She would have preferred to go on her own, but Sir Michael had agreed to help them and she managed a polite smile. ‘Thank you, sir.’ She left the study, making her way through the oak-panelled corridors to the entrance hall and Sir Michael fell into step beside her.

‘I know you are a happily married woman, Rosalind, but do you ever regret turning me down?’

‘What sort of question is that, Sir Michael?’

‘Your husband seems to spend a great deal of time away from home. That must be hard for you to bear.’

‘Piers has a business to conduct. I have no complaints.’

‘And yet it’s almost Christmas, your brother and brother-in-law are missing, but Piers still has not returned to support you during this difficult time.’

Rosalind came to a halt, clutching the banister rail so hard that her knuckles showed white beneath her skin. ‘That is none of your business, Sir Michael. Perhaps I made a mistake in coming here today, but I thought we were old friends.’

‘We’ve had our ups and downs, but I’ve known you since you were born. I think that entitles me to make a sound observation. I’m sorry if I caused offence.’

‘Would you mind if I went to speak to the girls on my own? I’d find it easier to tell them what has happened if you were not present.’

‘I can see that I’ve upset you. I am sorry, Rosalind. Please speak to my daughters. I know they will want to help.’ Sir Michael turned away and descended the stairs, leaving her to make her own way to the long gallery.

Christina and Sylvia were playing with a ball, endangering the priceless statues that graced the long gallery, but they stopped when they saw Rosalind.

Christina hid the ball under a chair. ‘Papa doesn’t approve of us playing games in the long gallery. He’s afraid we might break one of his precious figurines, so I hide the evidence.’

‘Have you come to luncheon?’ Sylvia asked eagerly. ‘Can you stay awhile?’

‘We heard that Alexander and your brother have not returned,’ Christina said cautiously. ‘Is it true, Rosie?’

‘I’m afraid so. We think they might have been on a troop ship that foundered in the Bay of Biscay. The crew were taken ashore, but that’s all we know so far.’

‘Poor Patsy,’ Christina said sadly. ‘She must be distraught.’

‘She is and that’s why I came here today. She refuses to leave her room and she won’t eat. Please come to Rockwood and talk to her. She might listen to you, Chrissie. After all, we don’t know anything for certain.’

‘Alex and Bertie could arrive at any moment,’ Sylvia said hopefully. ‘They might be on their way but have been delayed by the weather.’

‘Surely the most sensible thing would be to postpone the wedding,’ Christina added.