“I don’t believe you are afraid of anything,” Elizabeth said adoringly, “not even Papa.”
“No, I am not frightened of your father and that is why I am going to give him a chance to do the right thing. I am going to see him.”
“Adrian, not about us?”
“Of course,” Adrian replied. “I shall tell him that I wish to marry you, inform him of my altered circumstances and say that now I have the right to approach you.”
“He will refuse you,” Elizabeth said.
“Yes, indeed he will,” Nerina interposed. “One thousand pounds a year may be riches to you, but have you any idea what Sir Rupert Wroth is worth?”
“None, but I imagine he is a rich man,” Adrian replied.
“You will remember that I told you Lady Clementine said, ‘the Cardons are very hard-up’. There is your answer, #my uncle has need of a rich
