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He cleared his throat and handed them to her.

She took them and held a hand to her mouth. ‘Oh, R… Lieutenant Colonel Ellice. What an absolutely delightful thing to do.’

She held before her a copy of Hinderwell’s History and Antiquities of Scarborough, and a copy of a guidebook of the town. She leafed through the history, glancing at the pages, and wanted to kiss him. It was the most perfect gift.

Somersby, having apparently eluded Lord Granville, appeared at her side. ‘What, no floral tribute?’ he said with a sneer.

Robert looked him up and down. ‘No, no flowers.’

‘Dearest Miss Courtney,’ Somersby began, but Eliza was too thrilled to be quelled by his presence.

‘No flowers, but this is an absolutely perfect gift. I have flowers aplenty, but books…’ She shrugged. ‘A person can never have too many books.’

‘Poetry?’ Somersby said, wrinkling his nose.

She shook her head. ‘History,’ she breathed.

Hart arrived and removed Somersby on some pretext or other so she could again focus on Robert.

‘It is the kindest thing. Thank you so much.’

‘It is my pleasure. I had a feeling that books might be a better gift but quailed a little at the sight of all the flowers.’

‘They are all lovely, but they will fade and die. These will last forever and I shall treasure them.’

Robert looked down at her, then smiled. Broadly. Eliza loved his smile. It wasn’t often she saw such an unrestrained smile from him, or a touch of colour on his cheeks.

It was beautiful. He was beautiful.

As the days drifted towards the end of June, and people began thinking about returning to their country homes, Eliza sat with Haryo in the gardens of Devonshire House in the sunshine as they waited for luncheon guests to arrive. Bees drifted lazily in the warmth, dancing across the flowerbeds.

‘I don’t want the season to end,’ she confided after a while. ‘I’m going to miss everyone horribly.’

Haryo patted her hand. ‘You must accept my invitation to come to Chatsworth. Bring Lady Hannah and the Ellice men.’

‘I should like that enormously. If it is no trouble, I will speak to Charles and Mama.’

‘Eliza, I would love to have your company for as long as possible. There will be much to do in planning my father’s wedding. Lady Liz will have us all hard at work, and no doubt driving me demented. Just wait and see.’

Eliza laughed. ‘Almost as bad as Hannah.’

‘A hundred times worse, I assure you.’

‘Hannah and Edward are to be married in London, which means we will be back for the little season.’

Haryo grinned and leaned towards her. ‘I know. I’ve had my invitation and I’m already looking forward to it. Papa hasn’t decided if it will be London or Chatsworth for his wedding, but whichever it is, they will invite you and the family. Robert Ellice too.

Eliza felt her cheeks pink at the mention of Robert. Ever since her come-out ball, they had spent more time together. With his gift of books, and their mutual enjoyment of galleries and museums, he had escorted her and a somewhat reluctant Hannah several times.

They had also kissed rather a lot, and the kissing was getting better and better.

The only thing she had not had from him was a proposal. She was trying not to refine too much upon it, and imagined that he might eventually decide that they would suit, but it was niggling away at her thoughts today.

‘I suppose he hasn’t proposed yet?’ Haryo said, as though she were some kind of reader of minds.

She shook her head. ‘No. Do you think I should worry that he has not? Do you think people have noticed anything between us?’

Haryo thought for a moment, then shook her head too. ‘I haven’t heard any talk so don’t worry about that. With regard to a proposal, I don’t think you should worry. I suspect he is naturally cautious after his first betrothal went so badly. His family is good, but with such deep connections to trade, I think they will want him to marry into society and, as you are the daughter of an earl, you should be exactly what they need. Perhaps he is trying to be very sure of you before he asks?’