Then he told himself that was being childish so he went downstairs to the drawing room.
He was not surprised to find the room empty and there was no sign of Ansella.
It was getting on for eight o’clock when finally she came shyly through the door.
She was wearing a rather more elaborate gown than he had expected.
It was not white but a very pale green, the colour of spring leaves.
It made her look almost like a sprite from the woods or a nymph from the lake.
“I am – sorry I am – late,” she said as she came towards him.
“You have just two minutes to spare,” the Earl replied. “And let me tell you, you look very charming in that pretty gown.”
“I thought – perhaps you would think – I should wear – white,” she answered nervously. “But – this is one of my favourite dresses – because it m
