She met his challenging look with an attempt at a smile. ‘I think you’re right, Piers. We need to start again. It’s up to Patsy and Alex how they approach the future, whether together or apart, but I think I should have a word with my sister before things get even more out of hand.’

Rosalind hurried upstairs to Patsy’s room. She knocked and entered without waiting for an answer.

‘What do you want?’ Patsy was seated in front of the dressing-table mirror, brushing her hair. ‘I’ve said all I have to say.’

Rosalind sat on the edge of the bed. ‘I understand why you’re upset, but it’s not fair to blame Alex for everything.’

‘You always take his side. I think you still have a soft spot for him.’

‘I admit that I’m very fond of Alex, but he’s my brother-in-law. I love Piers.’

Patricia turned to face her. ‘Do you really? You don’t seem to be on very good terms now.’

‘We’ve had a long journey and we’re tired. Piers isn’t fully recovered from his illness. I want him to stay here until he’s regained his strength.’

‘Why do you want to live here, Rosie? You married Piers, and Trevenor is your rightful home.’

The direct question took Rosalind’s breath away momentarily, but she managed a smile. ‘Piers might be the owner but Lady Pentelow runs the household. Can you imagine anyone trying to take her place?’

‘I think it’s Rockwood Castle you love more than anything or anyone. This place has a strange effect on people.’

‘What are you talking about, Patsy?’

‘Aurelia and I believe that Marianne Carey’s ghost still walks this castle. Farmer Greep’s wife told us about the curse that Marianne is said to have put on Rockwood after the man she loved left her at the altar.’

‘Dora Greep is a gossip and she loves to create a stir. I know the legend, and that’s all it is.’

‘Only it happened to me. I was left at the altar.’

‘But not from choice. Alex couldn’t get home in time.’

‘It was Marianne’s curse. The women of Rockwood are doomed to fall in love with the wrong man, and their marriages end in disaster.’

‘Surely you don’t believe that balderdash?’

‘Look at Grandpapa – he adored our grandmother, but she died.’

‘Everyone dies sooner or later. That is a fact of life.’

‘I don’t think it’s funny, Rosie. Grandpa fell in love with Hester – now that’s a strange match, you must agree – then he died.’

‘He was an old man, and Hester looked after him devotedly.’

‘Well, then, what about Mama? She had a miserable life with our father, and then she fell under the Rockwood spell and married Claude on what should have been my wedding day.’

‘But they were going to get married anyway, Patsy.’