‘That’s not true.’

He met her worried look with a smile. ‘Isn’t it?’

‘Why are you saying these things, Alex? Are you trying to upset me?’

His eyes darkened and he raised his hand to touch her cheek. ‘No, I’d never do that. I’d die first.’

Rosalind held her breath. She knew that she had only to move closer and their lives would be changed in an instant, but the sound of approaching footsteps made them spring apart.

Chapter Ten

‘Hester.’ Rosalind knew instantly who it was, but she turned slowly, forcing her lips into a smile. ‘What are we going to do with ourselves now? Rockwood is going to seem so quiet.’

Hester shot a sideways glance at Alexander. ‘You’ll be wanting to get back to your regiment as soon as possible, no doubt.’

‘Most certainly,’ Alexander said affably.

‘I’ve checked the store cupboards. At least Mrs Jackson has had the decency to leave the jars of calf’s-foot jelly untouched. As it’s a fine day I thought I’d visit some of the older tenants. I think it’s high time we took care of those who depend upon us, don’t you, Rosie?’

Rosalind nodded. ‘You’re right. I’ll fetch my bonnet and cape.’

‘That’s settled then. Tilly is filling two baskets and she’ll bring them to the door. I’ll send young Molly to the stables to tell Gurney to bring the pony and trap round to the front entrance. It’s too cold to walk far.’ Hester walked away with a purposeful step.

‘Do you get the feeling that she is intent on keeping us apart?’ Alexander pulled a face. ‘I feel like a schoolboy.’

‘I know what you mean, but I have responsibilities to the tenants and I’ve put them aside recently. Things have to change.’

‘I respect your wishes, Rosie, but my feelings will remain the same, no matter what.’

She had no answer for this and she hurried off to collect her outdoor garments. Hester was right. Rockwood was not simply an ancient castle and the ancestral home of the Carey family, it came with responsibilities and she was the only one in the family left to carry them out.

Rosalind and Hester visited Widow Madge and her brood of growing children. After that they went two doors along the cottages on the quay to call upon Jarvis’s sister, Minnie. Years ago she had worked in the sewing room at the castle, but rheumaticky hands and old age prevented her from earning her living now. However, the cottage was bright and clean and she was obviously delighted to see them. She offered them tea, but Rosalind knew that it was an expensive commodity and she refused tactfully. Lastly they called on Jessie Wills, whose husband, Saul, and his brother Seth were in prison for smuggling.

As they left the house they met the vicar coming up the garden path.