Even though he wanted to believe that the magical kiss they had exchanged had changed everything, he could not be sure of it.

Yet, inexplicably, almost unbelievably, she was here to see him and he knew without being told, that it would not be just for the pleasure of his company.

Now, as he looked at her, he realised how upset she was and he wanted to allay her fears and take away her unhappiness whatever might be the reason.

“I will – not sit down,” Thalia said inaudibly. “There is – just something I want to ask you – but it is difficult to put it – into words.”

“I can see you are upset,” the Earl said, “and I think too you have been hurrying to get here. Let me send for some coffee or perhaps it would be better for you to have a glass of wine.”

“I want – nothing, just for you to – listen to me.”

“You know I will do so,” the Earl said. “But I hate to see you like this. Give me your hand, darling.”

“No – no!” Thalia cried. “You must not – touch me – please don’t touch me – not until you have heard what I have to – say.”

The Earl was surprised, but, because it was what she wanted, he stood waiting, while he realised that she was feeling for words.

It was difficult to see her face for she bent her head and her grey bonnet obscured everything but her small, determined chin.

The Earl waited, curious, at the same time feeling that any questions he might ask would only make it more difficult.

At last it seemed that Thalia controlled herself enough to raise her eyes to his.

“You – asked me,” she began in a very small voice, little above a whisper, “if I would be – your mistress.”

“A harsh word,” the Earl replied, “for something that, where we are concerned, would be very different, something that I believe, Thalia, would make us both very happy.”

“I cannot – do what you want – the way you want,” Thalia said, “because my Mama must – never know, but if – ”

She stopped for a moment as if it was impossible to say anything more.

Then, with what was a superhuman effort, she went on,

“If I – stay with you, as I could – have done last night or the night before – would you give me – one thousand p-pounds?”

The last word came out in a rush almost as if she found it impossible to say, until it burst from her lips.

Now she could no longer look at him, but he saw the burning flush that swept over her face before she bent her head.

“A thousand pounds!” the Earl said slowly.

“P-please – ” Thalia replied, “I must have it now – at once – I cannot wait!”

Once again she had raised her face to his and her eyes were searching his frantically, as if her very life depended on his answer.

“Who is blackmailing you?”