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He was just thinking he would have no objection to an intelligent wife when he realised Bess was giving him a long look.

‘What?’

‘You are not most men. You enjoy a challenge. You enjoy intelligence and humour.’ She lifted her eyebrows. ‘Harriet would make a remarkably good diplomat’s wife.’

Granville felt a tug of recognition at her words but laughed again and pushed away the notion. ‘Quite possibly, my love, but not this diplomat. If I were to marry, I would seek warmth, companionship, and… and...’ he waved a hand vaguely, ‘those things. Not someone who would argue with me at every turn and make life into a battleground.’

Bess just raised her eyebrows and leaned back in her chair. ‘She admires you, but she sees your faults. That’s what you need. Someone who will keep you thinking, keep you guessing.’

‘You never did that, and we worked out very well.’

‘Ah, but then you were an impetuous boy. Now you are a man, and you need something different. Trust me when I say she adores you.’

‘She might have done once upon a day, but somewhere along the way she seemed to take me in dislike, and trust me, my love, she is remarkably cold towards me now. What’s wrong with wanting a wife who loves me?’

Bess chuckled. ‘Just mark my words and give the matter some thought.’

Granville reached over and took Bess’s hand. ‘If it means so much to you, I will think about it, but I’m not offering any promises. Now, tell me all your news.’

Harriet emerged from the carriage that had pulled up in Portman Square, outside the London home of the Grey family. Gee followed, holding on to her hat as a gust of wind tugged at their dresses.

‘I remember coming here with Mama so clearly,’ Harriet murmured as they entered. ‘It hasn’t changed a bit.’

‘Mama did always enjoy our visits. She was extremely fond of little Eliza, and look at her now. All grown up and ready to launch into society.’

Harriet nodded and smiled as the butler opened the parlour door and announced them.

There were only two ladies in the room. Eliza stood immediately, followed by her sister, Lady Hannah. Lady Hannah greeted them, pleasantries were exchanged, and the tea-tray summoned.

Harriet removed her gloves, as did Gee, and they sat, smiling at their hosts.

‘My sister-in-law Mary will join us shortly,’ Hannah said with a serene smile.

‘How lovely it is to see you both again. I cannot believe how long it has been since we visited you here, yet it seems like only yesterday,’ Harriet said. ‘Hart will be so disappointed to have missed this treat.’

As Gee engaged both Eliza and her sister in conversation about the inclemency of the weather, Harriet watched Eliza. She was petite, slender and quite outrageously pretty. At first, she seemed a little reserved, but her manners were good. She relaxed more as they talked about the visits when they were children, the books they had loved, the toys that they played with, how Hart cried all the time, and it made Harriet smile to watch her blossom.

Lady Grey joined them, then the conversation turned to more general things, and in all, it was an extremely pleasant visit.

‘Might we hope to see you at Lady Marlborough’s ball?’ Harriet asked as they prepared to leave.

‘I will be there,’ Lady Hannah said, and Lady Grey nodded.

‘Miss Eliza?’ Harriet said with an expectant smile when she didn’t respond.

Eliza gave an awkward shake of her head. ‘I’ve not been presented so I’m not able to attend.’

Gee looked surprised. ‘Oh, what a shame. Are you not to be presented?’ She looked at Lady Mary, but it was Lady Hannah who replied.

‘Things have been a little difficult with losing Papa, and then my being in mourning,’ Lady Hannah said. Harriet supposed it must be rather awkward, but the family was clearly out of mourning, and as Eliza was in London, it seemed odd she was not to be presented. She wanted to pursue the question but seeing Eliza’s embarrassment, refrained for Eliza’s sake.

Another silence ensued, so Harriet rallied. ‘Well, if you can’t attend formal balls, perhaps you’d like to come to some of our informal gatherings. There’s no harm in that, surely? You can plan your come-out ball for whenever it happens. Think of the fun we’ll have!’ She looked over at her sister and laughed. ‘Do you remember planning mine?’

Gee sighed gently with a smile. ‘I do indeed.’

Eliza’s eyes shone, and she laughed awkwardly. ‘That would be lovely, and most kind.’

‘It would indeed be lovely! I should like to see more of you both. I used to enjoy our gatherings enormously, and I know my mother did, so I would be delighted to renew our friendship. Should you wish it?’