“I can understand that,” Clint Wilbur replied. “Equally the Duke has made it quite clear what your position is in his stables.”
Alita did not answer and there was a silence between them before he said,
“How much does His Grace pay you?”
The question was unexpected and Alita looked at him in a frightened manner before she replied,
“That is – immaterial. He feeds me and gives me a – roof over my head.”
“Are you telling me that you receive no salary?”
Alita wanted to lie, to say that she was paid a weekly wage like everybody else, but then she thought, seeing her appearance, that it would be difficult for Clint Wilbur to believe that she had any money to spend.
Therefore she said quickly,
“I-I am sorry – but the Duke was very – emphatic that I was neglecting my duties at The Castle by
