‘But are you quite well, sir? You seem somewhat different.’ Though never pale after a season out hunting, still there was a tinge of grey to his face, which lurked ’neath the bronze. He was not quite his full self, away from the country and apart from his dog.

‘Nothing ails me, as such.’ His demeanour was grim. ‘But the past weeks have come at a cost, madam!’

‘Oh, unendurable!’ she gasped. ‘The atmosphere at home with my parents … Mr Knight, I can bear it no longer.’

‘And I fervently hope you will not have to.’

He was so close to her now, she caught the scent of cologne on his neck. Did he wear it for Mary? The idea of him picturing her as he dabbed at his own skin brought with it a shivering thrill.

‘There is a new plan.’

‘Yes!’ Mary exclaimed, all at once presuming his mind to be at one with her own. Sensing then Booker’s approach from behind, she dropped her voice low and spoke urgently. ‘I, too, am convinced of it. If we simply keep going to my father with the same question, we will hear only the same answer. Present him with a fait accompli, though, and he will be left with no choice but to accept it. It is time! Darling.’ She looked into his face; felt tears brim at her eyes. ‘My dearest.’ It was the most auspicious moment. The bravest, most noble action of Mary’s short, timid life. ‘I am willing, for you – with you by my side – to settle this forever. Let us take the ultimate step.’

He fell back, astonished. ‘By God, madam! You mean – you cannot mean – Scotland?’ He was aghast. ‘Pray believe I care nothing for my own name, but to have yours, my love, mired in the dark pit of some scandal—’

‘But you must see!’ How could he be so obtuse when her own mind was clear? ‘There is no other solution.’

‘If you would but listen,’ he shot back, ‘I have formed a new plan.’ Ned stretched out a hand to her; then, recalling their situation, cast about himself wildly and wrenched it back down to his side. ‘Forgive me,’ he whispered, looking over her shoulder. ‘My sister will not be long.’ He brought a finger to his lips to instruct her to be quiet. ‘At my entreaties, my father has agreed to act for us. It might just make the difference. Sir Edward will hear from him tomorrow. Our case will be made for us in a calm, sensible manner which—’ He started. ‘She is coming! It is for the best that she is not made into a witness.’

And with a tip of his hat, he was gone.

CHAPTER XXXI