Chapter Thirty-Two
Lady Decharles’s parlour – the sketch – exit Mrs O’Higgins – Lord Grimsdale’s visit – sparring – a great fool, indeed
“Beggin’ your pardon, milady,” Mrs O’Higgins said. “Would you like to approve the menu for next Saturday’s dinner party?”
“No thank you, Mrs O’Higgins,” Lady Decharles replied. “I’m certain you will have put together something more than adequate for the occasion.”
The frilly parlour was occupied by a map of the Home Counties. Tiny flags stuck in pieces of cork were dotted across it. The military air this gave the coffee table seemed very out of place amongst the soft floral fabrics and potted ferns. Her ladyship stared at the whole affair with her hands on her hips and her chin stuck out pugnaciously, as if daring some understanding to cease defying h
