“I can understand that,” the Marquis said, “so may I suggest as I am travelling in the same direction that I give you a lift in my phaeton?”
He saw the expression of delight in her eyes before she exclaimed,
“May I really come with you? It would be very exciting!” The Marquis smiled and walked to where his horses were waiting.
He helped the girl into the seat beside the driver, then went round to the other side of the vehicle to take the reins from Ben.
As they drove off, he realised that she was looking at him in a rapt manner as if she could hardly believe her eyes. “Do you always travel by coach?” he asked.
“Yes, every day,” the girl replied. “My teacher lives in the next village from ours and it’s the easiest way for me to reach her.”
“And what does she teach you?” the Marquis as
