“He’s turned out to be absolutely bloody marvelous. Clever, hardworking and full of innovative ideas for Bolton Manor. I wish I’d found him years ago. Much as I love it, the estate has been a bit of a burden, as I just can’t be there enough, and he’s brought me some relief.”

The hansom came to an abrupt stop, and the cabbie said, “White’s, me lords.”

Robert, then Adrian, jumped out; Adrian paid the cabbie, and together, in step as usual, Robert and Adrian entered one of the oldest gentlemen’s private clubs in London. First opened in 1693, its membership was aristocratic and Tory, and was considered the best among many others.

The Steward greeted them both by name in the entrance foyer, and escorted them to the dining room and their preferred table. They had chatted with the Steward, Smythson, politely. He had responded in kind and then departed once they were settled.

“I want a proper drink,” Adrian said, once they were alone. “A scotch and soda. I don’t enjoy too much champagne.”

“Good idea, I’ll have the same. I forgot to tell you, I was talking to Johnny Anderson last week, and he told me that the King now seems to be getting on well with Arthur Balfour. They’ve sort of … bonded. So much for all those chaps who said the King would never do that.”

“Everybody’s got an opinion about the Prime Minister, so I don’t pay much attention, as you know. Anyway, there’s nothing wrong with that, as far as I can see.”

“I suspect that doesn’t sit well with some folk.”

Their drinks arrived; they clinked glasses, and said, “Down the hatch,” in unison.

After a few sips of his scotch and soda, Adrian stared at Robert for a long moment, before saying in a low but forceful tone, “She got you!”

Robert returned Adrian’s stare, his expression neutral, in total control of himself. He had known this kind of comment would be coming and was prepared to respond appropriately.

After a swallow of the scotch himself, he said, “‘Got you’ is a rather strange expression. Does it mean got you in her clutches, suggesting a bad thing? Or cornered me in a bad way? On the other hand, it could mean she’s got you in a nice way. Such as having captivated me. Certainly she hasn’t got me by my short hairs, if you were meaning that. Not at all. Quite the contrary.”

Adrian burst out laughing. Then calming himself, he said, “There’s just nobody like you when it comes to words and explanations. You’re a bloody marvel.”

“I knew earlier tonight that something peculiar would be forthcoming from you, old chap,” he replied, also laughing.

“So which is it?” Adrian probed.

“Can’t you guess? Go on, have a go.”

“She cornered you, chatted you up, and you fell for it—for her.”