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‘So Alex has gone to Cornwall. Is that correct?’
‘Yes, and Leo went with him. I am trying to run the house and help Bertie to manage the estate. Frank Bayliss is good man but he isn’t in a position to make decisions when it comes to business matters. We have to make a profit in order to keep going.’
‘I’m so sorry you’ve had this thrust on you, Rosie. But why did Leo go as well as Alex?’
‘The miners threatened to strike. I think Alex thought it best to have someone like Leo to back him up. Bertie couldn’t cope without Wolfe, so Leo went instead.’
‘Doesn’t Walter help you?’
‘Of course he does, to the best of his ability, but he is in the middle of writing his next novel and he’s not very practical. We’re managing, but I worry about Alex and Leo. I keep promising the children that Papa will be home in time for Christmas, although I’m beginning to doubt it.’
Nancy rose to her feet and went to kneel by Rosalind’s side. She grasped her hands and gave them a squeeze. ‘Alex and Leo can look after themselves. I’m certain they’ll see sense and return to Rockwood in time for the festivities.’
‘I hope you’re right. I’m sorry, Nancy. This isn’t much of a homecoming for you. Now, tell me what’s been happening. Did you fall out with my mother? I know how difficult she can be at times.’
Nancy was about to explain when Hester entered the room. She slumped down on the sofa.
‘Well, young lady. Why are you here without the prima donna and her husband?’
‘They are spending Christmas with the Dorringtons,’ Nancy said carefully.
‘But you were supposed to be at her beck and call.’ Hester fixed Nancy with a hard stare. ‘There’s more to it than that, isn’t there?’
Nancy could tell by Hester’s expression that she would only be satisfied when she knew everything. She launched into an account of her time in London, ending with the visit to Dorrington Place, but she was careful to omit mentioning Freddie’s name.
‘I can’t say I’m surprised,’ Hester said, pursing her lips. ‘Although I don’t know why the Countess of Dorrington would be so generous as to send you home in her private carriage.’
‘Thank goodness she did. This weather makes travelling hazardous. The coachman should stay tonight.’ Rosalind stood up and rang the bell. ‘I’m sure they can find him a bed in the stable block.’
‘Molly came with me, and her fiancé.’ Nancy smiled. ‘That’s something I forgot to tell you.’
‘I wonder what else you’ve omitted.’ Hester eyed her curiously. ‘No doubt it will all come out in time. You always kept things close to you, Nancy.’
‘Then that means there will be two more for Mrs Jackson to feed.’ Rosalind rang the bell for the second time.
Nancy rose to her feet. ‘I promised to read the children a story. I can’t let them down.’
‘Of course not,’ Rosalind said, smiling. ‘Go to the nursery and I’ll send Tilly to light the fire in your room and put clean sheets on the bed. We’ll dine in an hour.’
Nancy made her way to the nursery where she found Dolly and Rory waiting eagerly for their story. By the time she had finished they were both curled up in their respective beds, rosy-cheeked and their eyelids drooping sleepily. Nancy kissed them both and crept out of the room. It was good to be home, but the news was disturbing. She remembered liking Piers, but even as a child she had known he spelled trouble, and that had been the case. His short marriage to Rosalind had not been an entirely happy one, despite their obvious love for each other. But Piers was a rover and he had scant respect for the law, which had landed him in the penal colony in Australia. It was clear that he was still an adventurer at heart, but even in his absence he continued to hold sway over the family, and as Dolly’s father he was someone to be reckoned with. Nancy went downstairs to the drawing room. It was not going to be the wonderful family Christmas she had hoped for.
Next morning Nancy was just finishing her breakfast when Patricia burst into the dining room.
‘Nancy, I heard that you had arrived home.’
‘Won’t you join us for breakfast?’ Rosalind rose from her seat. ‘I’ve just finished but I have a meeting with Frank Bayliss in ten minutes. Bertie is seeing the bank manager in Exeter and I can’t always rely on Walter for help.’
Patricia laughed. ‘You can’t rely on dear Walter any of the time, Rosie. You are too kind and patient. He’s useless.’
‘He’s a talented author, Patsy. Give him his due.’
‘That’s as may be, but he’s not much use at anything else.’ Patricia went to the sideboard and helped herself to a generous portion of bacon and buttered eggs.
‘Why are you here so early, Patsy? You don’t normally rise until nearly midday.’
‘That’s not true.’ Patricia took a seat at the table. ‘I am going to Cornwall today.’ She shot a sideways glance at Nancy. ‘I’d like you to accompany me.’
‘But I’ve only just arrived home.’
