, but she still scares me. I don’t blame you for insisting on remaining here after you married Piers. I wouldn’t want to live with her at Trevenor.’

‘It’s her home and she wouldn’t welcome another woman taking over control of her household. We get on well enough, just so long as we’re miles apart.’

‘At least Aurelia will be here,’ Patricia smiled smugly. ‘I’ve beaten her to the altar – would you credit that? She was so sure that Hugo Knighton would propose and then he became engaged to Dorcas Mountjoy.’

‘The Mountjoys are extremely wealthy and well connected. Hugo obviously has his eyes set on marrying an heiress. Perhaps Aurelia has had a lucky escape.’