The Duke burst out laughing.
“It sounds a frightening prospect.”
“It is much worse for poor Charmaine!” Verena declared. “She had almost persuaded her father, as she had no other offers, to countenance her betrothal to the Honourable Clive Brothwicke.
“Of course he is only a second son with little sustenance, but he and Charmaine love each other and, if this had not happened, I am convinced that Lord Upminster would have allowed them to wed next year.”
“Well, surely it is quite easy,” the Duke replied, “Miss Charmaine has only to refuse the Duke’s addresses if he makes them.”
“ – Refuse!” Verena exclaimed. “Can you be so cabbage-brained as to believe that Charmaine would be allowed to refuse a Duke? My Lord Upminster is hopping around like a gobble-c**k at the prospect of having such
