*
On the way back, Rosaleena thought about her ball.
She had been taught at home by a Governess and so knew very few people of her own age, apart from Oswald.
The ball therefore would be composed of friends of her mother’s and Sir Uriel’s with their various offspring.
Amongst them would be Lady Fonders’ daughter, Lalage, Rosaleena’s only close confidante.
Lalage was a somewhat imperious young lady and her interest in Rosaleena blew hot and cold, according to whether she had an admirer in tow or not.
Still, thought Rosaleena, with a certain satisfaction, she would not have anyone as intriguing as Colonel Joyce.
The prospect of the ball tomorrow had now become even more delicious, the only flaw was that Oswald would be there, taking time off from his studies.
Thoughts of the son retu
