‘Yes, I can see it is not pleasant. Thankfully, Lydia and Amelia are some years from all this.’ Caroline twisted a ring about her finger. ‘Lord Martley danced with her twice last night, because he was her partner in one of the country dances as well.’

‘Did he? Well, he waltzed with me earlier in the evening, remember, and I am sure he was going to ask you, except that your mama wanted to introduce you to old Lady Tretower.’

‘And I have no idea why. Her ladyship seemed quite surprised when Mama came up with me. It is not as though she were some connection; at least, I do not think she is.’ Caroline shook her head. ‘I am perfectly sure I never had so many distant relatives until I came to London.’

‘Such as myself?’ Henrietta giggled.

‘Oh! Oh no, of course not you, silly. You are not a “distant” relative except in how far away you live.’

Both girls now giggled, and Caroline described a paternal relation so awful that no distance could be far away enough, which made them both laugh. Eventually Henrietta shook her head, and returned to practical matters.

‘Now, are you wearing your figured muslin with the silver thread for Lady St Athan’s rout party, or the ivory half dress with the satin petticoat?’

Mr Newbold found Miss Gaydon in a pensive mood when he met her at Lady St Athan’s, fanning herself gently.

‘You must tell me, Miss Gaydon, are you frowning in contemplation of some puzzle, or have you decided, as I have, that the combination of puce and grey stripes that Lady Ditchling is wearing is an offence to the eye?’

‘Mr Newbold! I would not be so rude.’ Henrietta glanced at his profile, with its very slightly aquiline nose.

‘Which thereby implies that I am. I see.’ He raised one eyebrow.

‘You see nothing of the kind, sir. It would, however, be the height of impertinence for me to pass judgement on the dress of a lady as …’

‘Old?’

‘No! I was going to say “as senior, compared to myself”, which is quite different.’

‘What a pity we do not have you in the diplomatic service, Miss Gaydon.’ His lips twitched, and Henrietta went so far as to rap his knuckles with her fan.

‘I wish you would behave, sir.’

‘Oh no, Miss Gaydon. Think how boring that would be. Now, will you tell me the reason for you being in deep thought, or is it some young lady’s secret?’

‘It is no secret at all, sir. Miss Felbridge and I are being presented on Tuesday, and … Do you think it treasonable to think it a waste of time and money?’ She looked at him in perfect seriousness.

‘You do not anticipate the event with eagerness? I thought every young lady wanted to be presented.’