“How long does Peregrine mean to stay in Hertfordshire?” inquired the Earl.
“I am not perfectly sure. Certainly for a week, and I should suppose for longer.”
He nodded. “Well, unless he contrives to break his neck on the hunting-field, he should not come to much harm there.”
“He won’t do that; he rides very well, better than he drives.” She looked at him undecidedly, and opened and shut her fan once or twice. “I spoke to you once about Perry, Lord Worth.”
“You did.”
“I am no less anxious now. He needs to be steadied. If you cannot do that will you not give another the right?”
“Whom, for instance?” asked his lordship.
“Miss Fairford,” she replied seriously.
“I was under the impression that I had given it to her.”
“If you would give your consent to an earlier marriage!” She coaxed. “I do indeed believe Perry’s affection to be deep-rooted. He will not change.”