‘In a sense you have, but one of spirit, rather than a physical ailment. Miss Gaydon, I have not asked, not intruded, but … is this perhaps some “affair of the heart” that has not ended as you hoped? If so, I must tell you that such things give great pain, but nearly all of us suffer at least one in our lives, and thereafter go on to be happy, and indeed to find a better and more suitable partner. I myself suffered one such in my early twenties, and am now heartily glad that the young lady refused me.’

‘But you are still single, sir.’

‘Ah, very true, but that is from choice. I have become very particular in my tastes, and there have been no ladies who have tempted me to exchange my freedom for the bond of matrimony’ – he looked her in the eye – ‘until very recently.’ The eyes widened. ‘Too precipitate? Perhaps. Yet I would have you know, Miss Gaydon, that whoever might have turned from you of late, I am one whose admiration appears to grow, rather than dwindle.’

‘I do not know what to say, sir.’

‘Then say nothing. I do not press, nor will you find me hammering upon your uncle’s door come the morning, but if your heart is bruised, consider, in the near future, whether marriage where there is honest friendship and a very real regard might be a good basis for a contented life.’

Henrietta bit her lip. Had she not just rejected ‘honest friendship and a very real regard’?

‘I will consider, Mr Newbold. I can say no more.’

‘I ask no more. Now, we ought to see this ridiculous bag that will later rise into the air, so that if asked by Mr Soughton, you may describe it in detail.’ He reverted to unimpeachable and public topics, but Henrietta was more confused than ever.

Caroline was not confused. She never felt confused when Lord Martley was with her, but she was still worried. He was wonderful, but he had no firm plan that would see them exchanging vows in church, and upon being told of the unpleasantness outside Messrs Rundell and Bridge’s premises, he sucked his teeth and shook his head.

‘I cannot say but that it does not help us, not one bit. Without being privy to the cause of the rift between them it looks impossible to bring about a reconciliation.’

‘My cousin Henrietta is of the opinion that your mama and mine favoured the same gentleman,’ offered Caroline tentatively.

‘Good Lord! Well, it is hard to imagine but they must both of them have been young and impressionable once. I suppose … but for it to fester so? I can think of nothing more likely, but it is da … most odd. All I can do is sit down with my man of business and see what I can scrape together, to see if I have enough, even if my father cuts off my allowance.’