“Yes, possibly, when your grandfather was a hale man. Too much depends upon you now, and I cannot discover that there is anyone to support or to advise you.”
She said, with the flash of a wry smile: “Captain Staple, if you continue in this vein you will induce in me a mood of self-pity that will very likely cause me to burst into maudlin tears! And that, I am persuaded, you would dislike excessively!”
“I own I would prefer you not to burst into tears on the high road,” he admitted. “Some other vehicle would be bound to come into sight just at that moment!”
A gurgle of laughter escaped her. “Very true! I won’t do it.”
“I’ve a notion you are not prone to shed tears,” he said smilingly.
“I’m more prone to swear!” she confessed. She added apologetically: “It comes from having lived always with my grandfather, and being about the stables a great deal.”
“Don’t guard your tongue on my account!” he begged, his eyes dancing.
“Ah, you don’t provoke me to swear!”
“Who does? The gentleman in the natty waistcoat?”
She hesitated.