She detained him instead.
“Are you going to speak to Lady Jennings—and—and my mother?” she asked imperiously.
“If there is nothing in my fancy, what harm is there in my mentioning to both the ladies the extraordinary coincidence?” said he. “It would prepare them, at any rate, for other such coincidences—which will most certainly arise in the future.”
And he tried to retreat.
“I can’t let you frighten my poor old mother, and worry Lady Jennings to death,” she said imperiously. “I must speak to you. I can’t here of course; but I must explain.”
Explanation was just what he wanted, and Gerard’s heart beat high at the word.
“Shall I call—” he began.
She interrupted him by a shake of the head.
“No, no,” she said. “How can we talk before her? Let me see.” She took out an engagement book from her carriage pocket, and glanced at it reflectively.
“Will you meet me to-morrow somewhere and take me to tea?” she said.