“I have – thought about that for a – long time,” Valora replied. “After Papa died, Stepmama rented a house in London far too soon for propriety. She said she intended to marry me off as quickly as possible, but really I think she had hoped to find another husband for herself.”
Valora’s eyes were very large as she added in a horrified tone,
“When Sir Mortimer first – came to the house I thought he was – courting her not – me.”
“Surely there are other men who might have offered for you?”
“I don’t – think that Stepmama knew many – people,” Valora replied hesitantly. “We were not – asked to any of the grand balls and very few people – called on us.”
“Why was that?” the Duke enquired.
Valora did not look at him, as she said somewhat uncomfortably,
“I think the – hostesses in London did n
