She picked up her skirts and ran. I shook my head and went away to find Louisa, who 'could not at all imagine what I had been doing with myself all this time!'

 'No, you could not,' I agreed. 'Do let us go back inside now. I'm exhausted!'

 'You do look rather pale. I will request some refreshment.'

 'Excellent idea! Some cakes and wine will be most acceptable.'

 She agreed to it a little dubiously, it not really being her habit to eat between meals unless we had guests. I did not care. She had only herself to think of and no idea of the various strains which were placed upon me at present. I would not deny myself some much needed nourishment. 

 Fortunately, it was served early enough not to seriously imp...

Please subscribe to keep reading.