‘If he is paid, then I can get him to sign a confidentiality document. I am sorry, my lord, but I have outstanding accounts because I was naïve enough to take the word of a few gentlemen. Then both ladies may move to a business women’s hostel. I suggest you do not pay Lady Rose an allowance and her clothes must be limited to those of a woman in her adopted station. By the time you return from Nice – two months, you said – you will find her more than eager to come home. I will keep a discreet eye on both of them for you. You will forgive me for asking for my usual fee in advance, I am sure.’

‘A thousand pounds? Oh, very well. But I want you to put the matter to Rose yourself. I’ve had enough of her tantrums.’

‘Very well.’

Rose was summoned to the drawing-room. She stood in the doorway and surveyed the captain. Lady Polly thought for one moment that the very air seemed to crackle between them, but put it down to the cold working on her imagination.

‘The captain has something to say to you,’ said the earl. ‘He has my blessing.’

A faint blush suffused Rose’s beautiful face. So Harry had asked for her hand in marriage! Well, she wouldn’t accept, but still . . .

Her parents left the room. ‘Pray be seated,’ said Harry.

Rose sank down gracefully into an armchair by the fire. He sat down opposite and a little frown creased her brow. Shouldn’t he be getting down on one knee?

‘I have come up with a solution to your problem,’ began Harry.

‘I do not wish to marry,’ said Rose, but she gave him a little smile and her long eyelashes fluttered.

‘Of course you don’t,’ said Harry cheerfully. ‘You want to be a working woman and I am here to help you.’

Rose’s face hardened with disappointment. ‘What is your plan?’ she asked.

Harry outlined his idea but without saying that the merchant banker would be paid to employ her, merely saying he knew of two typing vacancies at the bank.

‘And my parents agreed to this?’ asked Rose faintly.

‘Yes, they are anxious to leave for Nice.’

‘I suppose I must thank you,’ said Rose, feeling depressed. It was one thing to dream, another to face going out in the cold winter to work.

‘Very well. If you come across any difficulties, please let me know. My card.’

Rose felt an odd impulse to burst into tears as she took his card.

‘Remember, you must be sure not to betray your real rank. You must wear ordinary clothes and be known simply as Miss Summer. And modify your accent. I am sure Daisy will tell you how. I suggest you buy cheap clothes. I am sure that even your oldest ones will betray your rank. No furs.’

‘And if I refuse?’