It felt wrong, sliding his arm around the waist of Lord Edgerton’s daughter. Lord Edgerton might not have been the one who hired and fired, but as head of the board, a single withering look or an idle comment could spell the end for anyone in the Buckingham’s halls. Raymond had seen it happen. There had once been a porter who brushed Lord Edgerton’s case up against a banister rail on his way to the Atlantic Suite – after that incident; never to be seen again. A waiter too slovenly or a concierge too unwilling – Lord Edgerton demanded perfection, and those who could not supply it were suddenly damned. Raymond could only imagine what might happen should rumours of any improper relations with Lord Edgerton’s stepdaughter spread around the Buckingham. He already knew how quickly a rumour could spread – particularly among the chambermaids. A rumour about him and Vivienne would be damning, and for a time he held her at a distance – but Vivienne was no timid, meek little thing, and when she sensed his reluctance she straightened up, staring him directly in the eye. She was instructing him, Raymond thought, so he tightened his hold. ‘Just mirror me, Miss Edgerton. You’ve seen it done so much . . .’

First he stepped into her, and then she stepped back. Then he slid sideways, guiding Vivienne as she did the same.

‘Look to your left, Miss Edgerton. Try not to look at me.’ Raymond allowed himself a fleeting smile. ‘Tempting as it might be.’

It was simple, to begin with. Just rhythm dancing, to get them started. Raymond had brought out a gramophone from the dressing room and it crackled with ‘The Winter Serenade’. In simple steps, they crossed the ballroom, turned, and came back. He danced her to the heart of the room and held her there. Then he danced her around. He thought: she can do this. She might not be a natural, but she’s studied it, she’s seen it, her body’s warming up to the music.

‘Miss Edgerton. Let me . . .’

He stepped into her, planting his leg between hers. She was too close – he could feel the touch of her thighs against his – but he directed her all the same. ‘I’m going to stay here, on this spot, Miss Edgerton. Use the weight of your body. You’re to step around me. Watch, like this . . .’