‘I think he would understand, Henry, honestly. If you like I will take you over to The Chestnuts just before you go, and you can have a look at the litter and make your choice, assuming they are not yet ready to leave their mother. The Season is not so long that you will not be back within a few months, and if it is here already, well, you will have missed it looking all big eyes and uncoordinated paws but that is all. It will grow to accept you easily enough.’ Like her sire, Lord Henfield preferred not to think that London would be other than an interlude of pleasure. ‘The puppy might even keep your papa company in your absence.’

‘Really, Charles?’ Henrietta giggled. ‘So I am as much company as a dog? Charming. Papa, I refuse to sit at your feet and beg for treats, just so as you know.’

‘No, Henry, you know I didn’t mean … obnoxious girl. You will have to learn to be much more formal and polite for London. No treating poor decent fellows as you do me.’ Lord Henfield gave her a look of mock reproach, at which she wrinkled up her pretty little nose.

‘I shall be very polite, because I shall be treated with politeness, sir.’ She stuck her chin in the air, but her lips twitched.

Sir John shook his head and laughed at the pair of them.

‘So when are you leaving?’ Lord Henfield enquired.

‘Papa?’ Henrietta looked at her father. ‘You did not say when.’

‘You are expected in South Audley Street in three weeks.’

‘Oh my goodness! What shall I do?’

‘Start packing?’ suggested her friend, his lips twitching at her expression.

‘But I have not got clothes suitable for London.’ One hand went to her cheek.

‘That is why your Aunt Elstead wants you settled so soon, so that she may, let me see …’ Sir John picked up the letter once more. ‘Ah yes, “ensure her wardrobe does her justice”.’

‘Do not worry, Henry. You will take London by storm, not a doubt of it, and do us proud.’ Lord Henfield gave her a wry grin.

She assured them she would try very hard to make them proud, but doubted very much that London would find her anything out of the ordinary.

Henrietta alternated between wild excitement, nervousness, and gloom. She was counting the days, but both eager for adventure, and cast into misery at the thought of leaving her papa. Lord Henfield was somewhat surprised to find her in the latter mood when he drove her over to The Chestnuts, and Mr Preston, to select the pointer puppy.

‘You know, it may not be ideal, Henry, but it will soon recognise you as mistress once you get back, and it really will give your papa something to make a fuss of while you are away.’