Piers was also keen to return to Cornwall, purely for business reasons, but Rosalind managed to persuade him to stay at Rockwood until he had regained his former strength and vitality. She gave him all her attention, making sure that he ate nourishing meals and had plenty of rest. At first their attempts at reconciliation in the bedroom were overshadowed by the jealousy that Piers admitted he felt for his brother, even though Rosalind did her best to convince him that nothing had changed. But gradually they returned to something like their former close relationship and Rosalind put her feelings for Alexander firmly behind her. Piers was her husband and she did her best to prove her love for him was just as strong as ever. She was careful not to pay too much attention to Alexander, especially when Piers was around. Alexander played his part and kept out of the way as much as possible, with Hester keeping a strict eye on him. Dr Bulmer advised him to build up his muscles with a set of exercises, which Alexander did every day, and the month of February came to an end without any upsets. However, as Piers grew stronger, he insisted that it was time for him to travel to Cornwall and make sure that Pedrick was running the business properly.

At the end of the second week in March Rosalind stood in the blustery courtyard, waving her husband off as the carriage rumbled over the cobblestones.

‘I’m sorry, Rosie.’

She turned to see Alexander standing behind her.

‘It’s not your fault. Piers can be very stubborn and he’s determined to make the business even more of a success.’

‘I should have gone to Trevenor when we returned from France, and then Patsy would have stayed here.’

‘You couldn’t travel in the state you were in, and you did try to make things right with her.’

‘Yes, and look how that turned out. She hates me and I can’t say I blame her.’

‘She’ll come round in time.’

‘I don’t think so, and perhaps it’s for the best. The life of an army wife isn’t for every woman. I should have realised that from the outset. But it’s you I worry about, Rosie. I tried to put things right with my brother, but he knew I was lying when I said I didn’t have feelings for you.’

‘I tried to convince him of that, too.’ Rosalind watched until the carriage disappeared from view. ‘Perhaps I should have gone with him today, but there is so much to do at Rockwood and it’s my responsibility with Bertie away in the army.’

Alexander slipped his arm around her shoulders and guided her back into the comparative warmth of the entrance hall. ‘There’s one thing you love above any other, Rosie, and that is Rockwood. Neither Piers nor myself could compete with this old pile of stones.’