“I understand exactly what you are saying,” the Duchess answered. “At the same time Gloria is very sensitive and, because she had not been brought up as a Royal person, she does not understand, as I did, how important this sort of arrangement really is.”
She spread out her hands in a helpless gesture as she went on,
“Royalty are just useful pawns in a Political game. They are not supposed to have hearts or feelings as individuals.”
“I know that,” the Duke said. “That is why, although it does seem cruel, our daughter is having to pay for our happiness. Nobody could have been as happy over the years as I have been with you.”
“Or I with you,” the Duchess said softly.
*
When she was alone in her bedroom, Gloria had to force herself not to cry.
She dreaded the future.
She tried not to t
