Rosalind turned away, unable to look him in the face. The truth was there, trembling on her lips but if she spoke it could spell disaster. The Rockwood curse seemed to be fulfilling itself with a vengeance. ‘You’re right, I suppose.’

‘Look at me, Rosie,’ Alexander reached for her hand and held it in a tender clasp. ‘Tell me to my face that you understand why I must do this.’

She shot him a sideways glance. ‘I do. I know you’re right, but it still hurts.’

His reply was lost as the door burst open and Aurelia rushed into the room. ‘Oh, there you are, Alex. Why are you lolling about in here when we should be on the road to Trevenor?’

‘You must have some breakfast before you go,’ Rosalind said firmly. ‘It’s a long journey.’

‘I’m not hungry. Come on, Alex. I should think Rosie has had quite enough of us to last a lifetime.’

‘Don’t you want to know what happened at the trial?’ Alexander pushed back his chair, but he did not release Rosalind’s hand. ‘Aren’t you concerned about our brother?’

‘Of course I am, but as he isn’t here I suppose they must have locked him up. I think he deserves it anyway, for bringing shame on the family.’

‘The judge sentenced him to seven years’ transportation.’

Aurelia shrugged. ‘Oh, well, I suppose it could be worse. Piers broke the law and he’s paying for it, but Grandmama is going to be very upset, which is why we should leave immediately.’

‘Sit down and have some breakfast, Aurelia,’ Alexander said firmly. ‘I’ll send for the carriage. I suppose you’re packed and ready to go?’ He gave Rosalind’s hand a final squeeze before rising to his feet. ‘Eat something, Aurelia. I don’t want you fainting away on the station platform because you were too lazy to have breakfast.’

‘I’m not lazy, I’m just not hungry. Anyway, what time did you return last night? I waited up for hours.’

‘I stayed up playing backgammon with Hester,’ Rosalind said casually. ‘Alex hadn’t come home by the time I retired to my room. Anyway, does it matter? You have a long journey ahead of you so please just eat some toast and have a cup of coffee. I can hear Tilly coming now.’

Alexander opened the door and Tilly hurried in carrying a laden tray, which she set down on the sideboard.

‘I’ll go to the stables myself,’ Alexander left the room before Aurelia had a chance to question him further.