“Yes, quite. He c-came g-galloping up, and the highwaymen ran away.”
The Earl inclined his head with an expression of courteous interest. “And then?” he said gently.
“Oh, th-then I asked him if he would d-drive home with me, and I must tell you, Rule, he was not at all inclined to at f-first, but I insisted, so he d-did.” She drew a breath. “And p-perhaps I ought to tell you, also, that he and I have d-deci-ded to be friends.”
Across the table the Earl’s calm eyes met hers. “I am of course honoured by this confidence, my dear. Am I expected to make any remark?”
Horatia blurted out: “W-well, Lord Lethbridge t-told me you would not l-like it.”
“Ah, did he indeed?” murmured his lordship. “And did he give any reason for my supposed dislike?”
“N-no, but he told m-me that he was not a p-proper person for me to know, and that m-made me excessively sorry for him, and I said I did not c-care what the world said, and I would know him.”
The Earl touched his lips with his napkin. “I see. And if—let us suppose—I were to take exception to this friendship—?”
Horatia prepared for battle. “W-why should you, sir?”
“I imagine that his lordship’s rare foresight prompted him to tell you my reasons,” replied Rule a little dryly.