The streets of London flashed past the window, bringing back memories of her first visit when she and Patricia had been desperate for money and had ventured to the capital to ask their mother for financial help. It was then that she had met Piers for the first time as an adult. She had not recognised him as the boy from the smugglers’ ship, and it was during that visit they had formed a mutual attraction. Now, over three years later, she was in London to forget the misery that he had caused by his failure to reform. Her arms ached to hold her baby, but common sense had convinced her that she was here to recuperate and regain her equilibrium. Dolly had settled down in the care of Eliza Madge with surprising ease, leaving Rosalind slightly jealous but also relieved.

The elegant Georgian terraced house in Duke Street was in an ostentatiously affluent area. Private carriages stopped at the kerb to allow well-dressed house owners and their guests to alight, while road sweepers worked tirelessly to keep the surface of the road free from dung and detritus so that those wealthy enough to give generous tips could walk without soiling their boots or dainty shoes.

The footman leaped down to open the carriage door and assist Rosalind to step onto the pavement. Foster, Sir Michael’s butler from Greystone Park, stood in the open doorway.

‘Foster, it’s good to see you here,’ Rosalind said wearily. It was something of a relief to see a familiar face.

‘Welcome to Duke Street, Mrs Blanchard. Will you follow me, please? Lady Greystone is expecting you.’

The marble-tiled entrance hall was square with a staircase leading up to a galleried first-floor landing. The drawing room was on this floor overlooking the street with two tall windows draped in grey velvet curtains. It was mid-afternoon but almost dark, and there were dozens of candles shining brightly in wall sconces as well as those in two ornate crystal chandeliers.

Patricia rose from a damask upholstered sofa in front of the fire and she rushed towards her sister.

‘I am so delighted to see you, Rosie. I’ve really missed you.’ She held her at arm’s length. ‘But you look awful. Hester said you were upset by the result of the trial and everything, and I can see what she meant.’

Rosalind managed a tired smile. ‘It has been a trying time, but I had to leave Dolly with Widow Madge, that’s the worst thing.’

‘Yes, Hester told me in her letter, but she also said it was for the best. You’ve been wearing yourself out and I am to look after you and make sure that you eat properly. You’re all skin and bone, as she would say.’

‘You look blooming, Patsy. Married life obviously suits you.’