‘So you say now,’ remarked Emile.

‘So I say now, and so I shall say then.’

Having his given word doubted gave Rupert’s tone a coolness that was not lost on Emile, who took a metaphorical step back, saying, ‘I don’t doubt your intention, sir, but this is all too quick.’

‘Which is why I am asking you if I may come and visit Hélène, become her friend, let her get to know me before I ask for her hand. I would not want an unwilling bride.’

‘And you will not have one,’ Emile said sharply. Then he sighed and said, ‘Do sit down again, m’sieur, and let us speak man to man.’

Rupert did as he was asked, sitting back into the chair opposite Emile.

‘You must look at things from a father’s point of view,’ Emile said. ‘You are a man of the world, you must be at least thirty and my daughter is only seventeen. What does she know of men and marriage? She is hardly out into society, has had little chance of meeting other gentlemen. She will remain here at Belair in the care of her family, and when a suitable man asks for her, then I shall consider my answer.’

‘And you do not consider me suitable?’ Rupert was not prepared to give up.

‘I do not know you well enough to say,’ replied Emile. ‘Perhaps you are, perhaps you are not, but either way she is too young and too inexperienced in the world for a commitment now.’

‘Then I am prepared to wait for her,’ said Rupert, ‘for as long as it takes. All I am asking you for is that she have a chance to get to know me.’

Emile shook his head as if confused. ‘It is not something I can decide on the spur of the moment,’ he said. ‘I will give it some thought and I will tell you my decision when I have made it. Call on me again tomorrow. But before you go I will ask just one further question of you, Monsieur Chalfont. If you are not interested in her money and you are in a position to marry and provide for a wife, why have you not already done so?’

Rupert gave a wry smile. ‘Because, m’sieur, I have never fallen in love before.’

*

When Rupert had gone, Emile went in search of Rosalie. She was in her parlour writing letters, but when he came into the room she put down her pen and said, ‘Was that Monsieur Chalfont I saw leaving just now? Would he not stay for luncheon?’

‘I did not ask him,’ replied her husband. ‘He came to discuss something with me and now he has gone.’

Rosalie had learned from long experience that if she wanted Emile to tell her something, she should not actually ask him. Now she wanted to know why Rupert Chalfont had called and why he had left without speaking to anyone other than Emile.