He took a room in Grillon’s, and went to his club for dinner, not that he visited it more than a dozen times in the year. He sat, preoccupied, wondering whether he ought to make an appearance in South Audley Street and leave his card, since he had no invitations to the sort of parties to which the year’s young ladies were going, evening after evening.

‘Henfield! Good gracious, old fellow, I had no idea you were up in Town.’

Lord Henfield looked up, and beheld a face wreathed in smiles.

‘Gorleston, how are you?’

‘In excellent health, but I thought you only came up to Town twice a year, and when it is a dashed sight quieter.’

‘Yes, but …’ Lord Henfield did not feel he could simply blurt out that he was coming to make a push for the affections of a young lady who lived but a mile from his own door in Shropshire. He therefore told a half truth. ‘I have come in part on my godfather’s behalf. His daughter is making her come-out this year, with Lady Elstead, and … Fathers of only daughters … You know the sort of thing.’

‘Lady Elstead. Oh, you must mean “the Glorious Gaydon”. Stunning-looking girl, I must say.’ Lord Gorleston was so taken with the image in his mind he did not see Lord Henfield’s hands clench into fists, and rattled on regardless. ‘Above my touch, not that I am looking to set up my nursery just yet. Not often you find a beauty with wits and a sweetness of temper too. Always thought the “diamonds” were as they were named, hard, very hard. She is the exception, but you must know that, if she is your godfather’s daughter.’

‘Er, yes, yes I do,’ acknowledged Lord Henfield, whilst wondering how he could indeed have known it so long and blinkered himself from its truth. ‘I cannot pretend to be pleased to hear she has gained a soubriquet, however.’

‘Well, it is only among the gentlemen, and the young lady has done nothing, absolutely nothing, of which her papa might disapprove. It is just that she has everything, and a tidy little inheritance to boot, if rumour is true. Such a girl is bound to be “discussed”. She even has confirmed bachelors eager to join her entourage.’

‘Entourage?’ Things were sounding worse and worse.

‘Well, if she accepted all the offers to procure her a glass of champagne she would be unable to stand up for any of the dances.’ Gorleston paused, and his mind changed track. ‘I say, where are you putting up?’

‘Grillon’s.’