She changed quickly into a blue tussore afternoon gown. As always in times of need or family crisis it was Hester to whom everyone turned and today was no exception. Rosalind found her, as she had expected, in the blue parlour.

‘It is good news, isn’t it, poppet?’ Hester said, pouring tea into two cups.

‘It’s wonderful that both Piers and Alex survived, but Bertie thinks that Piers’ condition is serious. I must go to him, Hester.’

‘Do you mean right away? Before the wedding?’ Hester added milk and passed the cup and saucer to Rosalind.

‘As soon as I can find a boat whose skipper is willing to take me to France.’

Hester sipped her tea, eyeing Rosalind over the rim of the cup. ‘And I suppose you want me to use my influence with the fishermen to find someone willing to take us to France?’

‘I was hoping you would, but I’m going on my own, Hester.’

‘Oh, no, you’re not, poppet. If you take on that hazardous journey you’re not going alone. I’m coming with you, and that’s that!’

Chapter Five

The remaining patches of snow gleamed palely against the night sky, but the village slept as Rosalind and Bertie circuited the wood, making their way to the quay.

‘I hope that Harry Mudge is waiting, as he promised,’ Rosalind said in a low voice. ‘I might not be able to get away so easily next time, should we have to postpone this trip.’

Bertie held out his hand to help her across a stile. ‘Mudge is a reliable fellow, unlike his cousins.’

‘Jacob and Seth will be locked up in the county prison for a long time to come. They were lucky not to be transported when they were convicted of smuggling.’

‘Wait for me,’ Hester caught up with them, gasping for breath. ‘I’m not as young as I was.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Rosalind said guiltily. ‘I don’t want Harry to think we’ve changed our minds.’

‘You don’t have to do this, Rosie.’ Bertie relieved her of her valise. ‘You could come home with me now, and no one will be any the wiser.’

‘This is the only way,’ Rosalind said, sighing. ‘I know you mean well, Bertie, but Piers is ill and at the mercy of strangers. I can’t sit at home and leave him to suffer.’

‘Mama will be upset that you’re missing her wedding.’

‘I doubt if she’ll even notice I’m not there.’

‘What about Patsy? I’m not sure I’ll be able to deal with her tantrums on my own. I’d feel safer facing the Russian Army.’

‘You’ll cope admirably,’ Rosalind said, chuckling. ‘And Patsy will come round eventually. Come on, Hester. We have to do this for Piers and Alex.’