“No one informed me that her Ladyship’s arrival was imminent,” he said and, passing the Duchess, moved to Beatrice’s side. He took her hand and she felt the warm insistent pressure of his lips.
“My deepest apologies for not being the first to welcome you,” he said. “Nevertheless it gives me unbounded pleasure to meet your Ladyship.”
“I thank your Lordship,” Beatrice said, and there was a hint of laughter in her tone.
The Duchess turned to Iona.
“Your hair needs attention,” she said icily, “and a shawl is hardly the correct wear for the salon. It would be best for you to retire and tidy yourself before being presented to Lady Wrexham.”
Iona curtsied but said nothing, and the Duchess swept away leading Beatrice towards the salon, the two men following in their wake. Swiftly Iona picked
