Any man would surely find her attractive, thought Rosaleena grudgingly.
She reflected on the way the Colonel had kissed Bridie’s forehead and a new and tormenting thought arose in Rosaleena’s mind.
Was Bridie in love – with Colonel Joyce? And – more terrible still to consider – did he love her in return?
*
On her return, Rosaleena hid the Colonel’s cloak at the back of the wardrobe in her room
She was so monosyllabic at dinner that her mother asked her if she was ill and, as soon as the question was put, Rosaleena realised that she did indeed feel unwell.
She excused herself from the table and her mother rose with her, refusing to let her go to her room alone.
Oswald, his mouth full of syllabub, made noises of sympathy, as Sir Uriel watched them leave the room.
“I will send for the
