‘Now I know the meaning of “heaven-sent”,’ Hester said, licking her lips. ‘If it weren’t bad manners I would eat all this with my fingers.’

The food was so delicious that Rosalind ate far too much, and the cheese proved to be as tasty as she had hoped. With a full stomach and a warm fire to return to, she felt much more optimistic as she walked over to the hospital, accompanied by Hester. It was dark and the rain had stopped but the temperature had dropped dramatically and ice was beginning to form on the puddles. The sister on duty informed them that evening visitors were only allowed in a small number of cases, but Rosalind refused to leave without seeing her husband and eventually they were both granted permission to see Piers and Alex, but only for a short time.

Piers lay motionless in the narrow bed. In the flickering light of a single candle he looked deathly pale, and Rosalind felt a cold shiver strike through her whole body. She leaned over the bed and kissed him tenderly on the forehead as she might have done to a sleeping child, but he remained unresponsive. She took a seat at his bedside and talked softly, telling him about the eerie château and the strange couple who were supposed to take care of them. After what seemed like a very short time, Sister Dominque came to tell her that it was time to leave. Rosalind raised Piers’ hand to her lips before resting it back on the pristine white sheet.

‘I’ll come tomorrow, my love,’ she said in a whisper, her voice choked with unshed tears. ‘I’ll leave now, but first I’ll say good night to Alex.’ She walked past Sister Dominique, pausing briefly to thank her.

It was a relief to see Alex looking remarkably cheerful despite his immobilised leg. He gave her a beaming smile. ‘Come and sit with me for a moment before they descend upon us like avenging angels. The nuns don’t want their strict routine disturbed by visitors.’

‘You look tired, poppet,’ Hester said sympathetically. ‘Is there any change in Piers’ condition?’

Rosalind shook her head, unable to speak.

‘Sister Dominique told me that the next few days will be critical,’ Alex said in a low voice.

‘She tells you everything, does she?’ Hester eyed him curiously.

‘I don’t think she was meant to say anything, but I have ways of charming information out of people, even nuns.’

‘You always thought highly of yourself, Alex,’ Rosalind said with a reluctant smile. ‘At least some things never change.’

He reached out to take hold of her hand. ‘Keep up your spirits, Rosie. Piers is tough and he’s not going to give in to this, but he won’t want to see a sad face when he wakes up.’

‘That’s right,’ Hester said briskly. ‘He’s survived so far, and he’s in the best of hands.’