She was at the moment not overawed by him or the house as he might have expected and therefore it would be a mistake to upset her or make her nervous in any way.
He had not, however, taken into consideration the Count’s interest in her.
*
They went out riding early the next morning before breakfast, which was always the Marquis’s favourite time.
“I don’t mind betting you quite a large sum,” the Count said, “that, as your hidden Goddess is so beautiful and also English, she can ride as well as sew.”
The Marquis looked at him in surprise.
“Are you suggesting that I should mount her?”
“I was just thinking how elegant she would look on one of your finest horses. I have never argued against your contention that English women ride far better than those of any other nation!”
His eyes were
