‘At what did you excel, sir, if academe and flattery were not your strong suits?’ Henrietta pressed him.

‘Well, Miss Gaydon, I was good on local geography. I knew the best place to purchase buns and cakes. I have kept up my skills, and thus am able to direct you, without any fear of getting lost, to where there is a selection of ices and delicacies set out for this evening.’

‘You are saying that you are the ideal escort if one wants to be first to find the supper, my lord?’

‘Every time, Miss Felbridge, every time. So if you would permit me to guide you …’

The Elstead party returned in the small hours, pleasantly tired, and feeling that the evening had been a success. It was late in the morning when Caroline came to Henrietta’s bedchamber to discuss the people they had met, what had been said, and how others looked.

‘Do you know, cousin, I was so very nervous, about being introduced to gentlemen, that is, but they were so funny, I forgot my nerves, except with Lord Thirlmere, whose manner I found rather odious. His compliments were not to my taste’ – Caroline frowned her displeasure – ‘and there was a peculiar scent of snuff about him. I know Papa takes snuff, but he does not reek of it.’ She shuddered.

‘I was spared that, but a gentleman whose name I forget spent ten minutes describing his new horse to me.’

‘He did not!’

‘I promise you that he did. I can tell you all its good points, if you wish.’ Henrietta laughed. ‘He had not even the excuse of being a “pup”.’

‘A pup?’

‘It is what Charles says young men are when they first come to London to make their mark.’

‘What is he like?’

‘Who? Charles?’ Henrietta considered the matter. ‘Well, he is quite tall, and he is a good shot.’

Caroline collapsed with laughter, which made Henrietta slightly huffy.

‘I … I should recognise him … instantly,’ gasped Caroline, hugging a tasselled cushion.

‘But what am I meant to say? He is broad chested, his eyes are blue, or perhaps grey, his hair is dark chestnut colour but not “bay”, and he has good teeth.’

‘You might be describing your horse!’

‘Oh, no, my horse cannot shoot at all.’

‘Henrietta, you said you grew up with him.’

‘Yes, but … how well can you describe your brother James, or your younger brother and sisters? When one sees someone, if not every day then several times a week, from infancy, details become blurred.’

‘But he is not your brother.’

There was a pause.

‘No.’