What about this oil millionaire? Any chance for me there?'

'I don't know. He hasn't arrived yet. He is bringing his wife with him, though.'

'Perhaps I can entice him away from her. Alternatively they might have an eligible son.'

'If they have, he's not coming with them. Just a secretary. Name of Evans.'

Jane applied lipstick. 'I'm not interested in secretaries unless they've got double-barrelled surnames if English, or have "Van" in front of them if American. Is that the lot?'

'There's somebody Richard brought. From the FO. I don't know if he's married. Nice enough, but a bit of a stick. Then there's Algy—'

'Stop. There's no need to be obscene. I must say, none of them sound awfully promising. It seems likely that in the immortal words of Amelia Bottway, I shall 'ave to try h'elsewhere - somewhere where they keep a adequate stock. However, I will inspect what you have.'

'Then if modom will follow me to the terrace, she can do so at her leisure while taking tea.'


CHAPTER SEVEN

Tea on the Terrace

The two girls went downstairs and onto the terrace. After Lord and Lady Burford had greeted Jane, the Countess started on introductions.

'May I present Mr. Adler? Miss Clifton, a very dear friend of the family.'

Adler smiled easily, stood up and held out his hand. He was pleasant-looking in a quiet, inconspicuous way, slightly below average height, slim yet nonetheless with a look of latent strength.

'Miss Clifton, I'm very glad to make your acquaintance.'

Jane suddenly knew what Gerry had meant by charm. Adler had oodles of it and, without meaning to, Jane found herself smiling more broadly than she usually did on meeting anyone new.

'Mr. Felman,' said Lady Burford.

Mr. Felman was tall, fair-haired, with finely-moulded sensitive features; he was also plainly ill at ease. He murmured a few words of greeting as he shook hands, then backed away quickly, glancing at Adler as he did so; it was almost as though he were seeking approval.

Lady Burford moved on. 'Mr. Thornton.'

Thornton gave a severe little bow of the head and shook hands with stiff, cold fingers.

'And Mr. Deveraux,' Lady Burford said.

Jane turned towards the fourth man. She had decided to be very magnanimous, to make no mention of the incident on the drive. She was all ready, therefore, to be extremely pleasant to Mr. Deveraux. But as he looked at her, she clearly saw his lips twitch and she knew at once that he was remembering her as he'd seen her last, standing, dripping and furious, on the drive.