“If you like and Evelyn agrees, I will take her to Miss Chisholm’s.”
Mrs. Haigh thanked him and soon afterwards the party went off. Ledward imagined Evelyn had gone for her coat and he waited, but when she rejoined him she wore her evening clothes.
“Mother is rather old-fashioned,” she remarked. “Since you offered to see me out, I expect you have not an engagement?”
“I have not,” said Ledward. “When you are ready I’ll send for a cab.”
Evelyn smiled. “If you don’t mind, we might stay for a time. I like the music and I like to see the people.”
“Then, we’ll stay as long as you like. But what about Miss Chisholm? Will she not wait for you?”
“I’m not very keen about seeing Clara. All I wanted was not to be forced to go with mother. Perhaps you know the Lomaxes?”
Ledward said he did not, and Evelyn resumed: “Oh well, they’re sober, old-fashioned bores and I imagine Mrs. Carson will stay until midnight and talk about people they knew when she was young. Mother will play up; I rather think she’ll like it. But I’d soon be horribly tired.”
“Then, let’s wait,” said Ledward. “The band is pretty good, and you can study the fashions.”
Evelyn saw he wanted to wait, but she had reckoned on his agreeing and her annoyance was gone. After all, his apology was logical, and she was willing to use him.