‘What can I do?’
The words seemed to repeat and re-repeat themselves in his brain like the tick of a clock telling him that time was moving relentlessly to the moment when he would have to write to the Duchess in reply to her invitation.
Last night he had managed to collect himself enough to say in what sounded a rather strangled voice,
“It is so kind of Your Grace. May I let you know definitely if I can be available on Monday?”
“Of course,” the Duchess replied with once again that toothy smile.
“But if you are engaged on Friday, then, of course, we shall welcome you on the first possible day you are free.”
The Earl had wanted to say that would be never, but the Duchess added archly,
“I know how anxious you are to be with Louise as she is with you.”
Fortunately she had not waited f
