‘Then there’s you and Piers. You were so in love while you were living here, but you’ve come back from abroad acting like strangers. I’m afraid if I remain here Marianne’s curse will make me fall in love with Alex all over again, and we’ll end up hating each other. I need to go to Trevenor to get away from this place.’

Rosalind stared at her sister in amazement. ‘I’ve never heard such nonsense. You’ve been reading too many Gothic novels.’

‘You may laugh at me, but beware, because Rockwood has you firmly in its hold and you won’t escape unless you leave.’

‘I was going to try to persuade you to stay, but if you feel like this I think you should accompany Lady Pentelow and Aurelia to Trevenor.’

‘I intend to, Rosie, and you will come too, if you know what’s good for you.’ Patricia turned away and began brushing her hair energetically.

Rosalind sighed and rose to her feet. The legend of Marianne Carey was that of a troubled young woman in the seventeenth century, who, having been jilted by her lover, threw herself off one of the towers on St Agnes’ Eve. The actual curse was probably something added on later to embellish the story. The rest was simply coincidence.

Rosalind went in search of Hester, who could always be relied upon to give sound advice.

Two days later Lady Pentelow, Aurelia and their servants left for Trevenor. Patricia insisted on accompanying them, despite Alexander’s attempt to appease her. Rosalind could understand her sister’s reluctance to believe him when he said his feelings for her had not changed, as it was obvious to anyone who knew him well that he was not speaking from his heart.