Henrietta's cheeks colored furiously as he moved closer to her. She didn't know what sort of view he had, since she was sprawled on the stairs. Were her skirts too high? Could he see her ankles? She had stockings on, but all the same, the prospect mortified her. She sat up straighter and reached to smooth her skirts, trying to ensure that she was entirely covered. Taking her hands off the step caused her to lose her balance, however. She wobbled, teetering between falling further down the stairs and ending up flat on her face at his feet.

What a mess! She threw her weight to the side and managed to slump against the wall instead of falling either forward or backwards, thank the stars.

"It would be most helpful," she said, voice so tense she was not entirely sure whether she had remembered to breath, "if you might look away for a moment. Sir."