“Just send a message to the Marquis saying that you are unavoidably prevented from accepting his Lordship’s invitation,” Charisa suggested.
Her father smiled.
“That is what I would like to do, but you are well aware that it is something we cannot do, considering that he is relying on me and, of course, you.”
“I have no wish for him to rely on me,” Charisa retorted sharply.
She helped herself from the silver entrée dishes that stood on the sideboard and then she seated herself at the table before she continued,
“Now, listen, Papa. If he says one more word to you about marrying me, make it clear that it is something that should not be discussed for months – in fact for at least six.”
Her father looked at her searchingly before he asked,
“Are you telling me that you have taken a dislik
