Caroline was simply a nervous wreck, fearing that her mama would meet Lady Pirbright every time they as much as left the house, seeing the laying of a plot when Mama suggested that ‘Lord Staines has very nice manners’, and resorting to her smelling salts when it was suggested that if the Season was taking such a toll upon her, perhaps they ought to retire into Buckinghamshire for a week for her to rest.

Lord Martley, seeing his love’s increasing pallor, began to feel pressured, and was also aware of the advancing of the Season towards its conclusion. However, at the end of the week, he received news which seemed to indicate that Providence was on their side. He sought out Henrietta at a rout at Lady Lavington’s, before he spoke with Caroline. He approached her far more circumspectly than normal; one might almost say that he sidled. He was obviously having difficulty in schooling his features into impassivity, and then gave up completely and beamed at her.

‘My great-uncle has died.’

‘My condolences.’ Henrietta made the obvious response, though in the face of his expression that sounded out of place.

‘Well, I cannot claim to be badly cut up about it, Miss Gaydon, because I did not know him very well. The thing is, he has left me his estate in Sussex, and a very tidy sum in funds. Even if my parents decide to cut me off without a penny for marrying against their express wish, I can afford to offer for Miss Felbridge in the knowledge that I can support her as she deserves. I am going to present myself in South Audley Street tomorrow. Could you tell me what time would Lord Elstead be most likely at home and breakfasted?’

‘He is not a man who lingers in his bed. I believe him to be generally up and dealing with his correspondence before eleven has struck.’

‘Thank you. I … shall be informing Miss Felbridge, of course, but it occurred to me that she might be in some trepidation as to the outcome. Do you think you could try to be with her, as support?’

‘Of course, my lord, and one would have to say that there is no cogent reason why Lord Elstead should refuse you permission to pay your addresses to Caroline, when you have the means to give her all that a lady could desire …’ Henrietta suddenly blushed, and added in a rush, ‘in terms of home and comforts.’

‘Just what I was thinking myself, Miss Gaydon. I have every reason to think that you will be wishing us happy by noon.’

Caroline, when he imparted this news to her shortly afterwards, was not so sanguine. Her hand flew to her cheek, and she paled even further.

‘Oh dear!’

‘But surely this is what we have hoped for?’ Lord Martley was understandably rather taken aback at his beloved’s less than ecstatic response.