Percy had been in bed. He spent a lot of time in bed lately, but usually Marguerite was with him in such cases. This time however, when Beaufort came knocking at his door, Margot had left to do something within the confines of the Park. Groggily Percy sat up and got dressed, swaggering to the door and wondering who on earth it could possibly be. Perhaps one of his friends - but it was usually he who sought them out and not the other way 'round.

He pulled open the door and could not contain his surprise - nor his disdain. "Monsieur," he said dryly. "Forgive me, but the lady is not at home. Try back at another time."