‘A beast like a wolf but with raised shoulders and jaws so strong they can crack the leg bone of an ox in one bite.’

At this, Lady Elstead, who had been making fluttering gestures, gave in to her emotions, uttered a high-pitched cry and passed out into Lord Martley’s arms. The look he gave Lord Henfield was one of entreaty.

‘Give her ladyship some air,’ declared Lord Henfield, taking charge of the situation, and going to the prostrate lady’s side.

‘Let us get out of public view, Martley,’ he growled, handing the parasol and ruined hat to Henrietta, and, linking arms with the discomposed gentleman, formed a chair-like support so that they might carry Lady Elstead somewhere less public. ‘You,’ he addressed the official, ‘show us where her ladyship might rest and recover, and have a glass of wine procured for her.’

‘Wine?’

‘Yes, man, or tea if there is any. I would not trust to the water hereabouts, having seen the state of the moat.’

‘Yes, sir, my lord.’ The man was out of his depth. If this was a titled lady … ‘Best take her to Mrs Swifte; she is the jewel keeper’s wife, my lord. Follow me.’ He edged past them, apologising to the inert Lady Elstead, and led the way from the Lion Tower to the jewel keeper’s lodgings in the Martin Tower. Mrs Swifte, summoned by the maid who opened the door, was quite overwhelmed at the quality, and indeed number, of persons introduced to her parlour.

‘I would be obliged, ma’am, if you could find some sal volatile, or a vinaigrette,’ requested Henrietta. Mrs Swifte went immediately to find her smelling salts, and had recourse to an invigorating inhalation herself before she brought them down to Miss Gaydon.

Lady Elstead had been laid upon a small sofa, and Caroline was kneeling at her side, chafing one of her hands. Whilst not as pale as her mama, she had clearly sustained a shock to the nerves, and Lord Martley was eyeing her in some concern, lest she become ill. Lord Henfield, seeing Henrietta had control over the lady of the house, stood back and observed the tableau. Now that the emergency was over, his annoyance at Henrietta’s foolish attitude rose once more. He could not, however, remonstrate with her in front of others.