‘I was plump after I had Dolly, but I’m back to normal now.’ Rosalind helped herself to some tiny sandwiches.

‘Greystone is dining out tonight, so we can have a quiet evening at home, but tomorrow night we’re going to the theatre and we’ll dine afterwards. We lead a very busy life, which suits me perfectly. Do try one of Cook’s fancy cakes – she’s a marvel in the kitchen.’

Rosalind smiled. ‘You really are a new woman, Patsy. I think marriage suits you.’

Chapter Twenty-Three

Patricia insisted that they go shopping next day and they set off in the Greystone barouche. Their first stop was Peter Robinson, the recently opened departmental store, which was decorated in readiness for Christmas, as were most of the shops in Regent Street and Oxford Street. Patricia spent what to Rosalind was a fortune, but her sister carelessly wrote it off as petty expenses. She insisted on treating Rosalind to several new gowns and a lace shawl, and for herself Patricia bought a random selection of gloves, scarves and anything that caught her fancy. In the afternoon they visited Noah’s Ark, Mr Hamley’s shop in High Holborn, where Rosalind purchased toys for the children, including a new set of lead soldiers for Tommy, and a rather beautiful French doll with a china face and hands for Nancy. She took her time in choosing a large rag doll and a colourful rattle for Dolly.

That evening they attended the Lyceum Theatre, just off the Strand, to watch a performance of The Haunted House, a farce that Rosalind found surprisingly entertaining, although she was exhausted after her shopping expedition with Patricia, who seemed completely tireless. They dined afterwards at Simpson’s and Rosalind enjoyed the thrill of eating in such a prestigious restaurant, which Patricia assured her was frequented by eminent personages. They were just finishing their meal when Rosalind spotted a familiar face. She smiled and waved, receiving a disapproving frown from Patricia.

‘It’s Colonel Munday, Patsy,’ Rosalind said hastily. ‘We became acquainted in France when we were staying at the château.’ Despite her sister’s obvious annoyance, Rosalind rose to her feet and was immediately wrapped in a warm embrace by Colonel Munday.

‘My dear Mrs Blanchard, this is a pleasant surprise. What brings you to London?’

Rosalind drew away, aware that they were causing a stir amongst the other diners.

‘I’m staying with my sister and her husband, Sir Michael Greystone.’ Rosalind shot a wary glance in Sir Michael’s direction, but he stood up, holding out his hand.

‘I believe we met recently at a charity ball, Colonel?’

‘Yes, sir, so we did.’ Colonel Munday shook his hand.

‘May I present you to my wife, Lady Greystone?’ Sir Michael inclined his head in Patricia’s direction and she smiled sweetly.