‘You are quite presentable and you are extremely wealthy. You have a title and a country estate even larger than Greystone Park. Added to that you have a mansion in Grosvenor Square.’

He put his head on one side. ‘All true, of course, but is that how you chose Greystone? Did you assess his assets in a similar fashion?’

‘Of course I did, Eldon. On the other hand, I do love my husband. He gives me everything I want and more. We understand each other perfectly.’

‘But you remain faithful to him, even though he’s a cold fish.’

‘Don’t call him that. You know nothing about our relationship. I wouldn’t disgrace the family name by having affairs, so you will never know me better than you do now, Eldon.’

He clutched his hand to his heart. ‘You wound me, my dear. I am not a philanderer, my regard for you is genuine.’

Patricia rose to her feet and tugged at a bell pull. ‘You are a roué and lies trip off your tongue without any effort on your part, but you are the most amusing man in London and that is the only reason I tolerate you.’

He pulled a face. ‘I’m being dismissed? Or are you inviting me to dine with you?’

‘If you’re worried about finding your way home in the fog, I’ll send one of the footmen to guide you with a flaming torch.’

‘No, that won’t be necessary. I admit defeat tonight, but I won’t give up, Patricia. One day I will make you mine, married or not.’

Patricia turned to Foster as he entered the room. ‘Lord Eldon is leaving, Foster.’

‘Unwillingly, I should add.’ Eldon rose to his feet. ‘But I will see you at the opera tomorrow evening.’ He took Patricia’s hand and raised it to his lips, looking her in the eyes with a gaze that left nothing to her imagination.

‘Yes, providing the fog lifts.’ She snatched her hand free. ‘Safe journey, Eldon. I’ll give my husband your regards.’

He smiled and blew her a kiss as he allowed Foster to usher him from the room. Patricia sank back onto her chair. Eldon’s suggestive glance had made her pulse race, but she was not going to allow him to win. She had made a bargain with Greystone and she intended to keep her word.

‘Shall I inform Cook that you will be dining soon, my lady?’

Foster’s voice brought her back to the present with a jolt. ‘Yes, Foster. I’ll be dining on my own.’