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course I'm researching it, but so are a lot of others."
    "So what will you say to those people who are asking you about it?" she wanted to know. "It's time we answered those letters."
    "You're right. I'll write back, putting them off."
    "But they're waiting for something from you. I can't believe that you've actually made no progress with this project."
    "It won't hurt them to wait a little longer. What would really be damaging would be to announce a new product before it's ready. How my competitors would laugh at that!"
    She had to admit that he was right. At the same time she felt rather disappointed that he would not tell her more.
    "Now, that's enough about business," he said. "I want to talk about you."
    For a moment she was wildly tempted. She was so happy here talking with him. It felt so right, so natural. They could talk some more, and grow closer –
    Then warning bells sounded in her head. This was a luxury she must not allow herself. Not yet.
    "I think that must wait until another day," she replied.
    The Earl was silent for a moment. He seemed to be looking into the distance, as though coming out of a dream.
    "The time seems to have rushed past," he said, "but of course we must talk again. I can honestly say I have enjoyed this evening enormously, far more than if I were dancing rather aimlessly round a polished floor with a young woman in my arms who only giggled when I spoke to her."
    "Now you are being unkind," Dorina said. "I'm certain that unless you frightened her, she would have had a great deal to say. After all, you are who you are."
    "Which is sometimes a disadvantage," the Earl retorted. "One is never quite certain if people are being complimentary to you as a person, or polishing up your title simply because it is something they would like themselves."
    "I think if you have earned it," Dorina said, "it is something of which one should be very proud."
    "Are you saying that to please me or because you really think so?" the Earl asked unexpectedly.
    Dorina laughed.
    "I really do think so, and it's a great thing that, in this country at least, a man is honoured as he deserves. That's how your father earned his title."
    "And I have only inherited it," the Earl replied.
    "Yes," Dorina agreed, "but you've worked hard to keep your father's legacy alive."
    It was late when they finally left the restaurant.
    They were almost the last to leave. They had been talking so earnestly that the time seemed to slip by unnoticed.
    "I find you fascinating," the Earl said, "and I want to go on talking and arguing with you until the morning sun breaks through."
    "Then we would be very tired all day," Dorina said. "Come along we must go home."
    The Earl paid the bill and they drove back to the house. Not a word was spoken on the journey home, but Dorina could sense him smiling at her in the darkness of the carriage.
    When they were in the hall, Dorina said,
    "Thank you, thank you for a most delightful evening. I enjoyed every moment of it."
    There was a soft sound and a small creature brushed past her.
    "It's Tiggy," the Earl said, picking up the cat. "Hallo, old fellow."
    "How are your whiskers these days?" Dorina asked, scratching the tabby head.
    "Ah, they've told you about that?" the Earl said with a grin. "Yes, he's an old soldier. He knows how to cope with my funny ways."
    Dorina watched as the cat pressed closer to his master in a way that said more than words. This man had the gift of winning love, she thought.
    Goodnight, my Lord," she said hurriedly. "And thank you again."
    She went upstairs without looking back at him.
    *
    Next morning she hastened down to breakfast and then to her office.
    There was no sign of the Earl, but she refused to admit to herself that she was disappointed.
    She had lain awake thinking of him before falling asleep and dreaming of him. But that did not mean that she was in love, she assured herself. It was a natural reaction to a pleasant evening out with a charming man.
    As usual there were