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Eventually, the Earl and his wife made to leave. Charles stood and bowed over Lady Bessborough’s hand and shook hands with her husband. Her mother was making to leave the room too, so Eliza nudged Charles.

‘Please don’t disappear. I really need to talk to you,’ she whispered.

He smiled at her. ‘Very well, I cannot stay long, but I shall ensure we speak before I leave.’

Pleased, Eliza slipped out of the room and was about to run up the stairs when she stopped. Lord Bessborough was addressing his wife as they walked to the door that was held open by a footman.

‘Are you sure it’s her?’ Bessborough said.

‘Of course I am. It’s little Eliza.’

Bessborough sniffed. ‘Could have fooled me. Thought she was the governess. Whey-faced little thing with no colour or spirit. Bit of a poor do, if you ask me, dragging her off to look after the children if she’s not the governess.’

‘Fortunately, I’m not asking you, so please keep your voice down.’

Eliza wanted to move from her spot and demand to know what they meant. How dare Bessborough say such awful things about her? How dare he!

She watched as they left, fiercely holding back tears, but the worst of it was what the Earl said was true.

‘What are you doing lurking in the hallway?’ Charles said, arriving at her elbow and making her jump so hard she shrieked.

She pressed a hand to her chest. ‘You startled me! I’m just watching.’

‘You always were an inquisitive little thing. What was it you wanted to speak to me about?’

Eliza put her arm through her brother’s and steered him gently to the small parlour, closed the door, and took a breath. This was her last chance.

‘Charles. You know you have always been my very best, dearest, most favourite and beloved brother?’

Charles’s face creased in a smile. ‘Of course, and flattery will get you a long way. What is it you want? A new bonnet? A pelisse?’

She shook her head. ‘It’s more important than that. As my oldest and dearest brother, I desperately need your support, and I hope you will not disappoint me.’ She looked him straight in the eye.

‘What can possibly be so important?’ He looked baffled and more than a little alarmed.

Eliza maintained her gaze. ‘Did you get my letter?’

He sighed.

‘Charles, I need you to persuade Mama to let me go to London with you to be with Hannah.’

Charles looked uncomfortable. ‘I recall Mama wanted you to remain here, but I do agree that you are old enough for a season so perhaps we can arrange that for next year? I can speak to Mama, and you can start planning gowns and parties.’

Eliza tried not to let despair overtake her. She concentrated on keeping her voice even. ‘Charles, thank you, but I need to go to London now. Poor Hannah is searching for a husband with no sister to support her. I know she has you and Mary, and it is terribly, terribly kind of you, but I am certain I would be of help and comfort to her. I know I haven’t been presented. I know I won’t be able to go to the court balls, but I could attend some smaller family events, perhaps some dinner parties? All I’d need is some new clothes.’ She looked down at the drab green and raised hopeful eyes to his.

‘Mama has already said no.’

‘I know. I’ve broached it with her and had a serious rake down.’

‘What makes you think I won’t get similar treatment?’

‘Because you are the Earl. And because she loves you.’

Charles frowned. ‘She loves you too, darling.’

‘Hmph.’

‘Come now.’ Charles walked towards her and took her hands in his. ‘I will speak to her, but I can’t promise anything.’