'I suppose it was the club, as usual, that made you late. Do you know, I have a great objection to clubs.'
He nodded sympathetically.
'That is to say, I thoroughly approve of your belonging to several. I'm quite aware that in your position it's the right thing to do, but I can't understand why you should ever go to them, having two houses of your own. And that reminds me, we are going down to Redlands tomorrow, are we not? I've had a little' (she lowered her voice) 'lumbago; a mere passing touch, that's all—and the change will cure me. I think you neglect Redlands, Charles. You seem to me to regard your responsibilities as a landowner with indifference bordering on aversion. You never seem amused down there—unless we have friends.'
'We'll go tomorrow if you like,' said he.
'That's satisfactory.'
'I can easily put off the Duke,' he said thoughtfully, as he poured out more wine.
She sprang up like a startled hare.
'Put off the … what are you talking about?'
'Oh, nothing. The Duke of St Leonard's is giving a dinner at the club tomorrow, and I was going. But I can arrange to get out of it.'
'Charles! I never heard of anything so absurd! You must certainly go to the dinner. How like you! How casual of you! For a mere trifle to offend the man who might be of the greatest use to you—politically.'