“Mama and I have come to speak to you about your marriage,” said Louisa, taking the plunge.
“And what,” enquired Sir Richard, “has George come to speak to me about?”
“That too, of course!”
“No, I haven’t!” disclaimed George hurriedly. “You know I said I’d have nothing to do with it! I never wanted to come at all!”
“Have some more Madeira,” said Sir Richard soothingly.
“Well, thank you, yes, I will. But don’t think I’m here to badger you about something which don’t concern me, because I’m not!”
“Richard!” said Lady Wyndham deeply, “I dare no longer meet Saar face to face!”
“As bad as that, is he?” said Sir Richard. “I haven’t seen him myself these past few weeks, but I’m not at all surprised. I fancy I heard something about it, from someone—I forget whom. Taken to brandy, hasn’t he?”
“Sometimes,” said Lady Wyndham, “I think you are utterly devoid of sensibility!”
“He is merely trying to provoke you, Mama. You know perfectly well what Mama means, Richard. When do you mean to offer for Melissa?”