“I knew him a little. I’ve known them all for years. But Ford is the one I’ve seen the most of, although he is younger than I am by several years.”
“They told me you were his friend, and I was so surprised, after I’d seen you.”
Charlesbury smiled a little.
“Why were you surprised?”
“Well, you know, I think he’s odious,” said Rose.
Even Lord Charlesbury’s calm wavered slightly before the singular candour of this unvarnished revelation.
“H’sh—his mother may hear you ...” he indicated Lady Aviolet, knitting placidly.
“I daresay she knows quite well what I think,” said Rose gloomily, her voice obediently lowered.
“I hope not.”
He looked down at the monocle, idle between his fingers.