‘Yes, of course, but the fact is, our mother has decided to take Patsy’s place at the altar. She says it would be a shame to cancel the arrangements at such short notice.’

Christina and Sylvia exchanged horrified glances.

‘I think I’d lock myself in my room if that happened to me.’ Christina rolled her eyes. ‘Your mama is extremely thoughtless, Rosie. I hope you don’t mind me saying so.’

‘I agree, but that’s how she has always been and she won’t change. I’ve tried to convince Patsy that she will have her day when Alex returns, but she thinks everyone will be laughing at her if the wedding takes place.’

‘I’ll be very angry if I hear any gossip,’ Sylvia said firmly. ‘We’ll come with you, won’t we, Chrissie?’

Christina nodded. ‘Yes, of course.’

‘That’s wonderful. I think talking to both of you will help Patsy to see things differently. Your papa has sent for the carriage. I came on Sheba, so I’ll go on ahead and wait for you at home.’

‘Does your mama want us to be her bridesmaids?’ Sylvia asked, frowning. ‘It would be a pity to waste our new gowns.’

‘For heaven’s sake, Sylvie, don’t be so naïve.’ Christina tossed her head. ‘Really, could you say anything sillier? Of course we’ll wear our gowns, but we’ll wait until Patsy marries Alex.’

‘I knew I could rely on you for sound common sense, Chrissie,’ Rosalind said, smiling.

Despite the luxury and warmth of Greystone Park, Rosalind sighed with relief when she walked into the great hall of Rockwood Castle. The chill of winter permeated the old stones, and there was always the slight smell of damp that no amount of lavender polish could completely eradicate, but it was home. Even the rusty suit of armour seemed to welcome her with a toothless grin. She closed Sir Denys’s visor as she walked past. ‘Good day to you, sir,’ she said softly. ‘You might find the current situation amusing, but I don’t.’

She looked up to see Jarvis hurrying towards her, and she handed her fur-lined cape and gloves to him. ‘Has Mr de Marney returned?’

‘Yes, Mrs Blanchard. He’s in the drawing room.’

‘Thank you, Jarvis.’ Rosalind could not wait to find out if Claude had any news and she went straight to the drawing room, but she came to a halt in the doorway, hardly able to believe her eyes. Claude was standing by her mother’s chair, but she looked past him. Walter was grinning broadly and standing next to him was a tall young man in army uniform with his cap tucked under his arm. His golden brown eyes gleamed with pleasure and his generous mouth curved into a smile.

Rosalind’s heart missed a beat. ‘Bertie!’ She ran to her brother and threw her arms around him, holding him so tightly that he protested.