“Oh no, Caroline, ’tis immodest.”
“Rouge on your cheeks,” Caroline repeated firmly, “and a rosy salve on your lips, so stop talking, Harriet.”
Maria had hardly finished her task, which was not an easy one, when there was a sudden clatter of horses’ hoofs and the sound of a wheeled vehicle drawing up on the roadway.
“Tis he!” Harriet said. “I – cannot go – I cannot.”
“You are not going yet,” Caroline answered calmly. “You must keep the gentleman cooling his heels for several minutes at least.”
Harriet instantly looked alarmed.
“But suppose – Caroline – suppose he should not wait for me?”
“That would indeed be a pity,” Caroline answered drily, “but me thought you were undecided whether to accompany him or not?”
“Oh, I am,” Harriet said, “but – Caroline, he is waiting!”.
They could h
