‘You won’t be getting any Christmas gifts from me. I think I’ve been very generous as it is. I’d keep the gowns I bought for you but they wouldn’t fit me. Greystone says he likes a woman with a bit of meat on her bones. It’s very vulgar but it pleases him to say so. Anyway I’m going to my room to change for dinner and you’d best do the same. We’re dining at home tonight.’ Patricia left the room with the air of a martyr walking to the stake.

Rosalind sighed. She could not blame her sister for being angry, but she had found Alexander, and the fact that he was willing to accept her offer of employment at the castle was almost too good to be true. She hurried to her room where she found Fletcher sorting out garments to be packed ready for an early departure.

‘I can do that, Fletcher. I want you to take a message to Captain Blanchard for me.’

‘We’re leaving tomorrow?’

‘Yes, I questioned Foster and he told me that there is a train at ten o’clock in the morning. Please tell the captain to meet us at the railway station. We’ll purchase the tickets so he can join us on the platform.’

‘So you’re going ahead with it, ma’am. Good for you, that’s all I can say. I ain’t never been in a castle, but I imagine it’s not too different from prison – the building itself, I mean. Cold and damp, I should imagine. I can’t wait.’

Rosalind managed a half-smile, wondering whether Rockwood Castle was ready for someone like Fletcher. She could imagine Hester’s face when they were introduced.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Hester met them in the entrance hall. She glared at Alexander, but colour flooded her cheeks when she came face to face with Fletcher. They studied each other like duellists preparing for a battle.

‘What’s up with you, missis? Have I got two heads or something?’ Fletcher demanded angrily.

‘It’s Lady Carey to you, woman. Who are you, I’d like to know.’ Hester narrowed her eyes. ‘What have you brought home now, Rosalind?’

‘Now, now ladies.’ Alexander stepped in between Hester and Fletcher. ‘There’s no need for this. Miss Fletcher is my housekeeper, Hester. We’re not going to be here for long.’

‘That’s right,’ Rosalind said hastily. ‘Alexander has had some bad luck in London and so I’ve offered him Lambert’s position as steward. He’ll live in the old keeper’s cottage and Fletcher is going to keep house for him.’

‘I thought we’d seen the last of you, Alexander,’ Hester said in a low voice. ‘If you cause trouble you’ll have me to answer to.’