“At once.” Mr Wesley summoned his clerk, and sent the unctuous youth to perform the task.

“You'll return with us, I hope, and join us for dinner, Joshua?” asked Hetty, turning with a smile towards Joshua. “It has been such a long time since we have seen you. We are longing for you to tell us all about your trip.”

Joshua smiled down at Hetty. To her surprise, Rebecca saw that it was a warm smile, untinged with mockery or wickedness as it was when he smiled at her. It warmed his eyes, making them glow tawny.

“I'd like to, but unfortunately I have one or two urgent matters to attend to.”

Rebecca breathed a sigh of relief.

“Then you will at least join us for tea?” Hetty pressed him.

Rebecca held her breath.

By accident, he caught sight of her and a wicked smile curved his mouth. “Thank you. I'd be delighted.”

Rebecca fumed. He had done it on purpose, she was sure of it. It seemed he meant to make her uncomfortable for the rest of the afternoon!

“Good,” said Hetty delightedly.

Whilst they waited for a hansom, Charles and Hetty fell into an animated conversation about their good fortune. Not wishing to intrude upon them, Rebecca withdrew to the far side of the room.

To her discomfiture, Joshua followed her. “I take it you have no objection to me joining you for tea?” he said, with a quirk at the corner of his mouth.

Rebecca fought down the urge to rise to his bait, and replied coolly, “Of course not. What possible objection could I have?”

He shrugged his broad shoulders. “We didn't part on the best of terms, and I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable. If you are worried that I will mention the incident, you may rest easy. It reflects well on neither of us.”

“Nothing you could do would be important enough to make me uncomfortable,” returned Rebecca, because for some reason she did not want him to know the effect he had on her.