She did not reply and he then said almost irritably,
“Good gracious! Most girls in your position would be thrilled at getting well away from an orphanage, let alone being offered an exciting position that would be the envy of every young woman in the country!”
Because he had spoken sharply, he saw Shamara give a little quiver before she responded,
“Please – my Lord – don’t be angry with me – and perhaps it is – impertinent of me not to – accept with alacrity – your kind offer – but I am quite sure that I am not suitable.”
“Now, why should you say that?” the Marquis asked. “Your father was obviously a gentleman, that is very clear from the way you speak. You are pretty and so what future is there for you here, except to be a nursemaid to a lot of orphans?”
Once again Shamara quivered a
