Mistress at Midnight. Sophia James

come today, my dear, and with you looking so pretty in pink I can well see why. Your two sisters mirror you in their pastel hues.’ She waited as Aurelia introduced the twins, their curly blond hair catching the light from the window.

      ‘I did not realise your sisters were almost all of the same age, Mrs St Harlow.’

      ‘Prudence and Harriet are nearly seventeen. They will come out next Season.’ Aurelia did not quite feel comfortable using Lady Lindsay’s first name and so did not add anything else at all.

      ‘And your father?’

      ‘Is indisposed at the moment with the influenza. He is in bed and has been for the past few days.’

      ‘Then let us hope he makes a good recovery with no lingering bad effects.’

      In answer Aurelia smiled, the lies falling bald into the room between them. It had been so long since any stranger had set foot in Braeburn House and the need for lies made everything dangerous. Her eyes strayed to the clock. How long did one of these visits usually last for? She hoped it might be quick.