Lord Henfield was not feeling up to a walk, brisk or otherwise. Whilst Lord Martley was formulating plans, however fuzzily, with a sense of optimism, Lord Henfield felt more beleaguered than confident. He eschewed a light luncheon, and at two o’clock forced himself into action, and set off to Bond Street, where he dithered for the better part of an hour before the windows of several jewellers’, and then screwed up his courage, and entered the premises of one who had a good selection of pearl items in their window. He emerged some short while later, a little lighter of pocket and very slightly lighter of heart, and then went in search of Henrietta, to make his peace offering. When he reached the house in South Audley Street he was greeted with the information that the ladies were at home, which instantly presented Lord Henfield with a predicament he ought to have foreseen. He did not relish the idea of making an apology and giving Henry a present in front of her relations. There appeared to be, however, no alternative. He looked uncomfortable, though he did not take the coward’s way and simply leave his card, but requested that it be taken up to Lady Elstead. He was rewarded a few minutes later by Barlow announcing him.

His card had in fact caused a degree of fluster on Henrietta’s part, since she was conscious that, however much he had annoyed her, her behaviour the previous evening had been both rude and, though she hated to admit it, childish. It was a blushing Henrietta who made her curtsey when he entered the room, and Lady Elstead was swift to note the awkwardness between them. Lord Henfield made polite and general small talk for some minutes, but then rose, and approached where Henrietta sat, very straight-backed.