‘He used the fact that he is a convicted criminal, due to spend the next seven years in a penal colony and he paid a considerable sum to make sure the bill passed without anyone contesting it.’

‘But the money, Sir Michael – where did he get enough to pay for such a thing?’

‘That isn’t for you to worry about, Rosalind.’ Sir Michael put his hand in his inside pocket and took out a folded, sealed document. ‘This leaves you free to marry again, should you choose to do so. It was the only gift that Piers could think of that would make up for his cavalier treatment and the disgrace he brought upon you and your family.’

Rosalind took it from him, shaking her head. ‘I don’t know what to say.’

‘It works to my advantage, too, Rosalind. If you and Alexander had decided to go against the mores of society it would have created a scandal that would have affected the whole family, and that includes me and my career.’

‘Yes, I see that now.’

‘It’s Christmas Day, so we should celebrate together. Patricia is desperate to see Bertie so we will bring your gifts this afternoon.’

‘Thank you.’ Rosalind could think of nothing else at that moment other than the fact that this slim piece of parchment meant she was once again a free woman. It was a sad end to the marriage that had promised so much at the beginning, but had failed to bring happiness to either party. When she looked up Sir Michael had walked away to join his wife and they were climbing into their carriage.

‘What was that all about, Rosie?’ Alexander took her by the hand. ‘Are you all right? You’re very pale.’

She met his anxious gaze with a tremulous smile. ‘I’ve just had the most surprising piece of news. I’ll tell you when we get home, but I still can’t quite believe it.’