“Is this – true?”
“Of course it’s true!” the Duke retorted. “But I am not surprised that Strathcairn kept you in ignorance of what is undoubtedly a blot on his family escutcheon.”
Without waiting for permission, Leona moved towards the nearest sofa and sat down.
She felt as if the ceiling had descended on her head and darkness had risen from the floor to engulf her.
It could not be true!
What the Duke had just said must be a lie and yet Lord Strathcairn had not spoken to her of marriage.
He had said that he loved her. He had drawn her very heart from her body and made it his, but he had never asked her to be his wife.
Now she could understand. Now perhaps she knew the reason why he had said he must protect her reputation.
What in fact could be more reprehensible than to be alone wi
