CHAPTER FIVEThe Earl was sitting in the Orangery with a number of papers in front of him when Purilla joined him.
She hesitated before speaking and he looked up and realised that she was a little shy because she was wearing one of the new gowns that he had ordered for her from London.
It was exceedingly becoming and looked what it was extremely expensive.
He knew by the expression in her eyes that she very much wanted his approval and he said as was expected of him,
“You look charming. Bates told me that a carriage-load of gowns had arrived this morning and I do hope that they please you.”
“They are wonderful, more wonderful than anything I have ever had before, but I feel a little strange – ”
She paused before she added,
“You do really – like me in this – gown?”
“You look very lov
