CHAPTER THREEShe had thrown away her chance, Lavina realised, if, indeed, there had ever been a chance.
If only she could have contained her temper and not flared up at Lord Elswick. But how could any woman contain her temper with this insufferable man?
She moved towards her father and sat down beside him on the sofa. He put his arm round her and she leant against his shoulder.
“That was very brave of you, my darling.” the Earl said in such a low voice that only she could hear.
“I cannot do it, Papa,” Lavina replied. “I cannot marry the Prince. But it’s no use hoping that this man will help us. We had better go, and try to think of something else.”
They rose, and the Earl spoke with dignity.
“I am sorry to have troubled you, sir, and will do so no longer. I must try to find another a
