‘I have to be prepared for a longer stay than I would wish, but I will keep you informed by letter. I can’t tell you any more than that.’

‘When do you leave?’

‘Tonight. I’m sorry it’s such short notice but I had no say in the matter.’

‘We are attending the opera at Covent Garden.’

‘I will escort you there, but I will leave before the interval. Everything must look normal. I’ll make sure that Eldon sees you home safely.’

Patricia stared at her husband in disbelief. ‘You put your trust in him?’

‘No, my love. I trust you to behave as the wife of a prominent politician should, and I know you won’t let me down.’

‘So if I understand you, Greystone, I may remain in London and accept invitations to dine or to go to the theatre, and you are quite happy for Eldon to stand in for you?’

‘I wouldn’t put it like that, but you are very young, my dear. I can’t expect you to go into a convent simply because I have been called away on business. Eldon might be a bit of a rake, but he is a gentleman and he knows how far he can go. You will be safer in his company than some others I could name.’

‘Why can’t I come with you? I would love to travel abroad, wherever it is.’

‘This is a serious diplomatic mission. I have to go on my own, apart from Maynard, of course. He’s busy packing my things as we speak. You can always go home to Greystone Park. I’m sure Sylvia would be delighted to have your company. You and she were always chatting and giggling together when you were girls.’

‘Is that how you really see me, Greystone? Am I simply a friend of your daughters whom you happen to have a fancy for?’

‘What nonsense you talk sometimes, Patricia.’ Sir Michael ate the last slice of bacon with obvious enjoyment. ‘I will miss my English breakfasts. Let’s hope I can complete my duties quickly and efficiently and be home before Easter.’