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her hand to his heart in a theatrical gesture.
     
He looked so absurd that Rosina giggled in spite of herself. 'And yet you forgot my birthday. That's not a good start.'
     
'No! Damn me, when was it?'
     
She was not going to let him off so easily. She pulled her hand free and continued on her way towards the Barnums' house. 'I shouldn't have to remind a man who wanted to give me the moon and the stars.'
     
He hurried after her. 'No, really. That's not fair. You should have dropped a hint – reminded me, or something.'
     
She stopped outside the Barnums' door. 'It's all right, Harry. It really doesn't matter, but it was yesterday as it happens.' Satisfied that he was genuinely racked with guilt, she patted his cheek with her hand. 'You'd best get back to work before your father realises what a long time you've taken.'
     
'I'll make it up to you. Let me take you out for supper tonight, and maybe the theatre or a music hall.'
     
She rapped on the door knocker. 'That would be nice, but Papa won't let me go unless Bertha chaperones me.'
     
'Oh God, no. She doesn't approve of me, Rosie.'
     
The door opened and the Barnums' maid gave them an appraising glance. 'Well?'
     
'Will you tell Miss Sukey that I'm here to see her, please, Gertie?'
     
'I suppose so.' Gertie closed the door again.
     
'I'd sack that stupid girl if I was Barnum,' Harry said crossly.
     
'My goodness, you are crotchety this morning.'
     
'I'm sorry, Rosie. I'll be all smiles if you'll promise to come out with me this evening? You can bring the old watchdog if you must.'
     
'Thank you, Harry, but not tonight. Papa will need me at home. Maybe another night, if he gives his permission.'
     
'I'll call on you tomorrow. Will you be at home?'
     
'I might be. You'll have to try your luck, won't you?'
     
Gertie opened the door. 'You'd best come in,' she said in a grudging tone.
     
Rosina stepped over the threshold and Harry followed her into the entrance hall. She shot him a sideways glance. 'I thought you had to get back to the office.'
     
'I do, but I think a courtesy call on Captain Barnum might be in order, and then perhaps I could walk you home.'
     
The roguish twinkle in his eyes did not escape Rosina, neither was she entirely immune to Harry's charms, but she also knew that he was an outrageous flirt and not to be taken seriously. 'So you suddenly need to see Captain Barnum. Isn't that a coincidence?'
     
Gertie gave a loud cough. 'What's it to be then? Who's seeing who?'
     
'I would like to see Miss Sukey,' Rosina said firmly. 'It seems that the gentleman has difficulty in making up his mind what he is doing and where he is going.'
     
'I say, Rosie. That's below the belt. I have to see Barnum or his mate to arrange for another cargo of hay. The horses in London gobble the stuff up at an alarming rate.'
     
'I'll take you up to the parlour, miss. But if he wants to see the master, he'd best go to the boat as that's where he'll find him.' Gertie looked from one to the other, and seeing that she had their full attention she warmed to her theme. 'Mr Barker, the mate, come to the door early this morning. Blooming river pirates have been at it again, says he. Why, they've even stole the bloody compass and all the charts. Them's his words not mine, miss. What shall us do, Cap'n? says he. They've stripped the poor bitch bare as a tart's arse.'
     
'Thank you, Gertie,' Harry said, frowning. 'I think we've got the picture.'
     
'Who's there, Gertie?' Sukey Barnum appeared at the top of the stairs. Her face lit up with a smile when she saw Rosina. 'Rosie, I thought I heard your voice. And Harry too.' A coral blush coloured her cheeks as she picked up her skirts and ran down the stairs to greet them.
     
Harry doffed his hat with a flourish. 'Good morning, Miss Sukey.'
     
'I was just going to show 'em into the parlour, miss,' Gertie said, eyeing Sukey warily.
     
'No you weren't, you fibber. I heard you telling them my dada's business. Go about your