There was a desperate note in her voice that the Duke did not miss and after a moment and, because he knew that it was expected of him, he answered,
“I must apologise if I have seemed somewhat remiss, but I had urgent duties in France and the Duke of Wellington would not release me.”
He almost despised himself for making apologies and yet he had the feeling that they were necessary.
As if he was determined not to remain on the defensive, he added,
“If you wanted me back urgently, why did you not write to me?”
“I did write to you when Papa died, but there was no reply.”
“I never received your letter.”
“I did not – think that was the – explanation.”
“Then what did you think?”
“I did not know. I thought – perhaps that you were not – interested. It was – stupid of me not to write agai
