Lady Margaret wrinkled her nose, making her feelings quite plain, before recovering herself. “I know that the style is the height of fashion. It certainly makes you look very dignified, which is a blessing today. I mean, not even the gutter press could put a scandalous slant on our being seen together, could they? If they saw us, which they won’t, surely—we’re not likely to run into a reporter from the Morning Post where we are going, are we?”

“I doubt it very much, but if you are at all worried . . .”

“I am permanently terrified of attracting adverse press comment, I would be a fool not to be, after what they wrote about me. Did you see it?”

“It was scurrilous. I’m sure no-one believed a word of it.”

“I have become so adept at sticking to the tale of my sudden illness that I almost believe it myself. If people are still speculating, they do so out of my hearing.”

She spoke lightly, but Donald, having witnessed her stoically endure the covert looks and furious whispering at various social gatherings over the last few weeks, knew that the farrago of lies and innuendo had taken a toll. “If you felt it would improve your standing with your parents, I would be more than happy to divulge the true story.”

“Oh no! One of the few consolations I have is that I managed to keep you out of it. I am very glad to have the opportunity, now that we are finally alone, to thank you in person for all that you have done.”

“There is absolutely no need. I am simply glad to have been of service.”

“Then you are a most singular man, considering how I treated you that night. To be so obliging as to track down Mr. Scott too, which, despite your making light of it, I know must have been a most burdensome task.” Lady Margaret smiled up at him. “You have my heartfelt thanks and undying gratitude.”

To his horror, Donald felt his cheeks colouring. “It is Mr. Scott who is the true hero, for keeping your mother’s bracelet in safe hands.”

“Which is to his enormous credit, don’t you think? The temptation must have been strong to sell or pawn it, for the sum raised would have been considerable, especially for a man in his situation, with a wife and family to keep. I have been thinking about our extraordinary encounter a great deal. Do you know, Lochiel, I don’t think it is an exaggeration to say that meeting Mr. Scott has made me view the world in a very different light.”

“Really? In what way?”