The Baron introduced him to the Countess.
It was then that the Marquis guessed with a cynical twist to his lips exactly why she was here.
She placed her hand in his and as he raised it perfunctorily towards his lips, he felt her fingers tighten on his. When he met her eyes he knew that she was telling him wordlessly what so many women had already told him.
It did not need an expression of disapproval on the Baroness’s face to surmise that the Countess was no friend of hers.
The Baron was paying the Countess compliments.
He was making sure that the Marquis was aware of how privileged they were that she was included as a guest.
The Countess sat down near the tea table and the Baron beckoned to the Marquis to sit beside her.
She accepted a cup of tea but refused anything to eat. Turnin
