Hiding from Love by Barbara Cartland

 Particularly as I know we are one of a kind.”
    Though not in the least understanding him, Leonora wished that he would not be quite so revealing before the curious gaze of the Griddles.
    â€œSeñor de Guarda has been – most helpful to me in helping to secure my passage,” she admitted in a low voice to the Griddles, attempting to explain what must seem an unlikely connection.
    Señor de Guarda grunted with pleasure and pulled out the chair next to her.
    Mrs. Griddle leaned across to Leonora.
    â€œSeñor de Guarda is in corsets,” she said grandly.
    Leonora blinked.
    â€œI beg your pardon?”
    â€œHe is a large supplier of whalebone to the hosiery trade.  He used to supply our shop in Fetter Lane.”
    Señor de Guarda gave a wave of his hand.
    â€œAnd this time I arrive in London to find that you and Mr. Griddle on the point of leaving.”
    Leonora turned to look at Señor de Guarda.  He was certainly a colourful character, and she supposed it was not that unnatural she should have found him appealing when she first encountered him outside the Black Jack Inn.
    â€œWould anyone object if I joined this table?”
    Leonora’s head snapped up.
    Through a dim mist she discerned the approach of the gentleman who had so much intrigued her earlier – Mr. Chandos, who, according to Mrs. Griddle, had boarded The Teresa of the Sea on a mere whim!
    Leonora looked to Mrs. Griddle, expecting her to invite Mr. Chandos to sit down, but it was Señor de Guarda who replied and in an unexpected fashion –
    â€œWe are a little crowded already, I think.”
    Leonora suppressed a loud exclamation of surprise at this unexpected discourtesy.
    Mr. Chandos seemed unperturbed, leaning on the back of a vacant chair regarding Señor de Guarda coolly.
    â€œIndeed?  Is another person expected?”
    He looked awkwardly at the vacant chair.
    â€œWell – no.”
    â€œPerhaps you are unaware, then, that this is a table for six?” enquired Mr. Chandos dryly.
    â€œPerhaps – ” muttered Señor de Guarda.
    The two men locked eyes.
    It was paramount that someone broke the impasse and invited Mr. Chandos to be seated.
    Leonora was trying to summon up the courage to speak when she was amazed to hear Desirée’s timid but determined voice.
    â€œP-please do join us, Mr Chandos.  I’m sure Mama and Papa will be as h-happy as me to have your company.”
    Turning to look at her, his features softened.
    â€œI shall be delighted to sit by such a gracious young lady,” he cooed.
    Leonora found herself surprisingly indignant.
    It was not fair!  She had been just on the point of issuing the self same invitation!  Now Mr. Chandos would never know that she was as gracious as Desirée Griddle!
    Señor de Guarda, outmanoeuvred, sat down with a sniff of disgust and unfolded his napkin.
    â€œWe were a pretty little party until he arrived,” he whispered in Leonora’s ear.  “He is trouble!”
    â€œOh, you are undoubtedly misinformed as to Mr. Chandos’s character,” she whispered back urgently.  “I can assure you he is a gentleman.”
    He drew back and regarded her with narrowed eyes.
    â€œYou are acquainted with him?”
    â€œNot – really.”
    â€œThen how can you tell?  For my part, I think no gentleman travels without luggage.”
    Leonora said no more on the subject, but turned to observe the rest of the table.
    Mr. Chandos had taken his seat and Mrs. Griddle, put to shame by her daughter, was hastening to make up for her previous lack of good manners.
    â€œOf course we are most honoured that a gentleman such as you should choose to join our humble group,” she purred at Mr. Chandos.  “I’ve been admiring the cut of your waistcoat since you arrived.  Am I right in thinking that it’s a Saville Row acquisition?”
    â€œIn fact, it was made by a