Because the Earl spoke with that cynical note in his voice that was characteristic of him, it was difficult to take what he was saying as a compliment.

Thalia gave a little laugh as she replied,

“Anyway, I have learnt that it is a handicap to be thought too attractive when one is only a shop assistant. As your Lordship might have been aware, I am only allowed to wait on the old and the plain, but not on the Ladies of Quality who bring their admirers with them.”

“And yet you were permitted to visit a ballet dancer.”

“That was different,” Thalia answered. “A person like Mademoiselle Genevieve is not likely to notice somebody as insignificant as myself. But actually it was the first time I had been sent on such an errand and I hope it will be the last.”

She spoke so positively that the Earl questioned in surprise,

“Why do you say that?”

“Because, although a ballet dancer may not notice me, the gentlemen who frequent her dressing room undoubtedly do so, like yourself, my Lord,” Thalia responded. “If I had not gone to Fletcher’s Hotel, I would not be here at this moment.”

“Then I am glad you did so,” the Earl remarked.

There was a little pause, which for some reason she did not understand, made Thalia feel embarrassed.

It might have been because of the way the Earl was looking at her, scrutinising her, she thought, as a man might scrutinise a picture or a horse, almost as if he appraised and valued her points.

“I think, my Lord,” she said, “while I must thank you for that delicious dinner, it is now time for me to go home.”

“Not yet,” the Earl said sharply. “I have not yet told you of my proposition.”

“I will, of course, listen to what you have to say, but I would remind you that it is getting late.”

“Not as far as I am concerned.”

“But you don’t have to get up as early as I do,” Thalia countered.

“Very well then, you have made your point,” the Earl said. “Listen carefully – ”

Thalia bent forward, put her arms on the table and rested her chin on her hands.

Her bag was in her lap and she thought that she must remember not to rise quickly, otherwise it would fall to the floor with a clatter.

“I think we agree,” the Earl said, “that you are in the wrong environment. What I am going to suggest is that you move to a larger house in a quieter locality and you will allow me to make you very much more comfortable than you are at the moment.

“You will not have to make the bonnets you wear, you can have your own carriage and two horses to drive you and you will certainly need one, if not two servants to wait on you.”