Those Scandalous Ravenhursts Volume Two: The Shocking Lord Standon. Louise Allen

you consider to be rivals, which you should cultivate and which may be safely ignored. But, more importantly, I want you to be Mrs Carleton inside your head. I want you to look—really look—at all the men you see. Sum up each one with a view to seduction. Fix them in your mind. What might be their weaknesses, what attracts you to them, how will you approach them, how you would set out to seduce each one and how dangerous each is.’

      ‘Gareth!’ She stared, shocked. ‘In cold blood, just like that? You want me to look at men and…’

      ‘Assess them. Yes. You did a good job summing up Mr Hurst, the handsome icicle, did you not?’ He drained his cup and stood up. ‘Thank you for breakfast, Miss Gifford. Enjoy your drive.’

      Jessica sat staring blankly at the Dutch still life hanging on the wall opposite. There had been a sardonic note in Gareth’s voice, a set to his mouth that somehow told her that he did not exactly relish setting her that task. On the other hand, thinking about it, it was certainly good tactics to familiarise herself with the prominent players on the stage she was to inhabit for the next few weeks.

      The ladies arrived in Bel’s barouche with the top down, all well wrapped up and with hot bricks at their feet and lap rugs over their knees. Maude handed an enormous muff to Jessica as she climbed in. ‘This is for you, I saw you didn’t have one. They are all the crack.’

      ‘Thank you!’ Jessica struggled to control the fur muff that was about the size of a medium dog, although mercifully lighter. ‘What a lovely day.’

      ‘It is ideal for the task Gareth has set us,’ Eva shifted in her seat, allowing Jessica an even better view of her pelisse with its fur epaulettes, collar and cuffs. Another Paris fashion, she guessed. ‘Everyone who is anyone will be out in Hyde Park with the sun shining like this.’

      Reluctantly, for she was enjoying the crisp air and the sun on her face, Jessica settled her veil securely and they set off. ‘If necessary, I shall introduce you, rather vaguely, as Miss Smith,’ Bel explained. ‘Just bow slightly. People will assume you are a companion, or a visiting relative.’