‘I’m the head of the family, so I believe,’ Bertie said, smiling. ‘I give you both my blessing.’

Rosalind leaned over to kiss Alexander on the lips. ‘I will marry you, Alex.’

He stood up and swept her into his arms, kissing her soundly.

‘There’s a carriage pulled up outside,’ Nancy cried excitedly.

Walter looked out over their heads. ‘Good heavens, it’s Mama and Claude.’

Rosalind laid her head on Alexander’s shoulder. ‘I couldn’t be happier, Alex. We are all together as one family. Life is wonderful.’

Read on for a sneak peek of the next book in The Rockwood Chronicles …

Runaway Widow

Coming February 2022!

Duke Street, London

Patricia Greystone stood by one of the tall windows in her elegant London home, gazing out into the nothingness that was a London Particular. The thick, greenish-yellow peasouper had blanketed the city from early afternoon with no sign of clearing. The only glimmer of light came from the streetlamp directly in front of the house, but even that was diffused to nothing but a soft glow. Outside there was silence as if the world had come to a sudden end, and the smell of sulphur and soot seeped into the room. A soft rap on the drawing-room door made Patricia turn away from her vigil.

‘Enter.’

The door opened to admit the Greystones’ long-serving butler, Foster. In his hands was a silver salver on which lay a folded and sealed document. ‘A boy brought this for you, my lady.’

Patricia crossed the floor to snatch up the sheet of paper. She recognised her husband’s seal and her fingers shook with impatience as she unfolded the brief note written on paper with a House of Commons heading. ‘Thank you, Foster, there’s no reply. The House is sitting late and Sir Michael will not be home for dinner.’

‘Very well, my lady. Will you be dining at home?’