“Anoushka is different, as I have already told you,” Lady Marguerite said, “and I too have been thinking.”
“And of course praying!” the Duke added almost mockingly.
His sister ignored the interruption and went on,
“If Anoushka decides to many you, although there is always the possibility that she may refuse – ”
“Now really, Marguerite,” the Duke interposed, “are you seriously suggesting that a girl of eighteen would refuse to be the Duchess of Ravenstock?”
“You and I know what it means and entails,” Lady Marguerite replied, “but to Anoushka it is just a name. Do remember, Raven, that she knows nothing of the world except what she has read in books and those which come to the Convent are very carefully chosen, I can assure you.”
The Duke did not reply and she continued,
“To Anoushka
