My lord answered this without hesitation. “Don’t be a fool, Ju.”
She sighed. “No, I was afraid he would not. It is a vast pity, for mamma always does what Uncle Justin says.” She caught sight of a stocky figure at the far end of the room. “There’s John! You had best go away, Frederick, for it will not do at all for John to see you talking to my cousin.”
She watched him bow, and retreat, and turned enthusiastically to the Marquis. “Is he not a delightful creature, Vidal?” she demanded.
My lord looked at her frowningly. “Juliana,” he said, “do I understand that you prefer him as a husband to myself?”
“Infinitely,” Miss Marling assured him.
“You have very bad taste, my girl,” said my lord calmly.
“Indeed, cousin! And may I ask whether you prefer that yellow-haired chit I saw you with at Vauxhall as a wife to me?” retorted Juliana.
“Ill-judged, my dear. I do not contemplate marriage either with her or you. Nor am I at all certain which yellow-haired chit you mean.”
Miss Marling prepared to depart. She swept a dignified curtsey, and said: “I do not mix with the company you keep, dear cousin, so I cannot tell you her name.”
The Marquis bowed gracefully. “I still live, dear Juliana.”