Chapter 5The Prince rose to his feet very slowly, yet as if she was compelled to do so, Alida moved towards him.
When she reached the hearthrug, she stood still. He seemed very large, tall and somehow overwhelming.
After a few seconds she faltered,
“I am – sorry – I did not – understand.”
Their eyes met and then, unexpectedly, the Prince asked,
“Who has beaten you?”
Alida felt the colour rush into her cheeks in a crimson tide until, looking away from him towards the fire, she answered,
“My – uncle.”
“How could any man beat a flower?” the Prince asked in such a low voice that she felt that she had not heard him aright.
“Shall we sit down?” he suggested quietly.
He indicated with his hand the chair that Alida had occupied before, but instead she sat down on the hearthrug, which was
