The Earl’s eyes, which had narrowed suddenly, to his servant’s discomfiture, were once more bland and expressionless. “I see,” he remarked. “Where is Miss Winwood?”
“In the smaller saloon, my lord.”
“Very well,” said his lordship. “You need not wait.”
The lackey bowed, and went out. My lord’s gaze rested thoughtfully on Mr Gisborne’s profile. “Arnold,” he said softly. Mr Gisborne looked up. “Are you very discreet, Arnold?” said his lordship.
Mr Gisborne met his look full. “Yes, sir. Of course.”
“I am sure you are,” said his lordship. “Perhaps even—a little deaf?”
Mr Gisborne’s lips twitched. “Upon occasion, amazingly deaf, sir.”
“I need not have asked,” said the Earl. “You are a prince of secretaries, my dear fellow.”
“As to that, sir, you are very obliging. But certainly you need not have asked.”
“My maladroitness,” murmured his lordship, and went out.