chapter fourThe Earl called at her house to take Sadira out to dinner and rather surprisingly he was late.
When he finally arrived, he did not climb out of his carriage.
He told the footman to inform her Ladyship that he was sorry he had been delayed and asked that she come and join him as quickly as she could.
Sadira was already waiting and she hurried into the hall and the butler put her velvet wrap over her shoulders.
Only as she pulled herself into the carriage beside the Earl did she realise that he was being very clever.
He obviously had no wish to see her stepmother and, by coming for her ten minutes late, he had the perfect excuse to say that they must hurry away immediately.
He put out his hand to take hers as she sat down beside him.
“I apologise,” he said, “and I know you
