Lucien knitted his brows together, puzzled. He hadn’t thought to ask why I’d been at Crillick’s house when the Leopard Lady was exhibited but well might he wonder. He knew I was the Great Amazonia, so how could I be a servant too?

‘I was covering for a friend who was ill, but usually I work elsewhere,’ I said.

I knew I sounded guarded, defensive even, but I was on shaky ground and thought it best not to say too much. Elvira sensed my awkwardness because she didn’t push any further.

‘I’m glad to meet you,’ she said, smoothing things over, and I felt a little more at ease. I’d have to think of something further to say to Lucien later, though. He still looked like he was trying to work out if he’d missed something.

‘Tell me what you thought of the lecture,’ Elvira said.

‘I liked it very much. I hadn’t heard a lot about Sierra Leone before this evening,’ I admitted.

‘We think it could be a very important scheme, don’t we?’

Her question was aimed at Lucien and he nodded. He hadn’t said in so many words but I wondered if he was determined to go and the thought of it left me feeling a little deflated. I had so many questions about Sierra Leone for Lucien. I wanted to hear more about it from Elvira too, but the second half of the evening was due to start soon and I didn’t want to miss my chance to ask for her help.

Lucien, ever polite, offered to fetch Elvira a drink. As he melted away into the crowd, we both started to talk at once and then laughed.

‘I hope I did not make you uncomfortable when I mentioned that I’d seen you before?’ Elvira said.

I shook my head. There was nothing wrong in what she’d said, but it was important to me that Lucien didn’t learn too much about my standing at Northumberland Avenue, nor get any inkling of my relationship with Vincent. I knew he already judged me for appearing as Amazonia. I’d rather he didn’t know I was mistress to a viscount too.

‘That was a dreadful night at Marcus Crillick’s house,’ she said. ‘That poor woman. I have not forgotten her.’

‘Nor I. I’ve determined to save her and I wondered if you might help me.’

Elvira’s eyes glinted with excitement.

‘Of course I will help. What would you have me do?’

I hadn’t expected such a quick agreement and was a little taken aback.

‘I have no plan as yet, but as soon as I do, may I come to you?’

‘I hope that you will, Zillah. There is a woman who works for me, Ethel. I am sure she will wish to contribute too.’