Gretna knew a well that Maria was worried with financial difficulties. Although she had been left a large fortune by Mr. Fitzherbert, people whispered that it was over two thousand pounds a year, the semi-Royal state that she kept up in St. James’s Square must cost double or treble that amount.

Thinking of this scenario now, Gretna declared,

“Maria, I must speak to you about – my future. I cannot stay on here – indefinitely, contributing nothing towards my keep and costing you money for clothes and for all the other wonderful things – you give me.”

Maria laughed.

“Dearest, do you really think that the infinitesimal amount that you cost could be weighted in comparison with the joy and happiness you give me just by your being here? I have always longed for a sister and I feel that I have found one in you. And, what is more, sometimes I think that you are the only friend I can dare trust.”

Her voice was lowered at the last words and Gretna put out her hands impulsively.

“You know that you can trust me, Maria. I love you. There is nothing I would not do for you.”

“Then stay with me,” Maria emphasised. “Do not talk of going away, but keep me company.” She smiled at Gretna and then added, “I sometimes think that it does me the world of good to have someone like you as my companion. Even the most slanderous and vicious tongues can find nothing wrong or bad to say in the face of such innocence and such beauty.”

“Oh, Maria, when you speak like that – you make me feel ashamed and humble,” Gretna sighed. “I am not worthy of – such kindness.”

“Indeed, you are,” Maria retorted. “And don’t let’s have any more nonsense about earning your living. To tell the truth, dearest, I don’t think you would be very good at it.”

Gretna laughed a little ruefully.

“I should be hard put to it to know where to start,” she admitted. “But I expect I would find someone to employ me.”

“Well, you are not going to try,” Maria replied sternly. “What I want you to do now is to choose with me a pattern from these new materials that have just arrived from France for an evening gown.”

“Another one!” Gretna exclaimed.

“Yes,” Maria answered. “The one you wore last night is in ribbons and two others have been ruined by the crush at Crewe House and at the rout given by Lady Southampton. But do not repine for them. I declare, when you see the new gauzes from Paris, you will be glad that they are finished and you have an excuse to replace them.”

Maria rose as she spoke and going to her writing desk brought from it a collection of shimmering, gaily coloured patterns that Gretna knew had come from the most expensive shop in Bond Street.