The Earl decided that he did not wish to make love to Myrtle that evening.
He had been quite genuine in his request for everybody to go to bed early so that they would be at their best for tomorrow’s Steeplechase.
He knew only too well that late drinking and lovemaking inhibited their performance.
As the ladies began to go upstairs and he had said ‘goodnight’ to each one of them, he was aware that Lady Myrtle was waiting for him.
“Goodnight, Myrtle,” he said as he took her hand.
He felt her fingers pressing his and he knew what she was asking.
“We are all tired tonight,” he said so that she would understand, “but tomorrow will be different.”
He saw by the expression in her eyes that she was not only disappointed but angry.
He told himself that he had no intention of doing what he d
