CHAPTER EIGHTMr. Burleigh waited until they reached the outskirts of Hanwell before he spoke,
“This morning, the Duke of Weybridge came to see me and I confess that, until his visit, I was a little sceptical of your dear mother’s motives in pursuing this man.”
“But surely she explained that Lord Alphonse was blackmailing us?” asked Temia nervously.
“She did but, in my profession, until there is cast iron evidence, one tends to keep one’s counsel. However, I digress. His Grace had come to ask advice on a personal matter. It now transpires that a certain Lord Alphonse is blackmailing his youngest sister. Of course, when I heard the name, it aroused my curiosity.”
“What did he say?” asked Temia. “Do tell us!”
“My dear, it would seem that Lord Alphonse has made provision for you not reapp
