A Lady for Lord Randall. Sarah Mallory

there you are. I vow I was about to send a search party into the shrubbery!’ Harriett’s knowing glance brought the colour flooding back to Mary’s cheeks.

       She is teasing. She cannot know anything.

      ‘Quite unnecessary,’ Lord Randall responded coolly and Mary felt a sudden urge to laugh. His tone held the merest hint of disapproval for his sister’s levity, as if he was affronted she should even consider he might be dallying in the gardens. ‘We stopped to admire the rhododendron ponticum on the west terrace.’

      ‘Yes, yes, it has taken very well, has it not? I sent to Hackney for it, to Mr Loddiges’s nursery.’ Mr Graveney chattered on, delighted to discover the earl shared his interest in horticulture.

      Mary took her seat beside Harriett, relieved that the conversation had moved on, although her mind was still too disordered for her to take part. She almost jumped when Harriett reached out and took her hand.

      ‘It has been so good to see you again, Mary, are you sure it is necessary for you to leave on Saturday?’

      ‘Imperative, I assure you,’ she responded. ‘My assistants at the school are very good, but they write to tell me there is a great deal of activity in Brussels—’

      Lord Randall cut in. ‘I did not know your school was in Brussels.’

      She managed to look him in the eye, albeit briefly.

      ‘Because I did not mention it, my lord.’

      ‘No.’ The earl turned a frowning look upon his sister. ‘Odd that Harriett should not mention it, either.’

      ‘Oh, well, it slipped my mind, Brother, but it is a most fortuitous circumstance for you, Mary.’

      Mary shook her head. ‘I do not see...’

      ‘While you were in the gardens we came up with the most perfect plan.’ Harriett continued as if she had not spoken. ‘Mrs Bentinck and I agreed that we should feel so much happier to know you were not making that long journey alone, Mary. So Randall shall escort you!’