Once again he had obeyed an impulse. Instead of allowing the Stewards to send for a ship’s Officer, who would have known exactly how to insist the dog was returned to its kennel and would probably have left the girl feeling bruised and resentful, he had taken charge himself.
What was it about her that caused him to behave in such a reckless fashion?
“Are you ‘out’?” he asked her.
Justina gave another great sigh.
“My aunt, Lady Elder, gave me a Season last year. I am afraid I let her down badly.”
“In what way did you let her down?” he asked curiously. “I am sure your manners could not be found wanting and you have a remarkable presence.”
She flushed, disconcerted at his remark.
“Presence, my Lord? My aunt would say I lacked tact and social graces.” She lent towards him in her engagin
