“But having won,” his mother said crossly, “what is the point of going on with such a farce? You should release the girl from her debt if you are quite certain that there is no way of getting hold of the money.”
“There is no way at all, as I think the child told you.”
“How do you know? Did she inform you that I had spoken with her?”
“No, she did not, but knowing your somewhat direct methods, my dear Mother – ”
“Well, there is no reason why I should not speak with her, after all I am your mother.”
“There is no doubt about that.” Lord Vulcan spoke suavely.
His mother looked across the room at him and suddenly her face softened.
“Justin dear, I know that I have been badgering you for money, but all the same you would not wish to wed this chit – this nobody?”
The Marquis sighed.
“I ha
