There were also those like Lord Dandish who automatically cut ten per cent off the bill when he paid it.

The same adjustment to the price therefore definitely applied to him.

Without hurrying Thalia walked gracefully into the front of the shop to find, as she anticipated, Mrs. Burton was serving one of the petulant, temperamental beauties who was determined to try on every bonnet available before she decided which one she would buy.

In front of another mirror Lord Dandish and his sister were waiting.

Thalia curtseyed respectfully.

“Good morning, my Lady,” she said to Lady Wentmore, whom she had served on several other occasions.

Her Ladyship wasted no time in the courtesies.

“I want to see your prettiest and newest bonnets and those that are the most original,” she said sharply, “and I shall be extremely annoyed if I see anyone in a replica of what I am wearing myself.”

“You would not do that, my Lady,” Thalia promised. “We pride ourselves on never turning out the same model twice.”

Lady Wentmore sniffed as if she did not believe what Thalia was saying, but she sat down in front of the mirror patting her skilfully dyed hair into place.

Fifteen years ago she had been an outstanding beauty, but now she was fading a little while striving with every known artifice to keep her looks and a semblance of youth.

Lord Dandish, who was almost a dandy in his appearance, was obviously intent on his own thoughts and took no notice of Thalia.

“As I was telling you, my dear,” he said to his sister, “I said to the Chancellor of the Exchequer that things need to be tightened up. If nobody pays their taxes as they should, how can we ever expect to afford an Army, a Navy and all the other responsibilities that have to be met?”

“I am sure you are right,” Lady Wentmore murmured.

She was turning her head from side to side to see the effect of a very attractive bonnet that Thalia had just placed on her head.

“That reminds me,” Lord Dandish went on, “I had a surprise last evening.”

He waited for his sister to ask what it was and, as she did not do so, he continued,

“Lawson has just returned from America and who do you think he saw there?”

“I have no idea,” Lady Wentmore muttered.

“Caversham! Denzil Caversham strutting about, Lawson said, as if he owned the place!”

“Sir Denzil?” Lady Wentmore exclaimed. “I thought he was dead!”

“Very much alive from what Lawson was saying,” Lord Dandish answered. “And, if he comes back to this country, I have a surprise waiting for him.”

At the mention of her father’s name Thalia felt as if she was turned to stone. Then when Lord Dandish said that he was alive and apparently well, her relief was so overwhelming that she felt as if it might physically sweep her off her feet.