‘I don’t need to go into details, Sir Michael. The truth is we don’t know what has happened to Bertie and Alexander. We think they were on a troop ship that got into trouble off the coast of France and they may have landed near Brest, but we have no more information.’

‘And you were wondering whether I could help?’

‘Claude went to London yesterday, intending to get a special licence to marry my mother, but also he said he would try to get some information from the War Department.’

‘Was he successful?’

‘I don’t know. He hadn’t returned when I left to come here, but if he didn’t succeed I would be very grateful for your help.’

‘I am always ready to assist you in any way possible, but there’s something else, I can tell.’

‘Patsy won’t come out of her room and she refuses to eat. I wonder if you will allow Christina to come to Rockwood and speak to her. They were always close and Patsy might find it easier to talk to Christina.’

‘I don’t wish to sound unkind, Rosalind, but surely your mother is the person to deal with Patricia? It seems that she is exacerbating the situation by her actions.’

‘Mama can see nothing wrong in what she’s doing, Sir Michael. She simply cannot understand why Patsy is so upset.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that.’ Sir Michael resumed his seat behind his desk. ‘Families can be very difficult, as I know from past experience, but that’s another story. I’m sure that Christina will be only too happy to help, if she can.’

‘And if Claude has no luck with the War Department, could you give me any advice? I really don’t know what to do next.’

‘Parliament is in recess for the Christmas period. I had not planned to travel to London, but I will write to the War Department and see if I can find out anything more than you know already.’

‘Perhaps Claude will bring news. I hope so, anyway.’

Sir Michael reached for the bell pull. ‘I can see by your outfit that you rode here. However, I’d prefer to send Christina to Rockwood Castle in my carriage. I expect Sylvia will want to accompany her. Do you mind?’

‘Not at all. May I speak to them?’

‘Of course.’ Sir Michael looked up as Foster entered the study. ‘Are my daughters in the drawing room?’

‘No, Sir Michael. I believe they are in the long gallery.’

Rosalind stood up. ‘I know the way.’

‘Send for the chaise, Foster. My daughters will be visiting Rockwood Castle.’ He rose to his feet. ‘I’ll accompany you to the long gallery, Rosalind.’