‘That can’t be the main reason for calling here now, Grandmama.’ Alexander ushered the curious children from the drawing room and closed the door. ‘Why have you travelled all the way from Cornwall at this time of the year?’

‘I came specifically to see you, Alexander. You are a huge disappointment to me. I was hoping that your return to London would be permanent. You do realise, I suppose, that your continued presence here is creating yet another scandal to be borne by those closest to you.’

‘I don’t live here now. I have a cottage on the estate and a housekeeper, so it’s all very proper, as you would say.’

‘Alexander has taken the position of steward. Lambert left under a cloud and I can’t manage everything on my own.’ Rosalind faced Lady Pentelow with a defiant lift of her chin. ‘You have no right to criticise him for trying to help his brother’s family.’

‘The business is failing.’ Lady Pentelow sat down abruptly on an upright chair. ‘Matters have reached such a peak that the mine will almost certainly have to be sold.’

‘I am next in line to Piers. I’ll do anything I can to prevent that happening.’ Alexander eyed his grandmother closely.

‘You have nothing to do with the mine. It belongs to Piers, not you, Alexander.’

‘I thought it belonged to the family.’

‘Then you were wrong. Piers is the sole beneficiary of your late grandfather’s will. If I can find a buyer the money will cover the debts incurred due to Piers’ mismanagement.’

‘But how will you manage, Lady Pentelow?’ Rosalind asked anxiously. ‘Will you lose your home?’

‘No. I will keep Trevenor, although my income will be very much reduced. Aurelia has a small annuity, which will allow her to live in moderate comfort but is not large enough to attract fortune hunters.’

‘And yet I have nothing.’ Alexander walked slowly to the window, staring out at the bleak winter garden. ‘Not that I care, of course, but it makes me curious. I remember hearing once that there was some sort of scandal in the family, which is why I think you are so afraid of public scrutiny of our affairs.’

‘It happened a long time ago, Alexander. You were an innocent child. Your grandfather and I decided that it was best to keep the truth from you. It’s a secret that lies heavily on me these days.’

‘Don’t you think that Alexander deserves to know what you’ve been keeping from him, ma’am?’ Rosalind could feel the tension building in the room and she was growing even more anxious.

‘If it concerns me directly I need to know,’ Alexander said firmly.

Lady Pentelow sighed, shaking her head. ‘I agree, although it hurts me to relate the sad tale. It’s not something I really wish to talk about.’

‘You can’t stop there,’ Alexander protested. ‘Please go on.’