The duchess’s footmen nipped down the stairs and helped Becket carry Daisy up.

On the quay, Daisy was promptly sick again, throwing up what looked like a gallon of salt water. The duchess joined Rose. ‘Drunk, I suppose,’ she said crossly. ‘We’ll need to stay at the Calais Hotel for the night. What a bore.’

Daisy was in disgrace. She was told to stay in her bedroom that evening while the rest had dinner. A tray would be sent up to her.

She picked miserably at her food. She could tell somehow that the duchess felt she had behaved like some low-class creature.

There was a soft knock at the door and she called, ‘Come in.’

Becket entered. ‘What happened?’ he asked.

‘If I tell you, promise you won’t say anything.’

Daisy told him about the belladonna and Becket laughed and laughed until Daisy began to laugh as well.

Finally Becket said, ‘Were you able to eat anything?’

‘Yes, I made a good meal. I like those little birds’ legs in garlic butter.’

‘Those would be frogs’ legs.’

‘What? I’ve eaten frogs’ legs!’ Daisy put a handkerchief to her mouth.

‘You are not going to be sick,’ said Becket severely. ‘There’s nothing up with frogs’ legs. I had some in the kitchen. You’ll need to act like a cosmopolitan lady if we’re going to run this salon.’

‘Oh, Becket,’ sighed Daisy, lowering the handkerchief. ‘We’re really going to be free at last.’

‘It’s going to be a funny sort of freedom,’ said Becket. ‘We’ll need to be responsible for our heating and lighting bills, the rent, our food, our clothes – all those things that servants don’t need to worry about.’

‘But we’ll be able to get married.’

‘That’s a plus. What about a kiss, Daisy?’

They stood up and Daisy put her arms about him. Then they stiffened as they heard an autocratic voice coming along the corridor outside. ‘I’m just going to see if that tiresome companion of yours has recovered.’

‘Her Grace!’ hissed Daisy.

Becket dived under the bed, just as the door opened.

‘So how are you?’ demanded the duchess.

‘Much better, Your Grace.’

‘I was going to send you back, but Lady Rose told me how brave and courageous you’ve been in the past. I admire that in a girl. But do try to brace yourself. We leave tomorrow. Be down for breakfast at six. Good night.’

‘Good night,’ echoed Daisy.

As the door closed, Becket began to ease himself out from under the bed.

Then, as the door opened again, he slid himself back under the bed.

Harry walked in. He stood in the doorway. ‘Are you feeling better, Daisy?’

‘Yes, thank you, Captain.’

‘Then we shall see you at breakfast. I assume those are Becket’s boots sticking out from under your bed. Come along, Becket.’

Becket emerged again, looking sheepish. ‘We weren’t up to anything, sir. Honestly. I came to see if Miss Levine was all right and heard Her Grace approaching and knew it would look bad.’