Unlike Lord Martley, and to a lesser extent Lord Henfield, the two young ladies were not in a position to do other than try and act as if nothing had occurred that was out of the ordinary. If Miss Felbridge’s smile was a little dreamy, the gentlemen favoured with their names on her dance card saw little difference in the diffidence of her comments. Henrietta, being more noted for her sharp wits, was, thought Lord Netheravon, ‘a trifle out of sorts’, which he put down to the heat, and she did not disabuse him. Her dance with Sir Lawrence Coleford tried her patience, since he was a dancer of only moderate capabilities, and spent every moment where the dance brought them together in describing the location and advantages of his country seat in Lincolnshire. She only wished he might retire there in the immediate future.

It was quite late in the evening when Mr Newbold spoke with Henrietta. He was curious. He knew very little of Henfield, other than he was accounted a solid enough fellow, one of the ‘gentlemen of the shires’ who did not come up to Town more than was necessary for a decent tailor and to meet old acquaintances. He had ascertained that he was some family friend of Miss Gaydon’s, but tonight what he observed was not two friends dancing. What further surprised him was that he had not viewed what he saw dispassionately. What stirred within him was a very rare emotion, one of slight resentment. He might even go so far as to term it jealousy, and that annoyed and perplexed him.

‘I shall not ask if I might have the honour of a dance, Miss Gaydon, for your expression is one of having tired feet upon a warm evening. Might I procure you a glass of lemonade and receive the alternative honour of a little conversation? I have even discovered an unoccupied sofa where one might be seated, with Lady Elstead’s permission.’

Her ladyship smiled.

‘Then I am in your debt, Mr Newbold. I would adore a glass of lemonade.’ Henrietta sighed. ‘Never have I found Almack’s so oppressively hot. I believe two young ladies have had to be revived a little after supper. I can only suppose that you gentlemen are made of sterner mettle.’

‘It is, I confess, uncomfortable, and London is not at its best in the heat. Let me show you to that seat, and then fetch the lemonade, as long as you do not give up the place beside you to some other daring fellow in my absence.’

‘I would not be so cruel or unfair, sir.’

‘Good.’ He did as he said, and she fanned herself whilst he was gone. In truth, her head really was beginning to throb, and she rubbed her temple with her free hand. He returned within a couple of minutes, and smiled at her.

‘Poor Miss Gaydon. I think this evening has tested your stamina.’