‘I want you both to experience more of the capital than balls and routs,’ he said levelly, and Henrietta was not sure whether or not she believed him. ‘I had wondered if you might wish to visit Bullock’s Museum, but at the Tower there are the Crown Jewels, which I am sure you will like, and of course the history of the Tower and its inhabitants, though I never thought that history was your favourite subject. Miss Thorney used to praise your understanding of the globes, however, so the regions from whence the wild animals originate will give you a chance to show off your knowledge of geography.’ He smiled, remembering.

‘I have no wish to show off my knowledge of any subject.’ She attempted to look superior, and then gave a very immature grin. ‘Though should anyone wish to know where Madras is located, I could show them.’

‘Is it a question often asked during morning calls?’

‘Alas, not as frequently as I might wish. There are some who might even say I ought to have spent less time with the globes and more with Italian.’ She sighed theatrically.

‘But you never learned a word of Italian, beyond musical terms.’

‘Exactly.’

‘Are the wild beasts at the Tower dangerous?’ enquired Caroline, to both gentlemen.

‘Only if they escape and have not feasted upon English maidens for a month,’ responded Lord Martley wickedly. Caroline shuddered.

‘Ah yes, they tried them with Portuguese damsels and they were not at all interested,’ added Lord Henfield.

‘Perhaps they ought to use English tellers of faradiddles,’ observed Henrietta dryly.

‘Too tough,’ said Lord Martley.

‘And out of season also,’ corroborated Lord Henfield.

‘Tuesday, at eleven,’ repeated Lady Elstead, not appreciating the funning humour of the gentlemen, which brought both back to formality.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN