'Then we must find out something to the Earl's discredit. Then you will have a logical reason that your father cannot but see is an obstacle to your happiness.'

They fell silent, gazing into the fire. Rowan stretched out a hand and picked up a buttered teacake, biting into it as though into his lordship. 'Is your stepmother to accompany you?'

'No. Godmama said that would be certain to put Lord Danescroft's back up and that she will chaperon me. Even Papa was forced to agree, given what a good match it would be. Stepmama was furious.'

Rowan licked butter off her fingers and pondered the idea that had crept, fully formed, into her head. 'Remind me who your godmother is.'

'Lady Rolesby.'

'Hmm. She has not seen me since before I went to Vienna with Papa. I doubt she would recognise me now-nor would anyone else, come to that.'

'No,' Penny agreed. 'For you have grown so much. You were pretty before, Rowan, and you are truly beautiful now. But what has that to do with anything?'

Rowan ignored the compliment: Penny had always admired her vivid looks. 'Why, I shall go as your dresser. The servants always know everything-I will hear all the gossip, investigate Lord Danescroft and prove how unsuitable he is for you!'

'Oh, Rowan!' Penelope's unremarkable face lit up. 'Would you? Could you? I don't expect there is anything to find out about him really, but it would be so wonderful to have someone with me to confide in. But what are your plans for Christmas? Surely your father cannot have intended for you to simply go home alone?'

'No, Aunt Moore in Yorkshire is expecting me.' Rowan grimaced. 'I will write and tell her I have been invited to a house party full of eligible young men and she will be delighted. My handwriting can be atrocious if I try-she will not be able to read where we are going.'

'I am supposed to leave in ten days. Is that enough time, do you think?'