Lavinia took an eager step towards him, swinging her pearl-grey brocades.

“Oh, Tracy!” she cooed, holding out both hands.

His Grace advanced into the room and bent low over them.

“I rejoice to find you within, Lavinia,” he said, a faint tinge of sarcasm running through his smooth tones. “As you perceive, I rode over.” He made a gesture towards his high boots with their wicked-looking spurs. “No doubt Andrew forgot to give you my letter?”

“No,” she said, slipping her hand in his arm. “He remembered in time, and⁠—oh, Tracy, I was so vastly delighted to have it!”

“I am indeed honoured,” he replied. “I am come on a sufficiently important matter.”

“Oh!” She pulled her hand away disappointedly. “Money!”