She held out her hand and Susannah went to her, kissing her forehead. ‘No. You must forgive me for becoming so heated. I’m only now beginning to understand so much of it myself.’ She glanced at me. ‘Because Raphael is helping me.’
Penny dashed in then, followed by a footman carrying a tray of tea things. She sat between us, telling of her time at Chewton Court interrupted by bites of cake and gulps of milk. ‘I’ve ridden nearly every day and been sailing lots with Sir Douglas on Gloria. That’s his yacht he keeps at Mudeford.’ She looked at her Lady Sylvia. ‘He is Grandmama’s special friend.’
Susannah looked at her, too, raising her eyebrows. ‘Special friend? Really? But how intriguing.’
Lady Sylvia coloured. ‘An old friend back from the Americas. Penny dear, tell Susannah and Raphael abo
