Then she forced herself to smile and say lightly,
“I am not afraid!”
“Of course you are afraid,” the Duke contradicted her, “as any reasonable person would be. In their desperate greed for money, men will do anything to gain their objective.”
He paused before he continued,
“I feel sure my Cousin Talbot would give his right hand to possess the treasure of the McNavers.”
“Is he really as wicked as all that?” Isa asked and her voice was little more than a whisper.
“He is worse!” the Duke replied. “That is why we must both of us be very careful.”
Without really thinking and because he was speaking so seriously, Isa put out her hand towards him as if she sought protection.
The Duke took it and then slowly with his eyes on hers raised it to his lips.
“Thank you,” he murmured. “I am deep
