‘Yes, she would, and she would probably make Pirbright’s life a misery for a month until it was shown that it achieved nothing. I suggest you make it known to Martley that if he wishes to renew his suit, he would receive a more favourable answer. The boy must be head over heels if he swallows that, after being sent away, tail between legs, but he might do so.’

‘What do I tell my lord?’

‘Oh, for goodness’ sake, Maria, I will not give you the lie. That is for you to concoct, and as a married woman you must have had plenty of practice. We are always giving our husbands versions of truth to cover rash purchases, thoughtless words and “headaches”.’

‘Yes, I will think of something. But how do I get word to Martley? I cannot face walking up to him and … I could not.’

‘No, perhaps you could not, but suffice to say, I can arrange that, through a third party. Leave it to me, but speak with Elstead, and make it today. Your daughter looks fit to go into a decline, and why make her suffer more.’ Lady Vernham rose. ‘There, I have said all that must be said. I will leave you to your thoughts, and hopefully these will be wiser than all those years ago.’

She left, leaving Lady Elstead much agitated, her hands clasped together as if she were about to wring them.

‘Remind me, Henfield, not to play some form of benign godmother to all and sundry in the future. It is positively tiring.’ Since Lady Vernham did not look the least tired, and in fact rather pleased with herself, Lord Henfield did not answer. Her ladyship fanned herself, since the afternoon was still very warm. ‘You do not ask what I have achieved.’

‘No, ma’am, but it is bound to be … impressive.’ He gave a lopsided smile. He had not dared to emerge from misery, and even her demeanour could not rally him completely.

‘Well, I cannot say it is guaranteed to bring about a miracle between you and Miss Gaydon, but it has every chance, and it will certainly make two blameless souls happy. I have “persuaded” Lady Elstead to withdraw her objections to Martley marrying her girl Caroline. Whether he renews his offer is up to him but …’

‘How on earth did you do that, ma’am?’

‘I am not prepared to say, since much of it is water long under the bridge, so to speak, but it is now up to you to find Martley, before the fool throws himself off some other bridge, and tell him that if he is prepared to brave his mama, then Miss Felbridge is his for the asking.’

‘I shall certainly do so, but—’

‘No questions. You make all well between Martley and the girl, and her cousin will thank you for it, more I cannot say.’

‘But I do not want her to favour me out of gratitude.’