‘I’ve been so worried. I knew that something awful must have happened to keep him away for so long, especially with Christmas so near.’

Bertie slipped his arm around her shoulders. ‘I had permission from my commanding officer to return to Rockwood to tell you about Piers. I couldn’t do anything in France, but now I’m back in Devon we can work out a way to bring them both home.’

‘He’s very ill, isn’t he? You don’t need to pretend for my sake, Bertie.’

‘Yes, I won’t lie. His condition is very serious.’

‘I don’t want you to tell the others.’

‘What are you going to do? I know that look.’

‘I want you to make enquiries at the quay. I’ll pay handsomely for passage to France. I’m not going to leave Piers and Alex in a foreign hospital. I’ll bring them home even if I have to do it by myself.’

‘I’ll help you. I have a short leave of absence, but I have to return to my regiment soon.’

‘Don’t say a word to anyone, especially Patsy. She can’t know what we’re planning.’

‘I agree. I won’t say a word.’

Patricia was sitting up in bed, sipping a cup of hot chocolate.

‘You’re feeling better,’ Rosalind said with a sigh of relief.

‘I am, but I’m cross with Alex for not letting me know sooner.’ Patricia placed the cup back on its saucer and laid it on the side table. ‘I’m still not happy about Mama and Claude taking my wedding away from me.’

Bertie perched on the edge of the bed. ‘That’s a bit unreasonable, Patsy. You would have to postpone the wedding anyway, unless of course you plan to travel to France and marry Alex in his hospital bed.’

‘You’re not funny, Bertie. I’m glad to see you, of course, but you could be a bit more sympathetic.’

Rosalind shook her head. ‘I think the time for sympathy has passed. You should get up, have a wash and get dressed. Christina and Sylvia will be here any minute now and they won’t want to see you looking like this. Alex has suffered a broken leg and you should be glad that his injuries weren’t more severe.’

‘Don’t lecture me, Rosie. I have a headache.’

Bertie stood up. ‘It seems to me that you’re enjoying the attention, as always, Patsy. Get up and try to look happy for Mama and Claude. Put a brave face on it and let them make use of all the preparations, or are you going to behave like a spoilt child for ever?’

Patricia’s blue eyes welled with tears and her pretty mouth drooped at the corners. ‘You’re mean, Bertie.’

Rosalind was about to step in to prevent an argument when a tap on the door made her turn away. ‘Come in.’