A flock of geese on the road at Froxfield held them up for a while, but after that they picked up speed and Vivyan remarked to his companion that they should be in Town by the evening. He received no reply and looked down at his companion: Miss Marchant was staring silently out of the window. ‘This is not like you, Miss Marchant, to be so quiet.’ ‘No, I am sorry. It is just that I have been wondering what to do when I get to London. I can hardly arrive at Rupert’s door dressed this way.’ Mr Lagallan’s lips twitched. ‘You think Mr Alleyne would not approve of your apparel?’ ‘Oh, I am sure he would understand, once it was explained to him, but it would be very difficult to keep it from the servants, and just think of the scandal — and I am sorry if you consider that a cause for laughter!’ ‘No, of course it isn’t.’ Mr Lagallan made a heroic attempt to look serious. ‘I quite see your dilemma. Let us think what we can do. Is there no one else you know in Town who would help you, no aunts or cousins?’ ‘No one.
