‘Alas, that means you do. I wonder if you realise the very genuine admiration you inspire. I think your natural modesty means that you do not, and thus you construe all compliments as mere funning, or flirtation. The problem is thus that of being believed. I have not, you will have noticed, plied you with such compliments, not because I have not thought them, felt them, but because I did not want you to distance yourself, and treat me as you do Martley or Netheravon’ – there was the slightest hesitation – ‘or Henfield.’

‘And how do I treat them, sir?’

‘With charm and wit, and as though it was all a game. You joust with me also, verbally, and it is just as charming, but more honest, I think, and I like the honesty. I have been loth to see you withdraw from that.’

‘I am not sure what I can say, Mr Newbold.’

‘That you do not object to a slight change in our … relationship. I know that is rather a strong word to use, but, forgive me, I think you have begun to treat me as a friend, and that is a relationship of one kind.’

From the other side of the room, Lord Henfield saw the blush, and the confusion, and tensed. His intake of breath made Lady Vernham glance at him, and then follow his gaze.

‘Well then, do not stand here and hiss, Henfield. “Engage the enemy” and let her see she has options.’

Having got to know Lord Henfield, Lady Vernham wondered if she was sending him against ‘superior forces’, but trusted to his uncomplicated decency and lack of artifice. He was so patently genuine, which must stand him in good stead against a man noted for clever words.

‘Good evening, Miss Gaydon.’ Lord Henfield made his bow. It was not as fluid as Mr Newbold’s, but the smile in his eyes was warmer when he lifted his head and looked at Henrietta. ‘I hope Newbold here has not been telling you that you ought to be standing up and singing.’ His smile lengthened.

‘You think my voice so out of tune or thin, my lord?’ Henrietta looked warily at him, not knowing what he might reply.

‘You sing very nicely, but since I have overheard already that three young ladies are planning to sing “Early One Morning”, which I know you to hum as if it were part of you, you would be sadly de trop, and besides, I rather like knowing that I have the advantage over everyone else, because I alone have heard you sing.’

‘Every man deserves one advantage, eh, Henfield?’ Mr Newbold was not pleased at Henfield’s arrival, and there was a hint of challenge in the look he gave him.

‘At the very least, Newbold.’ The look was returned.