CHAPTER SEVENAfter another cup of strong tea Ola, began to feel a little better and with Lady Cadwick's help, she tidied up her hair. When she left the Palace half an hour later, her dishevelled clothes were concealed by a velvet cloak.
One of the Queen's carriages was waiting for her, its large coat of arms on the panel proclaiming that this person travelled under Her Majesty's protection.
The Duke was waiting for her beside the carriage. He offered his hand to assist her, and she took it because her legs were shaky, but as soon as she was inside she released it and huddled in the far corner, as far away from him as possible.
When he was inside and closed the door the carriage began to rumble away out of the Palace yard.
“Ola –” he said, reaching for her.
“Please –” She flung out a h
