James Felbridge, acutely embarrassed, offered Henrietta his arm, and suggested she might like to look again at a marble in the Grecian style, which would enable him to talk about what the Grecian style encompassed. Lady Elstead was, perforce, isolated, and had the opportunity to fume privately.

It was not long afterwards that her ladyship declared that they had seen all that was of interest, and suggested that they return to South Audley Street for a light luncheon, to which she graciously invited Lord Henfield, since his original motivation for visiting had been to speak with Henrietta about Shropshire, and he had not had the opportunity to do so.

Lord Henfield accepted the invitation, but only because Henrietta desired so particularly to hear of all that had happened at The Court since her departure. Her smile as he sat beside her would have had him remain and eat stale bread and water, had it been all that was available.

‘How does Papa? Has he any slippers remaining? Has he truly missed me? Has Dido alienated all the servants? Has the rector’s lumbago eased?’ Her questions tumbled out, and the ‘society miss’ fell away for a while.

He answered her calmly, watching her every expression.

‘Your papa was in excellent health when I left him, but that is not to say that he does not miss you exceedingly. I have been a frequent visitor, of course, but he misses the pleasures of conversation, and of course, the opportunity to win at chess every day.’

‘But I do win, sometimes,’ exclaimed Henrietta.

‘Only on those rare occasions when you do not rush into a situation without thinking even one move ahead. How often have I said a “surprise move” is neither one that is made within seconds, nor one that is entirely unexpected because it is suicidal?’

‘Far too often, Charles.’

‘Perhaps he ought to try and teach Dido how to play chess.’

‘You think a puppy would make fewer errors?’ She pursed her lips.

‘Possibly, but at least there is no fear that you will chew the pieces.’

‘Even in frustration?’

‘Even in frustration.’ He smiled, and it was a reminiscent smile. ‘I have to add that the aforementioned puppy lost a tug of war with the senior housemaid over a mop, a fight with the cat from the stables, and buried a bone in your esteemed sire’s bed.’

‘But she ought not to be allowed upstairs, Charles.’

‘I never said that she was.’

‘Oh.’ She paused. ‘I do hope I have not introduced a problem into the house, and without me there to take any blame.’

‘It is not a matter of “blame”. A puppy is always … a puppy. She is very affectionate, and has given your papa something to think about.’

‘Yes, how he has lost his slippers and heaven knows what else.’ She smiled, but he thought there was a sadness in the smile.