‘What is it? You sound so solemn,’ she cried, noting the serious expression on his face. ‘Don’t make me think you don’t want us to be together.’

‘Adrian is going to help me get through this divorce situation. He believes he knows a way we should handle it. In the meantime, you and I cannot be seen again in public after today. There cannot even be the merest whiff of a rumour that I am with another woman. Do you understand that, Vanessa?’

‘Yes. But we can have an affair in private, can’t we?’

He was silent for a moment, and then said in a calm but firm voice, ‘No, we cannot.’

‘Why?’

‘Because I don’t want to have it … I can take you somewhere private, to another person’s house. However, I don’t want this relationship to begin in a stranger’s bed. It’s too shoddy for you, a little tawdry, darling. You and I will have to contain ourselves and wait.’

‘Oh God, Robert …’ Her voice trailed off. She was filled with dismay, disappointed.

He said, ‘I sat up all night working everything out, and made all the decisions for both of us. I know you’re a modern young woman, independent and confident. However, we cannot give Lucinda any reason to contest the divorce. We must be smart about this.’

‘I understand that, and I don’t think you’re playing the general—’ She cut herself off and gave him a knowing look, added, ‘Well, not really.’

Robert had the good grace to laugh, and then took a sip of tea. After a moment, he continued. ‘Obviously, we will have the need to see each other, and this is what I propose. We will have supper every week while I’m in town, and I’m now thinking I’ll stay down here for longer, at my house in Grosvenor Square—’

‘Your servants will see us,’ she cut in.

‘Leave the servants to me. To proceed, we will endeavour to spend part of Saturday or Sunday together. Your parents and Caroline go to the country on Fridays, don’t they?’

‘Yes. Actually they went early this morning. Why?’

‘If they’re not in town, do they know what you’re doing anyway?’

‘Not really. I’m usually with my friends or just at home. The housekeeper and several maids are in the house to look after me. I come and go as I wish, though. I rarely go to the country with them.’

‘So we might drive down to the country ourselves to visit Adrian. However, just for the day.’ He leaned forward and grasped her hand, staring hard at her. ‘We can enjoy each other’s company, can’t we, Vanessa? And wait for each other?’

‘Yes, of course,’ she answered swiftly. ‘I’ll do anything you want, you know that. I want to please you always.’