‘Will you please tell me the whole story?’ Rosalind said impatiently. ‘You said that Alex is in hospital. Where is it exactly?’

‘It’s outside a town called Brest. We were crossing the Bay of Biscay in a violent storm when our ship was in collision with another, and both vessels were driven onto the rocks. It was a nightmare and I really thought I was going to die, but eventually we were rescued and taken ashore in an armada of small craft.’

‘We must bring Alex home,’ Rosalind said thoughtfully. ‘Surely the army will help?’

‘There’s something else I should tell you, Rosie.’ Bertie’s smile faded.

‘What is it?’ Rosalind was suddenly nervous. She could always tell when Bertie was keeping something from her. ‘Tell me, please.’

‘Piers was a passenger on the other ship. He was amongst the survivors, but his condition is grave. They are both in the same hospital.’

Rosalind stared at him in disbelief. ‘Are you sure it was Piers?’

‘Yes, I saw him and I spoke to him, although I’m not sure how much he could understand. He has a head injury, Rosie, and inflammation of the lungs, or that’s what I understood from the doctor in charge. Although you know me, my knowledge of French is very limited.’

‘You were never a good student,’ Felicia said casually. ‘At least Piers has survived, Rosalind. There’s no need to look as if it’s a tragedy. He’ll recover, no doubt, and come home when he’s well again. It’s a pity he won’t be here for the wedding, but now we can go ahead without upsetting Patricia.’

‘Mama, you can’t mean that?’ Rosalind said slowly. ‘Haven’t you any feeling for others?’

‘Don’t be impertinent, Rosalind. You might be a married woman, but I am still your mama.’

‘Patricia’s fiancé is in hospital in a foreign country and my husband is seriously ill. I will not apologise for speaking my mind.’

Claude laid a restraining hand on Felicia’s arm as she was about to jump to her feet. ‘I was sorry to hear about Piers’ illness, Rosie. At least he’s in the right place. Bertie assures me that it’s a good hospital.’

‘He’s getting the best care,’ Bertie added quickly. ‘I told them that money was no object when it came to my brother-in-law’s wellbeing.’

‘Thank you, Bertie.’ Rosalind stood up. ‘I’m going to see how Patsy has taken the news.’ She walked purposefully to the door. ‘By the way, Christina and Sylvia will be here soon. Perhaps you could entertain them for a while, Claude? They can see Patsy later.’

‘I’ll come with you.’ Bertie followed her from the room. ‘Are you all right, Rosie? I know it must have been a shock to learn that Piers is in hospital, too.’