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other subjects, you will soon grasp the most important lesson of all.
    â€œThat is how to make a man fall in love with you, not only with his body but with his heart and soul.”
    Venetia drew in her breath.
    â€œOf course – that is what I want – ”
    â€œVery well, let’s start at the beginning. I suppose you have only the clothes you wore at school?”
    â€œThat is another thing I was going to ask. If only we were in Paris, I could go to Frederick Worth, and I am sure he would make me look the part I am to play, even if inside I am feeling ignorant and stupid.”
    Frederick Worth was English and he had conquered France with his brilliant designs for women’s clothes.
    The magnificent dresses worn by the Empress of France, the Princesses Mathilde and Metternich were all designed by Worth.
    He made many new materials fashionable and as Venetia knew, Lyons silk had become a household word after the Empress had worn it for the first time.
    Worth had decided two years ago that the crinoline had become absurd and he invented a dress with a gored skirt, but the Empress Eugenie was too timid to launch it.
    Yet by the end of the year everyone was discarding their crinolines as quickly as they could and Worth had become the greatest couturier ever in the history of fashion.
    He charged as much as sixteen hundred francs for a simple costume and no woman felt really smart unless she was wearing one of his new designs.
    Venetia had read with amusement in a newspaper that an English journalist had written,
    â€œ I should not give it as my fixed opinion that Paris is a religious City. No, the men believe in the Bourse – and the women in Worth !”
    Now Venetia sighed,
    â€œIf only I was back in Paris and could get Frederick Worth to dress me – that at least would surprise the Duke!”
    And because Venetia was already thinking through her suggestions, Lady Manvill’s eyes twinkled, but she was too astute to say anything about it, so she merely remarked,
    â€œThere I can help you.”
    â€œHow?” Venetia blinked.
    â€œTo begin with I have a friend here in London who brings over Frederick Worth’s latest creations for me and other ladies every time she visits Paris.”
    Venetia realised, as she had not noticed before in her distress, that Lady Manvill was wearing what was obviously a creation by Frederick Worth.
    â€œAs her husband works at the British Embassy in Paris, she goes back and forth continually because her two sons, who she adores, are at school here.”
    â€œDo you think she could bring me some gowns?”
    â€œShe is in London at the moment,” Lady Manvill said, “and we will call on her. Is your carriage outside?”
    â€œYes, but please don’t tell her who I am marrying.”
    â€œNo, of course not. Although the Social world will be gasping tomorrow at breakfast-time when they see the announcement in The Gazette .”
    â€œBut, Aunt Alice, no one should see me dressed as I am now.”
    â€œI do understand, dear Venetia.”
    Lady Manvill was delighted to realise that Venetia with her quick brain was already playing the part she was guiding her into.
    She rang the bell vigorously and asked the butler to tell her lady’s maid to bring her a hat as she was going out.
    Five minutes later they were driving to Hill Street close to Berkley Square.
    Lady Manvill’s friend, Mrs. Herbert, was surprised to see them.
    â€œI know that you hate going out in the afternoon, Alice,” she exclaimed. “If you had asked me, I would have come to you.”
    â€œI have come on a mission of mercy – and let me introduce Lady Venetia Brook. I think you will know her father, the Duke of Lynbrook.”
    â€œIndeed I do,” replied Mrs. Herbert. “I thought you were at school in France.”
    â€œI was until yesterday,” Venetia answered her.
    â€œAnd that’s exactly why we are here,