“I cannot tell you what a bore it has been, the same old parties every night and the same old gossip. Since you left there has been nothing left to talk about.”
“Are they talking about Jemima and me?”
There was silence as if Freddy considered what he should say.
Then he remarked,
“Niobe’s engagement to the Marquis was announced this morning!”
“Well, at least I pipped her at the post,” the Viscount chuckled.
“I am quite sure she is aware that her engagement is an anti-climax.”
“If you have brought some champagne at least we can drink to her ill-health and her unhappiness!” the Viscount proposed. “Where have you put it?”
“I have brought a groom with me,” Freddy answered, “so I imagine he will carry it into the hall.”
“Then let’s go and find it,” the Viscount suggested eagerly. “The
