‘It really does.’ Patricia laughed merrily. ‘To be honest, I’m quite surprised myself. I admit I married Greystone for his money and position, and he knows that, but it suits us both. Neither of us expects to be starry-eyed and romantic, and I have everything I could possibly want. I have a carriage at my disposal and I have a most generous dress allowance. Greystone and I attend dinner parties and soirées almost every night. We go to the theatre and mix with the most interesting people, and because I’m such a young bride I’m spoiled by the gentlemen. The ladies love to think they’re taking me in hand and teaching me to survive in the world of politics. It’s all a big romp.’

‘I’m so happy for you. I was afraid it might not work out so well.’

‘You worried needlessly. It’s you who has had a bad time and you are by far a better person than I am.’ Patricia sank down on the sofa and patted the seat beside her. ‘Sit down and tell me everything that’s been going on in that draughty old castle.’

‘You know, I suppose, that Piers has received a hefty sentence.’

Patricia nodded. ‘Yes, Greystone told me. He kept an eye on the proceedings. He tried to divert a scandal because it affects me as well as you, and if I’m involved it reflects badly on him. Politics is all a game, Rosie. If you’re here long enough you’ll find out.’

‘I suppose it is. Nothing really has changed at Rockwood. Walter came home a week or so ago and I fully expect him to announce his engagement to Louise. She’s been such a help to me, especially with the children. She adores Dolly and she’s very fond of Nancy and Tommy. They’re coming on so well with her tuition.’

‘So you’re going to keep them both, then?’

‘Of course I am. Tommy is definitely Bertie’s son. He gets more like him every day, and Nancy is a dear child.’

‘I suppose Aurelia has gone back to Trevenor.’

‘Yes, she went soon after the trial. Alex took her there himself. He wanted to check on the state of the clay mine that Piers almost bankrupted, but as he said, he’s a soldier, not a businessman.’

‘You don’t know then?’ Patricia put her head on one side. ‘Alex returned to London. He tried to get a job at the War Office, but all the positions were filled. Greystone is friendly with most of the senior officers there.’

‘He didn’t succeed?’

‘Alex is not a deskbound type of person. I could have told them that. The army rejected him again because of his leg injury, which he must have known would happen, but typical of Alex, he thought he could convince them that he was fit.’