“I understand,” Tara smiled, “but you promised that I could borrow your books and it will be possible to – speak to you if things are – unbearable.”
“I promise you they will not be that,” Mr. Falkirk replied sharply.
He had thought about Tara during the night and decided that he would impress upon the Duke her rather exceptional qualities and, unless His Grace had very decided opinions on the matter, try to arrange for her put in the charge of the housekeeper, a kindly woman who had been at The Castle for over thirty years.
“There is one thing I must not forget to give you,” he said aloud, “and I have the feeling, Tara, it will give you courage.”
He drew as he spoke from his waistcoat pocket the small gold locket that had belonged to her mother.
Tara gave a little cry of delight and,
