CHAPTER NINE“Miss Morris?” asked the messenger again.
Temia wondered again who had sent him.
“Yes,” she answered, her mouth dry and the word almost shrivelling on her lips.
“I have been sent by the Earl of Wentworth, miss. He says to tell you that it went ill for the other party and that he does not wish to see anybody. He said you would understand the message.”
Temia felt her head spinning and a swoon coming over her. She clutched at the door and tried to compose herself as best she could.
“Was there any more to the message?” she asked, pulling the shawl around her tighter.
“I’m afraid not, miss.”
“Thank you,” she replied and closed the door.
A low wail emerged from her mouth. She felt overcome with guilt and grief – it was all her fault! If she had told Sir Thomas that she did no
