‘It’s time to consider a wet nurse, poppet. I think a change of scene would do you the world of good, too.’

Rosalind looked up, startled. ‘What do you mean? I’m not going to Trevenor, if that’s what you’re suggesting.’

‘No, of course not. You’ve done well to send Alexander away and that’s where he belongs. I was thinking more of London. Patsy has invited you to stay in their smart new home, so why don’t you accept?’

‘Leave Rockwood? Who would look after everything here?’

Hester pulled a face. ‘I managed very well when I was housekeeping for your dear departed grandpapa. I didn’t oversee the estate, of course, but I think it could run on its own for the amount of time you would be away. Winter is here and soon it will be Christmas.’

The idea had not occurred to Rosalind until now, but suddenly a few days or even a couple of weeks in London seemed like a good idea. She was exhausted and at every turn there were reminders of Alexander and the happy times they had spent together. Dolly was demanding and feeding times often ended with Rosalind in tears and Dolly squalling in frustration.

‘All right, Hester. I agree.’

‘You agree to a wet nurse or the visit to London?’

‘To both. I can’t look after Dolly as I should and it’s breaking my heart. Do you know of a suitable person?’

‘As a matter of fact I do. Widow Madge has just given birth again.’

‘But she’s not married.’

‘Precisely, and because of that she needs money. There’s no poor relief now, especially for unmarried mothers, but she’s a good woman. Men take advantage of her nice nature, and she has little enough to live on as it is.’

‘She delivered Dolly. I probably owe her my life.’

‘So you will take her on?’

‘But that means I can’t take Dolly with me when I go to London.’

‘Be sensible, poppet. You need to get away from here or you will fall sick and you’ll be no use to any of us, least of all your daughter. Widow Madge knows more about babies than most and she’ll be like a second mother to Dolly. Go for a week at least – two weeks would be better. Forget about everything here and enjoy yourself for a change.’

Before Rosalind had really come to terms with the idea she found herself on the train to London. Hester had taken over the household as she had in the past, and a letter had been sent by special messenger to Lady Greystone at her home in Duke Street. The same messenger had returned with a reply, and everything had been arranged without Rosalind having to do anything. She was met at the station by a liveried footman who took care of her luggage and led her to a waiting carriage.