“I shall break hearts tonight, shall I not?” she asked gaily, over her shoulder.

“I do not doubt it,” he answered shortly.

“And you, Dicky?” She turned round to look at him. “Puce⁠ ⁠… ’tis not the colour I should have chosen, but ’tis well enough. A new wig, surely?”

“Ay.”

Her eyes questioned his coldness, and she suddenly remembered the events of the morning. So he was sulky? Very well! Monsieur should see!

Someone knocked at the door; the maid went to open it.

“Sir Douglas Faversham, Sir Gregory Markham, Moosso le Chevalier and Captain Lovelace are below, m’lady.”

A little devil prompted Lavinia.

“Oh, la-la! So many? Well, I cannot see all, ’tis certain. Admit Sir Gregory and Captain Lovelace.”