“I think we must still face facts,” the Duke said firmly. “The evidence Katie King has brought with her is, superficially at any rate, very convincing.”
There was silence, then the Marchioness said in a stifled voice,
“Where is this creature?”
“I have no idea,” the Duke replied. “I have been out riding and after I had breakfast in my own sitting room I came straight to see you.”
“Then send for her,” the Marchioness said, “and we will see her in the morning room.”
‘Very good, Aunt Muriel,” the Duke replied, rising to his feet. “I will send a servant to tell her to be there within ten minutes.”
He went from the boudoir as he spoke and the Marchioness put her hand up to her forehead as if she sought a calmness she was far from feeling.
*
Larentia had felt she was living in a dream wor
