‘Don’t like the sound of that, I must say. Is there anything you could do that would win her admiration? Not talking dangerous feat sort of thing, since most of the time females berate one for thoughtlessness if one tries anything daring.’

‘There is a … situation … If it were resolved as she hopes that would please her, but it is not something in which she ought really to involve herself.’

‘However true, my dear fellow, it sounds as though she has, so you need to consider which is more important to you: her or “not getting involved”. You already know the answer to that.’

‘Yes, I do. It is a social problem that I do not even understand, however, let alone know how to solve.’

‘Then apply for assistance to someone who may. I say, speak with my mama on it. When it comes to “social” problems a woman with knowledge and experience is probably your best bet.’

‘It involves others.’

‘Sacrifice niceties. This, Henfield, is a war.’ Lord Gorleston was beginning to sound like his mother.

Discussing Martley’s aspirations with Lady Vernham was not something Lord Henfield could contemplate without deep reservations. It was not his affair and he did not feel he, Henrietta or anyone else had the right to interfere. It was naïve of Henrietta to think that marriage among the members of the Ton was not as much to do with dynastic relationships as those of the heart, if not more so. He had seen for himself the degree to which Lady Elstead and Lady Pirbright disliked each other, and if that was going to have bearing upon their progeny he could not see how anything could be done. They were hardly likely to become bosom friends upon the suggestion of a girl of eighteen after a quarter century of mutual hatred, and whatever the historical cause of the rift it was going to be embarrassing to both parties. He therefore kept Lord Gorleston’s suggestion in reserve, for the time being at least.

He did write a letter, although it was not to Henrietta, but to her father. He then tore it up, and tried again. How could he explain that he was in the right at the same time as being in the wrong in equal measure?