‘You’ll need supplies,’ Rosalind said, backing towards the doorway. ‘There’s a good shop in the village that sells everything you might need.’

‘Give us the money then and I’ll go there when I’m done here.’

Alexander took a leather pouch from his jacket pocket and laid it on the table in the only space that was rubbish free. ‘Don’t spend it all at once. This has to last for a few days.’

‘Dora Greep, the farmer’s wife, supplies us with eggs, butter, cheese and milk. The farm is not far from here, Fletcher. Tell her to charge whatever you purchase to the Rockwood account.’

‘I don’t need charity, Rosie,’ Alexander said gruffly.

‘You’ll earn it, Alex.’ Rosalind laughed. ‘Maybe it would be a good idea if you visited the Greeps’ farm first of all. Your charms will work to your advantage with Dora. She likes a good-looking man, so I’ve been told.’

‘I suppose I have to start somewhere. Anyway, I think I’ve met her husband in the Black Dog. Perhaps I’ll start with him.’

‘Whatever you think, Alex,’ Rosalind said sweetly. ‘Now, I’d better go home. We’ve only got a few days left until Christmas and nothing has been done to make the castle look festive. I’ll get Nancy and Tommy to help me bring the decorations down from the tower room.

‘One thing you could do for me, Alex, is to call on Abe Coaker and ask him to cut down a fir tree for the entrance hall and a slightly smaller one for the drawing room. If he’s not at home he’ll probably be in the kitchen garden.’

Fletcher seized a besom and began sweeping the floor, sending dust and dried leaves swirling around in eddies. ‘Out of me way, please.’

Outside in the cold air Rosalind wrapped her cape more tightly around her. ‘You will be quite comfortable here, I hope, Alex.’

He lifted her onto the saddle as easily as if she were a child. ‘Of course. I’m a soldier, Rosie. I can bivouac anywhere, and this is luxury indeed, especially compared to that dreadful room in Hanging Sword Alley. You can’t imagine how grateful I am for all this.’

She smiled. ‘You might not say that when you find out how much work is entailed in your new position.’

He held onto the reins, frowning thoughtfully. ‘Are you sure this is what you want, Rosie? You don’t have to look after me, you know.’

‘It’s you who’ll be looking after me indirectly, and you have Fletcher to take care of you.’

‘I’m not sure I can cope with the thought of living here with the Queen of Darkness.’

‘Don’t let her hear you say that. She really is just trying to make you comfortable.’