Alex squeezed Rosalind’s finger. ‘Hester’s been telling me about the haunted house across the street. I think the sooner I move in with you the better. I don’t like the sound of that fellow Delfosse.’

‘I think he’s harmless enough,’ Rosalind said with more confidence than she was feeling. ‘Madame Planche seems able to handle him.’

‘Well, make sure you lock your bedroom doors tonight. If the priest told you to do that he must have a good reason.’ Alex glanced from one to the other. ‘Maybe you ought to share a room, at least until you’re sure that Delfosse doesn’t wander round the corridors in the early hours of the morning. I’d come to your rescue, but it’s a long way to hobble on one leg.’

Rosalind laughed. ‘We do need you with us, Alex. The sooner the better.’

Hester glanced over Rosalind’s shoulder. ‘There’s a nun marching towards us, Rosie. I think we’re about to be sent on our way.’

‘I’m sorry, Alex. I wanted to stay and talk to you,’ Rosalind said hastily. ‘There’s so much to tell you about what’s been happening at Rockwood.’

‘Hester told me that your mother and Claude are getting married. I can imagine how Patsy must have reacted to that, but there’s nothing I can do about it from here. Anyway, it’s so good to see you, Rosie.’ Alex shot a wary glance at the nun. ‘I would kiss you, but I don’t think Sister Mary-Grace would approve.’ He winked and grinned mischievously.

Rosalind was tempted to ignore the sister’s presence and hug Alex, but she did not want to jeopardise their ability to visit every day. She merely smiled and patted him on the cheek. ‘Good night, Alex. I’ll see you tomorrow.’

‘Good night,’ Hester said briskly. ‘Sleep well, Alexander.’

‘The only person who calls me Alexander is Grandmama, and she reserves that for when I’ve really upset her. Good night Rosie, good night Hester. Don’t forget what I said about locking doors.’ He held up his hands. ‘All right, Sister Mary-Grace. I’m going to sleep now, like a good boy.’

Rosalind left the ward with a memory of the brilliant smile that Alex directed at the nun, whose stern expression had softened and a delicate flush had made her look almost pretty.

‘That young man would charm the devil himself,’ Hester observed as they walked the short distance to the château. She shot a sideways glance at Rosalind. ‘He had you under his spell not so long ago. You might need to keep your guard up now, Rosie.’