‘You went to the shop?’

‘How else was I supposed to find you?’

‘I gave Jonah strict instructions not to reveal my whereabouts to you or anyone in your family. I suppose this was his way of getting back at me.’

‘I don’t understand.’

‘Why would I want to see you again after the way you treated me, Julian? If you’ve come to apologise, you’ve left it too late.’ Daisy was about to walk away but he caught her by the wrist.

‘I know I behaved badly. I am truly sorry.’ Julian’s handsome face was a mask of contrition. ‘I suppose I panicked – it was all too much for me.’

‘What do you mean by that?’ Daisy demanded angrily.

‘I knew my parents would object to our engagement, and I was afraid that our union might jeopardise my prospects in the diplomatic service. I know it was wrong as well as stupid, but that’s how I felt.’

She met his desperate gaze and was surprised to realise that she felt nothing for him, not even pity. ‘I was very hurt at the time, but I’ve changed, too. I know what I want to do in life and it doesn’t involve you. I don’t want to see you again, Julian.’

He released her and took a step backwards, staring at her in disbelief. ‘You don’t mean that?’

‘Yes, I do.’

‘But you love me. We were going to be married.’

‘You were the one who finished with me, Julian. You didn’t even have the decency to tell me to my face.’

‘I wrote you a letter, didn’t I? I practically grovelled.’

‘If that’s what you call it.’ Daisy made an attempt to walk past him but he barred her way.

‘Is there someone else? My mother said you were a scheming minx.’

‘Please get out of my way. I have to be somewhere.’

‘You’re meeting a gentleman friend. Is he richer than me?’

‘Don’t be ridiculous. What I do is none of your business.’

‘Then return the ring I bought you. It cost me all the money I had at the time.’

‘Gladly, but I don’t have it on me. I’ll send it to you at Queen Square.’

‘No, don’t do that. I don’t want Mama and Papa to find out that I’ve seen you again.’

‘So nothing has really changed, has it, Julian? You’re still a little boy afraid to stand up to your parents. What do you think would have happened had I fallen into your arms and agreed to marry you now?’

‘You would have given me courage, Daisy.’ Julian’s lips trembled and he dropped his gaze. ‘You have more strength of character than I have. I admit that humbly and freely. I need you, Daisy.’

‘I’ll leave the ring with Jonah Sawkins, but you’d better collect it quickly or he’ll have taken it to the nearest pawnshop. I’m meeting my friends, so I can’t stay here and talk, but I wish you good fortune, Julian. Goodbye.’ Daisy raised her hand to hail a cab. She had intended to walk, but it was a long way and she was tired. Ignoring Julian’s pleas for her to stay and talk, she climbed into the hansom cab. ‘Victoria Park, please, cabby.’