CHAPTER FOURNow that her mind was made up, Temia did not hesitate. She then packed herself a small suitcase, taking just enough clothes with her to last a week or so. After applying a great deal of soap, she managed to prise the hated ring from her finger and left it, together with a note to her parents, with a PS that read,
“Please return this ring to Lord Alphonse.” With everything now in place, she then undressed and climbed into bed.
She found it hard to sleep, but managed to snatch a few hours, waking in the hour before dawn.
Temia guessed that none of the servants would be up, but she hoped that Robert would be stirring, as without his help she could not carry out her plan.
She crept downstairs and let herself out through the French windows. The sun was just about beginning to ri
