75. A short interlude and an oratorio

We went out again that evening, dodging the showers that still fell, to go to a perfectly excellent performance of Mr Handel's Messiah, which was very rousing and quite moving. After that we were invited to a soirée at the home of Sir John Armstrong, a man who had done business with my father, and who kept trying to talk business with me throughout the evening. I realised that I should make time to talk to Sir John, after all we did share some business interests, but I was simply not in the mood, and kept trying to change the subject, though he was quite insistent.

Fortunately, Helena feigned illness, saying that she felt weary, so as soon as was polite, we repaired to Rogeringham House.