‘I fear I have led you to assume, led everyone to assume …’ Lord Martley looked thoroughly uncomfortable. ‘But you see, my parents consider you a very good match and …’

‘You do not, my lord?’ After her moment’s astonishment, Henrietta found that she could face the situation not just calmly, but with a degree of amusement. This young man was not in love with her, and nor was she in love with him. He was nice, and he was friendly, but, when she looked at him, she knew not a pang of regret. In fact, she was exceedingly relieved.

‘No, yes, of course you are, and a delightful … beautiful … It’s just that …’

‘You would far rather pay your addresses to Another.’ She gave the appellation weight, and nearly giggled at sounding so melodramatic.

‘Yes. I am sorry, but yes.’ His words came out in a rush. ‘You see, while my parents have thought I was trying to fix my interest with you, I have been … falling in love with your cousin, whom my parents do not think a good match at all.’

‘Whilst I do not fault your taste, my lord, may I ask why my cousin Caroline is not a good match?’

‘Never understood it myself, Miss Gaydon, but it seems to be something to do with Lady Elstead from way back when she and my mama were brought out.’

‘I see. So what has made you confess to me now?’

‘I … it would be wrong to let you think that I … and you are a beautiful, sparkling young lady, who is deserving of admiration and …’

‘Guilt, then, my lord.’

He nodded, shamefaced, and fidgeted with his neckcloth, to its great detriment.

‘I see.’ Henrietta was repeating herself, but there was little else she could say. She paused for a moment. ‘Has it occurred to you, my lord, that if your parents hold Lady Elstead in such violent dislike, the sentiment might be mutual? To the point where Lady Elstead, and thus my uncle, refuse your offer for Caroline’s hand?’