“Have you heard the latest gossip?” said Lady Mitherington. “Miss Smyth has taken delivery this very morning of a euphonium.”

She fluttered her fan in an excitable manner. Sir John looked a little bored.

“I fail to see why that would set the village tongues wagging?” said Sir John.

“My dear Sir John,” said Lady Mitherington, “there was no return address.”

Sir John raised his eyebrows in arch surprise. Miss Milner caught the look and tittered behind her fan.

“Pray, won’t you dance with me?” she asked Sir John. “If I may drag you away from all this gossip.”

“Most heartily,” whispered Sir John, and the two joined the dancing throng.

“You may have saved me from a rather ghastly conversation,” said Sir John. “I fear Lady Mitherington had quite a tale to tell.”

“That was indeed my intention,” said Miss Milner, “and in return I would like something more than just a dance.”

“Oh?” said Sir John, raising his eyebrows again.

“I have a question about a mutual friend,” said Miss Milner.

“Lord Arlington?” said Sir John, suddenly looking puzzled.

“Indeed not,” said Miss Milner, looking momentarily panicked. “I refer to our mutual friend Corporal Wickleby. I was curious if you knew when he might return to Merybury.”

“Sadly then, you will have a poor bargain as I don’t know when the infantry will return to the barracks,” said Sir John. “But I can give you information of a different sort. If you have, shall we say, set your cap at the Corporal, I feel obliged to offer a word of caution. In private conversation he gives the impression of being less than respectful of the ladies. There is even a rumour of a lady friend in the north.”

Miss Milner let out a gasp and staggered to one side, as if to faint. Sir John grabbed her arm and took her away from the dancing. He noticed the eyes of onlookers.

“She is a little overheated,” he said. And then to Miss Milner, “Perhaps we should get some air outside.”

“No!” said Miss Milner sharply, then added, “I just need a little water.”

The pair made their way to a drinks table where Miss Milner had a healthy swig of punch.

“Sir John, can you keep a secret?” she whispered.

“Of course,” said Sir John. “You need not fear on that score.”

“Corporal Wickleby and I have been secretly engaged these past six months,” said Miss Milner.

“Good God,” said Sir John.

“Is everything all right?” said the bumptious Major House, approaching the two.

“Miss Milner is a little overcome by the heat,” said Sir John. “She just needs to rest.”

“Fanny, are you alright?” said Miss Violet Milner, Miss Milners sister.

“I think you should take her home,” said Sir John. “The heat has rather overcome her.”

“I will be alright soon,” said Miss Milner, looking panicked again.

“I rather think you should rest,” said Sir John.

Miss Milner looked confused at her sister, and there was a pause before they both left.

“I think I need to speak to Lord Arlington,” said Sir John. “I’m not sure why exactly…”

“Nonsense!” said Major House. “No need to speak to that chap. He’s not in his right mind anyway, bit of bad luck on the gee-gees I heard. Should be dancing, find yourself a wife.”

Sir John looked confused at Major House.

“But… I’m the one that’s married” he said. “I really do have to speak to Lord Arlington.”

“Have some punch man!” said Major House, holding Sir John’s arm and fishing out a glass.

Sir John pulled away sharply and walked across the crowded dance floor to where he could just make out Lord Arlington.

“Sir John, a dance… one more drink… wait til you here this…” he heard as people flocked around him.

“Excuse me, please, I need to speak to Lord Arlington,” said Sir John.

He pushed through the crowd until at last he was in front of the confused and dishevelled aristocrat.

“Quick,” said Sir John, “to the kitchen.”