Henrietta had no perfect answer to this, but could only state that as a daughter of the Earl of Prestwich, Lady Elstead’s lineage was unblemished, ‘otherwise they would have to have objected to me also. It can only be her, her person, and if her other relatives are not tainted by it, why should her daughter?’

‘All of which does not guarantee me any success with Miss Felbridge’s parents.’

‘Very true, but one obstacle must be overcome at a time. I shall consider what to do. Might I ask if my cousin is aware of your feelings?’

‘I … she is aware that I have a great … fondness.’ He took a deep breath, and he looked at Henrietta boldly. ‘No, not true. She knows that I love her. She is terribly kind to me, and understanding, and …’

Henrietta could feel a long list of Caroline’s qualities were about to be placed before her, and was conscious that having them enumerated by the young man who found her own person not quite his ideal was lowering.

‘Yes, yes. Do permit me to think upon this, and if I may assist in the …’ She nearly said ‘plot’, but altered it in time to ‘plan’, ‘I shall do my very best.’ In truth, she was not sure there was anything she might do.

Lord Martley thanked her and withdrew, feeling that things had gone remarkably well. Miss Gaydon had not been outraged, nor had she burst into tears at rejection. In fact, upon reflection, she had taken the news almost too well.

It was more than a little unfortunate that Lord Henfield, having seen Miss Felbridge upon the dance floor, and being rather blithely informed by Lady Elstead that she rather thought her niece was with Lord Martley, had gone on the hunt for her. Failing to find them in the supper room, he was coming along the passage when he saw Martley emerge from a withdrawing room, and looking rather pleased with himself. This gave Charles Henfield a feeling of foreboding. He himself entered the room to find Henrietta rising from a seat in one corner. There were no more than a dozen persons in the room, and none of them near Henrietta in age. When he caught her eye he thought she started, and he put it, uncharitably, down to guilt, not being able to see that it might be surprised pleasure. He felt aggrieved and rather hurt, after the previous night, but recalled the words of wisdom, or were they commands, from Lady Vernham. She had told him that sulking would never do any good, and that he must prove himself a match for his rivals, rather than presenting Henrietta always with ‘choose me, or them’. So he bit back the regretful words that formed, and advanced with a smile, even if it was a slightly tired one.