‘Yes, and I’m enjoying every minute.’ Patricia laughed. ‘Alex is looking for you, I think.’ She lowered her voice. ‘Don’t say I told you, but I overheard Greystone and Lady Pentelow talking about the possibility of Alexander returning to the army. I’m not his greatest admirer, but I know they’re not doing it for his good. It’s to avoid further gossip, if you know what I mean.’

‘Oh, yes, I do. I know exactly how their minds work. The army was Alexander’s life and he wanted to rejoin his regiment but they rejected him on medical grounds.’

‘You should have married Alex. That was your biggest mistake, Rosie.’

‘It’s too late to think about that.’ Rosalind glanced over her sister’s shoulder. ‘I need to talk to him.’

Patricia unfurled her fan and held it in front of her face. ‘Lady Pentelow told us everything about Alex and his true identity, but Aurelia mustn’t know and she’s coming this way. She adores Alex, and it would break her heart if she found out that he’s not her brother.’

‘I think it will be up to Alex to decide if and when to tell her.’

‘Yes, I agree. Anyway, I see that Greystone has been cornered by the lovely Glorina. I need to rescue him.’ Patricia snapped her fan shut and sashayed off in her husband’s direction.

Rosalind waited for Aurelia to make her way through the throng of people.

‘Are you having a good time, Aurelia?’

‘Actually I am having a much better time than I thought I would.’ Aurelia turned and beckoned to a tall young man whom Rosalind immediately recognised.

‘Isn’t that Martin Gibbs? What’s he doing here? I don’t think your grandmother will approve.’

Aurelia giggled like a naughty child. ‘No, she won’t. Isn’t it fun?’ Her smile faded. ‘I knew that Martin had followed us from Cornwall and he’s staying in the village, so I sent word to ask him to come here. I want you to meet him properly and perhaps you can use your influence to convince Grandmama that he’s a good man. I love him, Rosie, and he loves me.’ She beckoned to Martin and he hurried to her side.

‘Good evening, Mrs Blanchard. I hope you don’t mind that I came here without an invitation.’