“Take the lady’s glass away and bring some tea immediately.”

“Very good, my Lord.”

“Oh, but I would not – put you to so much – trouble,” Gretna faltered.

“It is no trouble,” the Marquis said and this time there was no sarcasm in his voice. “Wine is for those who like it. And for those who have not acquired the taste it is quite unnecessary to force it upon them.”

“Tea! I should never have thought of that,” Sir Harry exclaimed. “But, of course, that is the beverage my sister prefers.”

The Marquis glanced at the clock on the mantelpiece.

“And that reminds me, Harriet will be waiting for you,” he said. “The horses are at the door. Pray convey my apologies to your sister and say that I shall hope to wait on her tomorrow.”

“Stop me, Julien!” There was no mistaking the protest in Sir Harry’s voice. “I’ll be hanged if I leave now. Harriet can wait”

“On the contrary,” the Marquis replied. “We contracted to be at Bridgewater Place by five o’clock. As it is, you will be nearly an hour late. There is no reason to incommode your sister any further.”

“’Pon my soul! Harriet’s party is of little consequence to me. And what about you?”

The Marquis smiled.

“As I have already requested you, Harry, please convey my regrets. But, if you recall, I had always intended to dine here. I am not interested in formal parties such as will take place at your house this evening.”

“I told Harriet that she was betting on an outside chance,” Sir Harry admitted. “But she hoped that you might be persuaded,”

“Your sister is always most kind,” the Marquis intoned formally.

Still Sir Harry hesitated. Gretna could see that he was longing to make some excuse or put up some argument in favour of his staying. It was equally obvious that the Marquis intended him to go.

The older man won.

“Rum sort of hospitality in Stade Hall!” Sir Harry complained. “All right, I’ll go, but remember, Julien, I do so under protest.”

He took Gretna’s hand in his.

“Goodbye, Miss Gretna. I am determined that we shall meet again. Will you tell me your address in London so that I may pay my respects?”

Gretna’s eyes dropped before his.

“I am not – certain – where I shall be – staying,” she stammered.

“Oh, Lud! That means I must search the whole City until I find you,” Sir Harry said despairingly. “Give me just a glimmer of where you might be or the name of some friend where I could enquire of you.”

“Now, now, young man,” Mrs. Merryweather interposed. “My niece has said she doesn’t know where she will be stayin’. Best leave it at that, though I’m sure you mean well, sir.”