“Horry?” he repeated.
“Horatia,” she explained. “It is an odious name, isn’t it? I was given it on account of Mr W-Walpole. He is my godfather, you understand.”
“Perfectly,” bowed his lordship. “You must forgive me for being so dull-witted, but would you believe it?—I am still quite in the dark.”
Horatia’s gaze faltered. “It is—it is very d-difficult to explain it to you,” she said. “And I expect you are horridly shocked. But I did bring my m-maid, sir!”
“That makes it far less shocking,” said his lordship reassuringly, “But would it not be much easier to explain this very difficult matter to me if you were to sit down? Will you let me take your cloak?”
“Th-thank you,” said Horatia, relinquishing it. She bestowed a friendly smile upon her host. “It is not anything n-near so difficult as I thought it would be. Before you came in my spirits quite f-failed. You see, my M-mama has not the smallest n-notion of my being here. But I couldn’t think of anything else to do.” She gripped her hands together, and drew a deep breath. “It is because of L-Lizzie—my sister. You have offered for her, haven’t you?”
Slightly taken aback, the Earl bowed. Horatia said in a rush: “C-could you—would you m-mind very much—having m-me instead?”
The Earl was seated in a chair opposite to her, absently swinging his eyeglass, his gaze fixed on her face in an expression of courteous interest. The eyeglass stopped swinging suddenly, and was allowed to fall. Horatia, looking anxiously across at him, saw a rather startled frown in his eyes, and hurried on: “Of c-course I know it ought to be Charlotte, for she is the elder, but she said nothing would induce her to m-marry you.”
His lips quivered. “In that case,” he said, “it is fortunate that I did not solicit the honour of Miss Charlotte’s hand in marriage.”
“Yes,” agreed Horatia. “I am sorry to have to say it, but I am afraid Charlotte shrinks from the idea of m-making such a sacrifice even for L-Lizzie’s sake.” Rule’s shoulders shook slightly. “Have I said s-something I shouldn’t?” inquired Horatia doubtfully.