“Mummy!” cried Ronnie. “Are you feeling better?”

“I am, now that you’re here,” said Gwen as she lifted him up and hugged him tight. “I see you’ve met my friend Iris.”

“She’s very nice,” said Ronnie.

“Thank you,” said Iris. “And so are you.”

“Maybe I’ll marry her someday,” said Ronnie.

“That’s the best offer I’ve had in a long time,” said Iris. “Let’s wait until you’re old enough, then we’ll talk about it some more.”

“All right.”

Lady Carolyne came through the door, followed by Agnes. She looked askance at Iris, then at Gwen. “I see that you’re feeling better,” she said.

“Yes, I am, thank you,” said Gwen.

“Agnes, take Ronnie upstairs and get him changed for dinner,” said Lady Carolyne.

“I have to change again?” protested Ronnie.

“Your clothes are all dusty from having so much fun,” whispered Agnes, taking his hand. “Come upstairs, Ronnie.”

“Goodbye, Iris,” said Ronnie, waving.

“Goodbye, dear,” said Iris, waving back.

They watched until he was out of earshot, then turned back to each other.

“Was it a good visit?” asked Gwen.

“Of course,” said Lady Carolyne. “What is she doing here?”

“Iris dropped by to see how I was feeling,” said Gwen. “And to talk over some business.”

“What sort of business?”

“Our business,” said Gwen.

“I’m surprised that you are actually up at this time of day, Miss Sparks,” said Lady Carolyne. “I would expect you to still be in someone’s bed, trying to remember his name.”

“As a matter of fact, I was in church this morning,” said Iris humbly. “I’m seeking to mend my ways. Your daughter-in-law has been a very good influence, Lady Carolyne.”

“Piffle,” said Lady Carolyne.

“Look, while I have you here, I want to ask you a favour,” said Gwen.

“What favour?”

“You have an invitation to the reception at Claridge’s tomorrow for King George. May I take it, since you’re not going?”

“For what reason, may I ask?”

“Business-related,” said Gwen. “We’re vetting a client who is Greek, and I could find out a few things in that crowd that I can’t elsewhere.”

“Very well,” said Lady Carolyne. “If you wish to consort with Greeks, that is no concern of mine. I see the influence runs both ways. Good day, Miss Sparks. Gwendolyn, I shall expect you for dinner, now that you’ve fully recovered.”

“Yes, Lady Carolyne.”

“Good day, Miss Sparks,” said Lady Carolyne. “Percival will see you out.”

She walked away.

“I guess that means I’m leaving,” said Iris. “I didn’t hear an invitation to stay for dinner.”

“I’m sorry,” said Gwen.

“Well, that’s progress, in any case,” said Iris. “I have set foot inside chez Bainbridge, and met the young lord and master, who is delightful, by the way.”

“Thank you,” said Gwen. “I’m glad you like him.”

“I’m glad he liked me. Let’s see. He’ll be old enough to marry me in twelve years.”

“When you’ll be—”

“Twenty-eight,” said Iris firmly. “And I shall call you Mum after we’re married.”