“Then we will go into luncheon,” the Earl agreed, “and I suppose not one word of what has happened here must be said at the table.”
“As I have said already,” Royden asserted, “there are ears everywhere and tongues who want to chatter about us. What Malva and I have done this morning must not be mentioned to anyone until we return from our honeymoon. Incidentally we are leaving for London as soon as luncheon is finished.”
Lord Waverstone put his hand up to his forehead.
“I cannot believe this is really happening,” he said.
“I agree with you,” the Earl sighed. “I have never known the ceiling fall in when I least expected it.”
“Well, just think about it, Papa,” Royden said, “you have achieved exactly what you asked for, only it has come to you in my way rather than yours!”
“You are a mo
