“That sounds as if I am – imposing myself on – you and you know – that is something I don’t – mean to do.”
“What you said was a compliment,” the Earl answered, “which I greatly appreciate and, as you are my guest, I want you to enjoy yourself.”
“You know I am,” she answered. “How could I help it when I am in a Fairy Palace, wearing a Fairy gown, and dining with a Prince?”
She looked at the Earl as she spoke and he thought that of all the compliments he had received this was the one he was most likely to remember.
At the same time he knew Cledra was not speaking to him with love but with gratitude and admiration, finding that he was the only safe, secure and inspiring factor in her life, which since the death of her father had been frightening and ugly.
It struck him that never before
