She thought it was to be the usual thing about Bobby's education, which Lady Wychcote did not think sufficiently strenuous and political. But her mother-in-law had quite another matter in mind.
They walked off together down one of the beech avenues, and Lady Wychcote began without preamble.
"My dear Sophy," said she, "you will probably be very angry, but I feel that I must speak. Your friendship with Mrs. Arundel doesn't at all do you justice...."
"Please don't say anything against Olive," put in Sophy quickly.
"Very well. But you know my opinion on that subject already, so after all it isn't necessary. I was thinking of her chiefly just then in connection with the Marchese Amaldi."
Sophy merely looked at her with an inquiring expression.
"I mean that it seems to me doubly unfortunate that he should be such a friend of hers also," continued Lady Wychcote.
"Please explain what you mean by 'doubly unfortunate,'" said Sophy.
"I shall—very frankly. Your position as a divorcée is a very difficult one, and I think that your rather intimate friendship with the Marchese will make it still more difficult."
"You are certainly frank," said Sophy, white with anger. "But you must allow me to be the judge of my own conduct."