Irksome though it was Harriet had to admit he had a point. Behind her she could hear the clatter of another person, which put an end to any lingering thoughts of behaving badly she might have had, and even if Arthur might not be missed for a little while she certainly would be. Or at least she better be.

“As you say,” Harriet replied with a small, reluctant shrug. She did feel marginally better knowing that she could command someone’s attention even now and Arthur’s was certainly one of her favourites to command…

“Do keep me company though, I’m still not quite as cheered up as I might be.”