Then she saw Ingrid, looking like a flower as she stood surrounded by the gentlemen in their dark clothes and walked slowly across the Aubusson carpet towards her.
For a moment it seemed as if Ingrid had not noticed her.
Then, giving her a cry of delight, she said,
“Good morning, dearest! I do hope you had a good night!”
“I slept peacefully,” Loretta replied, “but I am rather late I am afraid.”
“You are punctual for luncheon, which is all that matters,” Ingrid remarked, “and now I must introduce you to my guests.”
“I think first,” the Earl interrupted, “Lady Brompton should have a glass of champagne to sweep away the cobwebs of her journey.”
There was a twinkle in his eyes as he spoke and Loretta was aware that Ingrid had rehearsed him also as to how he was to behave and who she was
