‘Yes, of course.’ Alex reached for a slice of toast. ‘This is very pleasant, Rosie. Do you think we could rise early and share breakfast every day?’

She found herself relaxing, her anxiety calmed by his easy charm. ‘I don’t see why not. Although Hester won’t approve.’

‘That will make it even more fun. We’ll go back to the lives we have planned soon enough. Let’s enjoy this precious interlude.’

Rosalind smiled. ‘You are a bad influence, Alex.’

‘What were you thinking of?’ Hester demanded crossly.

‘We had breakfast together, that’s all.’ Rosalind handed the tray of crockery to Agathe. ‘I was up early and Alex was awake and hungry. What would you expect me to do?’

‘I’m not fooled by that innocent look, Rosalind. What would your husband say if he knew you were paying so much attention to the man you almost married?’

‘Alex and I were never formally engaged. All right, Hester, I did once imagine myself to be in love with him, as I admitted before, but it was over a long time ago. Alex and I are friends, and when we get home eventually he’ll marry my sister.’

‘Hmm.’ Hester shrugged. ‘I know you believe that, but we’re in a foreign land amongst strangers. Alex-ander is a charmer and we’ve been through this before. Take care, that’s all I’m saying.’

‘You worry too much,’ Rosalind said lightly. ‘Now, I’m going to wrap up and go across the road to the hospital to spend some time with Piers. It’s Christmas Eve, Hester. Let’s do what we can to make the best of things. You have to trust me.’

‘Oh, I trust you, poppet. It’s Captain Alexander Blanchard I don’t trust.’

Rosalind knew it was useless to argue with Hester, who seemed to have the power to read minds as well as hearts. She wrapped a warm cloak around herself and braved the cold to cross the road to the hospital.

Sister Dominque greeted her with a calm smile. ‘How is the gallant captain today, Madame Blanchard?’

‘He is very grateful to everyone here for what they have done for him,’ Rosalind said tactfully. ‘He seems quite cheerful and determined to follow the doctor’s instructions to the letter. Is there any change in my husband’s condition?’

‘I am afraid not, Madame. Do you need me to show you the way to his room?’

‘No, don’t let me take you away from your work. I’ll find him.’ Rosalind walked off purposefully, making her way through the echoing stone-flagged corridors, past the now familiar male ward and ending up at the door of the room where Piers was receiving treatment. She opened it and stepped inside to find everything exactly as she had left it the day before.