“I would rather stand,” Carina said uncertainly, feeling embarrassed by her own defiance and yet conscious that every nerve in her body was screaming out for her to run away and to run quickly.

Sir Percy moved towards the fireplace and put his hands on a small armchair, which he pushed a few inches forward.

“Come, Miss Warner,” he said invitingly. “I promise not to touch you,”

Carina felt the blood rush crimson into her cheeks with the implication of his words. Because she felt that she was behaving like a foolish somewhat hysterical girl rather than a poised Governess, she moved reluctantly forward and seated herself on the edge of the chair, watching Sir Percy apprehensively as he leant against the mantelshelf.

“You are very lovely, you know,” he said unexpectedly.

“I don’t like compliments, Sir Percy, as I have already told you,” Carina retorted. “You have something to say to me? Perhaps you would tell me quickly what it is,”

“I am almost beginning to suspect that you are a suffragette,” Sir Percy said but, as Carina did not laugh, he went on, “I was, as a matter of fact, not paying you a compliment but stating a fact. Shall I put it more clearly? You are too attractive and far too pretty to be a Governess,”

“If that is all you have to say – ” Carina said, making as if she would rise.

“No, no!” he protested. “Stay where you are. I insist that you hear me. I have a proposition to make to you, in fact I am about to offer you a new position,”

He put up one hand to smooth the greying hair at the side of his temple and smiled as if he was savouring the words he was about to say.

Carina did not speak, she merely waited, her eyes serious as she watched him, wondering as she did so what there was about him that was so distastefully repulsive.

“Have you thought seriously what your life will be in this place?” Sir Percy asked.

“Of course,” Carina answered. “I would not have taken the position if I had not known exactly what was required of me.”

This was untrue, but she had no intention of letting Sir Percy gain a point by admitting that she was in any way troubled by the thought of the future.

“Listen to me, girl,” Sir Percy smiled. “You are pretty, far too pretty to be a Governess. Any man who comes to this house will be after you. You will not have any peace, because if it is not the men, the women will be at you. Women don’t care for their employees looking young, lovely and very desirable.”

Carina made a movement and he continued hastily,