"For anything," she said. She pulled her handkerchief out and pressed it to her brilliant lips; the roses, ribbons, and pearls in her high-piled grey curls shone in the flickering flame.
My lord drew off his gloves.
"What is the letter, madam?" He gave her a sideways look out of weary, reckless eyes.
"From my father." She took the handkerchief from her mouth and there was a stain of carmine on it. "He is just back from Holland, where he hath been to take up some monies due to him."
"I know," said the Earl. "I think this news can wait."
"It is no news, my lord; you are aware that my father's fortunes——"
"Will not bear the strain of my extravagance?" He placed his tasselled gauntlets down beside the silver candle-stick and the letter. "Well, he has said so."
Her eyes narrowed.
"You are very cool; what do you propose to do?"
The Earl gave her a slow smile.