He did not add that Sir Charles had insisted,
“For God’s sake, Varien, don’t talk about marrying Bettina until we get home. Daisy and Enid will kill the child!”
He saw a look of relief come over Bettina’s face and he added quietly,
“We will do nothing, of course, without discussing it first between ourselves and I think when we arrive home you would like to come to Alveston Castle for Christmas. Your father certainly wishes to ride my horses and I have a feeling that you would enjoy them as well.”
“It would be – lovely,” Bettina murmured without much enthusiasm.
“Then it is settled,” the Duke replied. “We will both of us behave quite normally towards each other until we go to The Castle and then we will make plans.”
“Thank – you. Thank you – very much.”
Her eyes met the Duke’s and t
