CHAPTER TWOAs Robina stood facing her father and the strange woman, it was if she was hearing what he was saying from a very long way away.
“Robina,” he resumed, “I know how much you love me and know that you would want me to be happy. I have to confess that since your dear mother died, I have been very lonely.”
Robina opened her mouth to protest that had he not sent her away, then he might not have found himself in that unenviable state, but the words would not come.
“Laura has been a great comfort to me and I don’t know what I would have done without her counsel and her company. So when I tell you that we were married just two weeks ago, I am certain that you will be pleased for me and will embrace your new stepmother and welcome her to Trentham House.”
“No! It cannot be!” she cried,
