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ignored his comment – it was of no merit.
    ‘Uncle John, I see we are to dine out here, what an excellent idea.’ One of the new footmen, smartly dressed in livery and wig, held out a silver tray upon which were three glasses of sparkling champagne. She reached out and took one. ‘It is quite delicious and perfect for a summer evening.’
    The table had been set out and laid as if it was in the dining room, with the best silver, fine damask cloth and crystalware. It might be better if she sat, she was bound to trip over something if she remained on her feet.
    She had an unpleasant fluttering in her stomach and her appetite had deserted her – she was dreading being served a series of delicious dishes and being unable to eat them. The meal was served à la française , the platters were placed centrally and then they were left to help themselves.
    After a few minutes she realised their guest was paying her no further attention and was deeply involved in a discussion on the merits of some political act or other, leaving her to recover her composure and her appetite.
    There were three courses each with several removes and she enjoyed a little of everything. ‘I am unable to consume another morsel. I had no idea your cook could produce such excellent food, Uncle John. I shall leave you gentlemen to your port and take a promenade around the garden.’
    They both got to their feet and she smiled politely before setting off across the terrace praying she did not tread on the hem of her gown. The sun was sliding below the horizon turning the water of the lake a spectacular shade of gold – a perfect ending to a very enjoyable evening.
    She strolled around for some time before arriving in the rose garden where she found her favourite arbour, a stone seat surrounded by sweet-smelling honeysuckle and climbing roses. She had picked up a pebble in her slipper and needed to sit down in order to remove it. She viewed the bench with disfavour – she had no wish to spoil her new gown.
    A slight sound alerted her this time and she was ready when his lordship spoke quietly from behind her. ‘Allow me, Miss Stanton.’ He removed his handkerchief and spread it on the stone and she had no alternative but to be seated. Her heart was drumming and her bodice became unaccountably tight. What was it about this gentleman that so disturbed her senses?
     

 
     
     
     
    Chapter Six
     
     
    Sapphire could hardly refuse to sit down now Lord Ilchester had placed his handkerchief on the stone bench. Once she was seated he folded his long length beside her, thankfully keeping a respectful distance.
    ‘You are proving elusive tonight, Miss Stanton, I have been wandering like a lost sheep around the gardens searching for you this past quarter of an hour.’
    ‘I came out because I wished to be on my own.’ The words were somewhat abrupt, but she was too agitated to say more.
    Instead of springing to his feet and vanishing into the darkness, his teeth flashed white and he settled himself more comfortably. ‘I’m damned if I’m going to apologise for joining you, I seem to have done nothing but grovel since we met this morning.’
    His unexpected turn of phrase so shocked her that she forgot she was nervous. ‘Kindly moderate your language when talking to me, sir, I do not appreciate hearing such things.’
    ‘I should hardly think you do, sweetheart, but I fear you are going to have to become accustomed to my robust turn of phrase.’
    His reply almost gave her palpitations. He had no right to use such endearments, nor to refuse to beg her pardon for swearing. She had come to the rose garden to find peace and quiet and had found quite the reverse.
    ‘Lord Ilchester, you forget yourself. We are barely acquainted and…’
    ‘How true that is, but you forget that I am, I believe, your true guardian, and can therefore talk to you as I would one of my sisters.’
    This was the outside of enough – what he said might be a fact of law, but as