‘How can I – marry him? How – can I?’ she asked herself.
She was sure that not only had the Duke spoken the truth but also that the Earl’s threats were seriously intended.
She had not stayed for over a month at Sheldon House without realising that her Godmother was in fact very frightened of the Earl. The servants too spoke of him with an awe that invested him with an ominous presence, even when he was not there.
Although Anthea had heard a great many remarks about her Godmother, some of them disparaging, no one had ever spoken of the Earl except with respect, sometimes grudgingly, but nevertheless respectfully.
“If you will do this for your Godmother,” the Duke said from behind her. “I assure you that not only will she be extremely grateful, but so will I,’
“But how– could we be – ma
