“It’s very much a question of timing,” the Marquis said. “Laverdale wants to be Master of the Horse and that is why he has now put an end to his liaison with Sybil Mersham.”
“So it’s over,” the Marchioness said. “That is one good thing at any rate.”
“Whatever happens we can always trust Laverdale to behave like a gentleman,” the Marquis said, “and I can assure you, my darling, there is no one in White’s to touch him as regards his rank and possessions. I also admire his character and his behaviour in public, which is more than I can say for a great number of our young men today.”
This was a familiar grievance and the Marchioness said quickly,
“But we have to think of Oleta and I am afraid that you have now upset her. Would it be possible to put off the Duke’s visit until we have ha
