This time it was O’Hara’s turn to look superior.

“Well, alanna, that’s a question ye cannot hope to understand⁠—because ye are but a woman.”

Lady O’Hara ignored the challenge.

“But what is to be done?”

“Nought. He will have to work it out himself. He bound me to secrecy some time ago, or I would be tempted to speak to Richard.”

“I quite hate Richard!” she cried. “He must be a selfish, unkind person. And now Jack swears he must go away almost at once⁠—and, oh! you should have seen Diana’s face of despair when I mentioned that he was going abroad again. Miles, we must keep him here as long as ever we can! Oh, dear! ’tis all very worrying.”

She broke off as O’Hara pressed her hand warningly. My lord was coming across the lawn towards them.