While Lord Rivers was in New York, Sean intended to play his part, which was to make the O’Donnells look respectable. Of course, the British usually assumed—quite incorrectly—that all American money must be new. Nevertheless, the presence of Clarissa’s rich old grandfather and his entirely respectable sister would do much to ease Clarissa’s way into her new life.

So when Sean had remarked the day before, “We’ll put our best foot forward here, sis, if you know what I mean,” Mary had felt a little sinking of the heart.

“I can’t lie, Sean,” she’d said. “I’m never any good at it.”

“Of course not,” he’d said.

“What is it you want me to do?”

“Just be yourself.”

“And what are you going to do?”

“Nothing much.” He smiled. “I may let them think we’ve had money a little longer than we have, if you know what I mean.”

“Oh, I’m sure to put my foot in it. Leave me out of it, Sean. Tell them I’m sick.”

“Nonsense,” he said, “you’ll be fine.”

With a sinking heart, therefore, she now went in to meet the Riverses.

Well, they were certainly very friendly, she’d say that for them. Young Gerald Rivers was only twenty-five or so, and obviously quite determined to like his fiancée’s family. Lord and Lady Riverdale were both tall, dark-haired and elegant; and whatever their private thoughts and intentions might be, a lifetime of practiced perfect manners protected their hosts and themselves from any awkwardness. Daniel and his wife seemed quite at ease, and Clarissa was looking radiant. So after some greetings all round, it only remained for Mary to make small talk with the new arrivals, ask them about their voyage on the White Star Line, and whether their hotel was comfortable. Lady Rivers asked a question or two about the city’s museums and galleries, and was obviously quite impressed that Mary could tell her all about the best exhibitions to see.

“We shall be glad of your guidance,” she remarked, “for my husband and I have come here, I’m quite sure, with all the ignorance of Mark Twain’s travelers in The Innocents Abroad.”

All in all, the conversation passed very pleasantly until dinner was announced.