They did as she asked, and Robert, an expert on antiques, noticed that the bowl was of the finest Rose Medallion china.

Caroline said, ‘I’ve got to stay here, you know, greet people with my parents. But you should both go into the room and mingle. You’ll know lots of people. Many of your friends are here.’

‘Righto,’ Adrian said, and taking hold of Robert’s arm he pulled him into the chattering throng. Within seconds they were separated. Adrian was caught by two women, one of whom he knew. Robert was pushed to the left and found himself near a wall, where he managed to slide past two men he vaguely knew from business and wanted to avoid.

Suddenly, he saw his chance to rush down to the far end of the room, where French doors opened onto the garden. It would be cooler.

He was halfway there when his way was blocked by a tall young woman wearing a beautiful purple silk evening gown, with a deep flounce to the skirt and ribbon trim against her bare shoulders.

She was in profile, and what immediately struck him was her marvellous hair. It was piled high on top of her head in curls, the style currently favoured by Queen Alexandra. It gleamed in the light.

He was a few feet away from her when she turned around. They were suddenly facing each other, almost eye to eye.

Both of them seemed surprised, and they stared. Neither could look away. Their bodies were frozen, blue eyes locked on amber eyes.

Robert caught his breath, and there was a tightening in his chest. Unexpectedly, he felt as if he had been turned upside down. He couldn’t move, or speak. All he could do was gaze at the most stunning woman he had ever seen.

On her part, the young woman was truly dazzled by this tall, dark man whom she had glimpsed here from time to time, but had never been close enough to speak to. Although she had always wanted to meet him properly, talk with him, he had never noticed her.

Now, he had. The startled expression on his face showed her that.

She took a step towards him, and then another.

He smiled at her, and said, ‘I’m Robert Lassiter,’ and stretched out his hand.

She took it and felt heat running down her body. ‘I know who you are, Your Lordship. I’m Vanessa Stratton.’

Although he was momentarily taken aback, he kept a neutral look on his face, and said, ‘I’m very pleased to meet you, very pleased indeed.’

‘I think you know my sister, Caroline.’

‘I do. It was she who invited me. Can we walk down to the French doors and get a little air, do you think?’