“Marcia has turned down every eligible bachelor in London,” the Earl replied, “including, just before we came here, the Duke of Buckstead.”
“And you don’t think that she will be attracted by Armond?”
“I only hope that she will change her mind,” the Earl said slowly, “but she told me categorically that nothing would induce her to marry the Duc and she would not allow me to choose a husband for her even though she is aware that by the laws of England I can force her to marry any man I wish to have as a son-in-law.”
The Comtesse gave a little cry.
“Oh, Lionel, then all my plans are hopeless! I was praying as I have prayed fervently that these two young people would fall in love with each other and, if there was an heir, Sardos would gain nothing by murdering Armond.”
The Earl wondered wh
