'I know. I haven't any looks or money, I'm so shy I go scarlet if a man speaks to me, and I have just had a disastrous Season,' Penelope catalogued with ruthless honesty. 'If I looked like you, Rowan-if I had your spirit-I could understand it.'

'They want a doormat because no one else of breeding will have him,' Rowan said grimly. There was no point in trying to persuade Penny that she was a beauty. She was not. She had mouse-brown hair, a figure that at the kindest could be called slight, and was so self-effacing it was a wonder anyone noticed her at all. She was also sweet-tempered, caring, wonderful with children and the most loyal of friends. None of these endearing characteristics was of the slightest value in the Marriage Mart, of course.

'Yes. And because I am such a doormat I know I will say yes if he asks me. No one will support me. Godmama has arranged for me to be invited to the Christmas house party at Tollesbury Court. He will be there, too, and he is going to propose.'

'What if he does not think you will suit?' Rowan asked. 'They might be able to bully you, but surely not him? Earls can do what they like.'

'Godmama says she has already discussed me with him and he says I sound eminently suitable. She says he is tired of all this horrid gossip and wants a sensible young woman who will not treat him to vapours and who will get on with running the house and looking after the child.' Penny sighed. 'It sounds very dreary: I wonder he does not simply hire a superior governess and a housekeeper.'

'Because they won't give him a male heir,' Rowan pointed out with brutal honesty. 'There must be something wrong with him if his wife was driven to taking the valet as a lover. Perhaps he beat her? Perhaps he squandered her marriage portion? Surely your papa would not force you if such things were the case?'

'No, he would not. But he says I am being hysterical about the mysterious death, and I cannot get him to see that I have taken Lord Danescroft in complete abhorrence.'