Nesah nodded. She doubted whether she would have the courage to call on a stranger. The rules of polite society were complicated enough at home. She would not easily take risks in this strange context, especially not in relation to a woman she might actually like.

She let him pay - he was the gentleman after all - and when the waiter asked if she wanted a refill, she shook her head. "No thank you," she said and she turned to Douglas. "I should get going." She rose and started putting her coat back on. "It was a pleasure talking to you, sir. Thank you for tea."