She made it sound like a paean of joy and the Duke smiled as he said, “Can this really be Giona, or am I being introduced to a strange young woman?”
Giona laughed and then as if he had rebuked her for being so impetuous she dropped him a respectful curtsy.
“I am deeply honoured to meet Your Grace!” she said demurely, but her eyes were twinkling.
“Let me look at you,” the Duke said.
She was not in the least shy, but threw out her arms crying, “Yes, please look! Your grandmother and I have been so anxious to gain your approval.”
She was gowned in the height of fashion, but the Duke found it difficult to take his eyes from her face. He could see that the sharp line of her chin and cheekbones had already softened, while the sparkle in her eyes and a sheen on her hair told him that proper
