Mrs Hamilton was wearing a delicious confection of ivory silk covered in tiny pink rosebuds. I instantly resolved to have something similar. Cecily performed a formal introduction.

 'I am so pleased to meet you, Lady Hardley. You must forgive my not coming before. I have been a trifle indisposed.'

 'Think nothing of it, Mrs Hamilton.'

 'Then I won't! Thank you. And at least this way I've avoided having to dodge the hordes of the curious, flocking to meet you.'

 'Very true. You have us all to yourself this morning.'

 'Famous! And I can safely promise you that, should you decide to return my call, there will be no hordes to force your way through either. People have long ceased to be curious about me!'

 '...

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