CHAPTER FOURTheir second arrival at Elswick Towers was as different from the first as anything could be. Clearly the Marquis had reflected that his earlier distant treatment of his ‘fiancée’ would not produce the desired effect, and had decided on a different approach.
He was there on the step to greet them, personally handing Lavina down from the carriage. Then, to her astonishment, he raised her hand to his lips, bending his head to kiss it with an air that would have looked like reverence to anyone who did not know the truth.
From behind him there came a great cheer from the assembled staff, lined up to greet the woman whom they supposed would be their new mistress.
“I didn’t expect this – ” she stammered.
“It is only proper that the future Marchioness of Elswick should receive suit
