‘Remember you’re Lady Carey now, Hester. I don’t want any fights when I’m out.’

‘Will you tell your mama where you’re going?’

Rosalind shook her head. ‘I doubt if she’ll even notice that I’m not here. I won’t be long. I can’t stay at home doing nothing.’

The roads were passable with care and Rosalind’s sure-footed bay mare seemed to know the best path to tread with very little guidance. Greystone Park looked even more impressive as it rose from the snow, its red bricks warmed by the winter sun. A stable boy came running from the coach house and led Sheba away. Rosalind stamped the snow off her boots as she mounted the steps and the heavy oak door opened before she had a chance to raise the lion’s-head door knocker. If Sir Michael’s butler was surprised to see Rosalind he was too well trained to show a flicker of emotion.

‘I would like to see Sir Michael, if he is at home, Foster.’

‘Of course, Mrs Blanchard. If you would care to wait here?’

Rosalind paced the floor. She would have to tell Sir Michael everything, but perhaps that was a mistake. The whole village would know soon enough that Patricia’s wedding to Alex was postponed and that Felicia Carey and her manager would be taking their place. She was trying to think of an excuse to leave when Foster reappeared. Whatever doubts she felt, it was too late now, and she was left with little choice other than to follow him to Sir Michael’s study.

He rose to his feet, smiling. ‘Rosalind, this is a delightful surprise. Do take a seat.’

‘I came to thank you for the beautiful flowers, Sir Michael. It was a kind thought.’

‘I’m glad you like them. Our kitchen garden has produced an excess of blooms this year, or so I’m told.’ He put his head on one side, eyeing her curiously. ‘But that isn’t why you’re here, is it? A note would have been enough.’

‘No, you’re right.’ Rosalind clasped her hands in front of her. ‘You’ve probably heard that my brother and brother-in-law have not yet returned.’

‘You know how things are in Rockwood village, Rosalind. I don’t listen to gossip, of course, but Christina did mention it at breakfast this morning. With the wedding being imminent she is worried about Patricia. Do you plan to postpone the ceremony?’

‘That would be the obvious choice. However, things have changed.’

‘In what way? I don’t understand.’

‘My mother intends to ask the vicar to perform the ceremony as arranged, but it will be for herself and her manager, Claude de Marney.’

Sir Michael’s eyes widened. ‘Your mother is taking Patricia’s place?’