Before he could reply, Alvina said more quietly,
“Now you are home perhaps you will be able to make those in Parliament and at the head of the Services realise that, as far as this country is concerned, peace is worse than war.”
*
As the Duke finished what had been a surprisingly good dinner, waited on by Walton and two young men who had to be instructed sotto voce in everything they did, he sat back in his chair and said to Alvina,
“I have enjoyed my meal immensely and I must not forget to congratulate Mrs. Johnson for remembering that her strawberry tart was always one of my favourite dishes.”
“Mrs. Johnson has never forgotten anything about you or anyone else in the family,” Alvina said. “When they knew that you were to be the next Duke, they were so glad that, if it could not be R
