‘I’ll have another word with her and explain their position, but you shouldn’t have to give up so much of your time to us, Louise. You have a life of your own outside the walls of Rockwood.’

‘I don’t mind. In fact I rather enjoy acting as surrogate aunt to the children. They need as much attention and affection as we can give them. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have suffered as they did before you rescued them.’

‘You’re right, of course. I sometimes forget that they haven’t always been with us. I love them both and I want the best in life for them. You put me to shame, Louise. I should give them more of my time.’

‘You have enough to worry about.’ Louise eyed her warily. ‘Do you expect Alexander to return this evening?’

‘He said he would come home the moment he knew the verdict. I won’t be able to sleep until I know what’s happening.’

‘Would you like me to stay? I could send a note to my parents to tell them I’ll come home later.’

‘No, but thank you all the same. I’ll dine early and I’ll sit with the children until bedtime. I’ll tell them more of the star story I made up to amuse them.’

Louise smiled. ‘That’s a splendid idea. They are really good company when you get them talking. But if you’re certain you don’t need me I’d better make my way home. Mama worries if I’m out after dark.’

‘I’ll say good night then, and I hope I have some good news when I see you in the morning.’

Louise nodded and walked away, leaving Rosalind standing in the draughty corridor with the candles flickering and the sound of the wind buffeting the stone walls outside. She shivered and wrapped her shawl more tightly around her. She knew she would not get a wink of sleep until Alex returned, and she would wait up all night if necessary.

Rosalind ate little at dinner that evening and Aurelia barely touched the food on her plate. The only person who enjoyed the saddle of lamb was Hester, whose appetite seemed undiminished by the tension in the room.

Aurelia threw down her napkin and jumped to her feet. ‘I can’t sit here and watch you stuffing yourself, Hester. How can you be so calm when Piers might be facing a life sentence or even transportation?’

‘Starving yourself won’t affect the outcome of the trial either way,’ Hester said calmly. ‘Sit down and finish your food, Aurelia.’

‘I can’t stand it here any longer. As soon as Alex returns I’m going to make him take me back to Trevenor.’