“He always seems to be there,” Jane answered. “There has only been one party he did not attend ever since I have been at The Priory.”
“I do see it is a problem,” Lara said, “but you must stand up to him. You must tell him that if he does not leave you alone, you will go to the Marquis.”
“I would be much too afraid to do that,” Jane answered, “and therefore I would not sound – convincing and he would not – believe me.”
There were tears in her eyes as she continued,
“It’s no use, Lara – I cannot stay there any – longer. I must find – somewhere else to go. Do you think I dare write to – Lady Ludlow?”
“Although she is Papa’s relation I have never met her,” Lara said. “Is she the sort of person who will understand?”
“I honestly don’t know,” Jane replied. “She was kind to me when I was liv
