‘You have a son, Bertie. That’s what I told you in my letter.’ Rosalind glanced at Wolfe and he retreated into the dressing room. ‘It came about by accident, but I saved Tommy from a brutal chimney sweep. The poor child was half-starved, beaten and burned. He would have died if I hadn’t intervened.’

Bertie stared at her in amazement. ‘He looks like a fine fellow, the little I saw of him last evening, but how do you know he’s my son?’

‘Do you remember Sally Farthing, Bertie?’

‘Of course,’ he said warily. ‘We were desperately in love, but we were very young.’

‘Did you know she had a child?’

Bertie’s eyes widened. ‘No, I didn’t. What are you saying, Rosie?’

‘It’s a long story, but I met Sally’s sister and she told me everything. Sally died when Tommy was two and Emmie Trimble raised him as her own, but her husband, who is a complete villain, sold Tommy to the sweep. That’s how I found him.’

‘I loved Sally, but I was sent back to school and I was told she had married. How can you be so sure that Tommy is my son?’

‘You only have to look at him, Bertie, but apart from that, Sally had him christened and your name is on the register as Tommy’s father. I have no doubts that he is your son.’

Bertie’s eyes filled with tears and he dashed his hand across his face. ‘I can’t believe it. Poor Sally.’

‘Our grandfather paid her to go to live in Exeter. It’s a sad story and I would have raised him as your son even if you hadn’t returned. He’s a bright little boy and he deserves a chance in the world.’

The cup and saucer shook dangerously in Bertie’s hand and Rosalind took it from him, placing it on a table close to the bed. ‘I think a son like Tommy is the best Christmas present you could wish for, Bertie.’ She leaned over and kissed him on the forehead. ‘I’ll leave you to think it over.’

‘Does the boy know about me?’

‘No. I haven’t told him anything. I wanted it to come from you, but only if you feel you can love him as your son.’

‘What sort of father can I be?’ Bertie indicated his motionless lower limbs. ‘A boy needs a father who can teach him to ride and do all the things that a good parent does.’