Rosalind felt her head swim as the heat from the fire seemed to burn her like a fever. ‘Where is he then? Did he return to Trevenor?’

‘How would I know? I don’t care what happens to him, and if he’s fallen on hard times it’s entirely his own fault. You were always too fond of him for your own good. It’s fortunate he preferred me, because he would have led you a merry dance. Are you all right, Rosie? You’ve gone even whiter than when you walked through the door.’

‘It’s just fatigue after the long journey. I hated leaving Dolly, even though Widow Madge will be there to feed and comfort her. I feel as though I’ve left part of myself in Rockwood.’

Patricia laughed. ‘You are Rockwood, silly. If you love anything it’s that old pile of stones. You’ll never escape from it, no matter how hard you try, but I’m going to do my best to take your mind off things. We’re going to enjoy ourselves.’

‘Yes, I suppose you’re right.’

‘I’ll take you shopping in Peter Robinson, the departmental store that everyone is talking about, and we’ll buy presents for everyone at home, even Hester, who’s never approved of me.’

‘Hester loves us all but in different ways. You do her an injustice, Patsy.’

‘Perhaps, but it’s you I’m concerned about at the moment. I expect you’d like to change out of your travelling costume and then we’ll have afternoon tea. It’s very popular amongst ladies of quality. Anyway, enough chitter-chatter, I’ll show you to your room.’

‘Thank you, Patsy.’ Rosalind rose to her feet. ‘I do need to unpack or my garments will be very creased.’

‘Nonsense,’ Patricia said airily. ‘I’ve assigned a maid to look after you while you’re here. Fletcher isn’t a very experienced lady’s maid, but even she knows how to unpack luggage.’

‘There’s really no need. I’m used to looking after myself.’

Patricia paused in the doorway. ‘There’s just one thing I should tell you before you meet Fletcher. She is one of Greystone’s experiments in rehabilitating offenders.’

‘She’s been in prison?’

‘Don’t look so alarmed. Fletcher isn’t dangerous, but she does know her way round London, and I’d advise you to take her with you should you wish to venture out on your own.’

‘What did she do to end up behind bars?’

‘She stole several items of jewellery, which she gave to her male friend who was a convicted felon. She was caught but he got away and disappeared south of the river. Anyway, she’s part of a programme that Greystone hopes will be carried out nationally.’

‘So I’m to be part of this experiment?’ Rosalind sighed. ‘You never fail to surprise me.’