The Duke was about to make some retort, but then decided that it would be undignified.
Instead he went out of the room closing the door quietly behind him.
He was aware, as he walked down the corridor, that his brother was laughing.
*
The butler proffered Lady Wallace a letter and, as she took it from the silver salver, she asked,
“Who is it from, Barlow?”
“It’s just been delivered, my Lady, by a groom from Quarington.”
Lady Wallace gave a start. There was a sudden glint in her eye as she carried the note to the writing table and slit it open.
She read its contents carefully and gave a little cry of delight.
Then she ran down the passage to where her husband was sitting in his study, reading The Morning Post.
She burst into the room and ran to his chair, saying,
“He has agreed!
