Petra laughed. “That was never my intention. I’d just held on to my anger too long. But now it’s gone, or the historical anger anyway. I still resent his condescension. It’s as if he still sees me as the besotted schoolgirl on her summer holidays.”

“Well, we can soon put a stop to that,” Diana stated. “We need to—” A light rat-a-tat on the door interrupted her.

Petra knew her brother’s knock and was not surprised when he pushed open the door. But she was surprised to see his companion. Guy Granville came in just behind Jonathan.

“Ladies, good morning,” Joth said cheerfully. “I met Granville on the doorstep. He was coming to ask after Petra and her feet. I can’t imagine why, but looking at your slippers, sister dear, I’m guessing there’s a good reason.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake,” Petra said, unable to conceal her exasperation. “There’s nothing the matter with my feet. I’m wearing slippers because I’m not going out this morning and they’re comfortable.”

“I’m delighted to hear it,” Guy said, taking her hand and lightly brushing it with his lips. “Mrs. Lacey, Mrs. Tremayne.” He bowed to Diana and Fenella.

“Granville and I are going to lunch at the Savoy. We’d be delighted to have your company, if you all have no other plans,” Joth said with an expansive gesture. “I have a meeting in the House later this afternoon and Granville is going to offer his support for my Levels drainage bill in the Lords this evening, so we need a good lunch for fortification.”

Petra smiled. Jonathan was always so enthusiastic and uninhibited. He never tried to conceal his pleasure, his enthusiasms, or his angers, she reflected. He had no artifice about him at all. Sometimes she worried he might be hurt by his openness, particularly in matters of the heart, but so far he seemed to have had smooth sailing in that regard.

“May I second the invitation?” Guy said, taking a seat on the sofa next to Petra as she gestured faintly in invitation. He turned toward her. “If you’re sure your feet are up to wearing ordinary shoes.”

“If you don’t stop talking about my feet, Lord Ashton, I shall retreat to my bedroom, wrap myself in a cashmere shawl and soak them in a mustard bath for the rest of the day,” she retorted.

He laughed. “Very well. I shall never mention them again. Do say you’ll come for lunch, Petra?”

The personal feel of the request in front of her friends took her aback. It seemed as if he was somehow staking a claim to her personal consideration. A general invitation, supported by her brother, was one thing, quite unexceptionable, but there was implied intimacy in his voice that bordered on the particular.

Diana coughed discreetly and Fenella said somewhat hesitantly, “I have a play reading to go to this afternoon.”