‘A Christmas wish, you mean?’ Nancy’s eyes brightened. ‘Well, I would wish that you were my mother, ma’am.’

‘Yes, I would, too,’ Tommy added eagerly. ‘But I’d also wish for a new set of lead soldiers. Half of mine are missing.’

‘I can’t be your mother,’ Rosalind said thoughtfully. ‘And I’m too old to be your sister, but perhaps you could call me Aunt Rosie. I feel as though you’ve both been with me for ever. We’re a family and I hope for great things for you both.’

At that moment Fletcher burst into the room without bothering to knock, although this was her usual way of entering and no matter how many tactful hints she received to the contrary. She placed a steaming jug of water on the washstand.

‘What are you two nippers doing here? Mrs Blanchard wants to get dressed in peace. Off you go and make sure you wash behind your ears, young Tommy. I got eyes in the back of me head so I’ll know if you have or you haven’t.’ She shooed them out of the room. ‘I brought hot water for you to wash. They’re all at sixes and sevens below stairs, getting dolled up for church.’

Rosalind stood up and stretched. ‘Will you be attending church with us this morning, Fletcher?’

‘Me? No, missis. The gargoyles would jump off the roof if I walked into a church. I’ll stay here and keep me eye on Wolfe. I don’t trust him. He’s got a shifty eye.’

There was no answer to that and Rosalind took advantage of the rapidly cooling water to have a wash before getting dressed. It was easy to slip into the old routine and she went to the nursery first to have a cuddle with Dolly and discuss her baby’s progress with Eliza. Having satisfied herself that all was well, Rosalind made her way to Bertie’s room, where she found him propped up against a pile of pillows, sipping a cup of coffee. Wolfe eyed her warily, saying nothing.

‘How are you this morning, Bertie?’ Rosalind stood at her brother’s bedside. It was wonderful to have Bertie home, but his crippled condition was heart-breaking. She managed a bright smile. ‘Merry Christmas.’

‘I never imagined I’d be spending it here at Rockwood, but it’s good to be home.’

‘We’re going to church later on, but after that we’ll spend the rest of the day quietly. Perhaps you would like the day bed moved into the drawing room. There’s a beautiful tree that the children decorated.’

‘Where did they come from, Rosie? Are they one of your good causes?’

She perched on the edge of the bed, taking his hand in hers. ‘Didn’t you get my letter, Bertie?’

‘No. I hadn’t had any news from home.’