Fortunately he was stopped as he walked towards them by a friend and, without an apology, Idona jumped to her feet and ran out of the ballroom into an anteroom where a number of people were sitting around talking.
She looked round frantically to see if there was anyone she might know.
Then with a feeling of relief, she saw the Marquis standing at the far end of the room talking to a man covered in decorations who looked as impressive as he did.
She moved slowly towards them and, just before she reached the Marquis, his friend turned to speak to an attractive lady who laid a gloved hand on his arm.
It was Idona’s opportunity and she took it.
She went to the Marquis’s side and looking up at him said,
“Please – help me! The Earl is going to – ask me to dance with him again – and your gr
