Unaccustomed to hurrying, the aristocratic young lady slowly ascended the steps, where a housemaid awaited her. 'Lady Tingle waits in the drawing room to welcome you, Miss'. 'Very well, you may show me through', replied Astrid languidly, dangling a small, blue parasol from her wrist. The house was cool, smelling pleasantly of lavender and wood polish. The fragrance of newly baked bread wafted through from some distant kitchen, making Astrid's finely cut nostrils twitch agreeably. Opening two inner doors-since Society will oddly have it that it is impolite for servants to knock before entering drawing rooms-the maid announced Astrid briefly and then left her to be welcomed by her hostess