'Geraldine, this just won't do. You're up to something. I want to know your real motive for inviting me.'

'I don't admit there is one. But if there were, there'd be only one way you could find it: by staying for the weekend.'

'And have to watch you ogling and smooching with Carter all the time?'

'Ah! Now we come to the true reason you don't want to stay. You're jealous.'

'Of course I'm jealous! I'm in love with you.'

'Most of the time you behave as though you hate the sight of me.'

'I hate a lot of the trappings you surround yourself with — the privileges of rank and unearned wealth. I hate the inane conversation of your friends, the Philistine outlook on life of your whole circle.'

'I don't think I'm a Philistine.'

'No, I couldn't love you if you were. You've got a good brain. With a free hand I could mould you into something special.'

'What an utterly ghastly prospect,' she said.

They reached the village. Gerry said, 'Well, how about it? Coming back?'

There was a pause before he replied. 'Oh, all right. I suppose

so.'

Gerry said, 'Thank you so much for the invitation, Geraldine. It's awfully kind of you. I really do appreciate it.'

Hugh said, 'Don't forget the garage.'

She drove on to Jenkins' Garage and pulled up in front. Hugh got out and disappeared into the workshop. Gerry sat and waited for him. But she could never sit doing nothing for long, and she suddenly grabbed a duster, got out and started vigorously — and rather unnecessarily — polishing the windshield. She was hardly conscious of the car that drew up alongside her, so she didn't raise her head when a voice nearby said sharply, 'Hey! You!' It was not a form of address she was accustomed to.

But then the voice repeated irritably, 'You! Girl! With the duster,' and she turned in surprise.

She saw a very small baby Austin car, driven by a very large man with long black hair. Sitting next to him was a severe-looking middle-aged woman. It was the man who had spoken, and now he did so again.

'Yes, you, girl. How do I get to old Lord Burford's place? Look lively. I haven't got all day.'

Gerry felt herself start to flush and she opened her mouth, prior to letting him know what she thought of him. Then she paused. Of course. This had to be Arlington Gilbert. She had had a full report of his appearance and conversation from her father. So she'd better watch her tongue.

Then an idea struck. She let a vacant expression come over her face and she strolled towards the Austin, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. In a broad west country accent she asked, 'What 'ee say?'

Gilbert said again, 'How do I reach Lord Burford's residence?'

Gerry leant up against the car. 'What 'ee wanna know for?'

Gilbert gave a bellow. 'It's no business of yours, but I happen to be spending the weekend there.'

With an exaggerated gasp, Gerry stepped hurriedly back from the car.