“I am sorry, Harry, but I have been very busy. Firstly I want you to congratulate me, because Zia has promised to become my wife!”
“That is the best news I have heard in years!” Harry exclaimed. “Congratulations, old boy! And may I kiss your future bride?”
“Just this once,” the Marquis agreed grudgingly, “but I don’t expect you to make a habit of it!”
Harry laughed and kissed Zia on both cheeks.
Then, as if he could not resist it, the Marquis said,
“We will tell you what has happened, but you must never relate it to a living soul.”
“I guessed that something was up,” Harry said. “Give me a glass of champagne to fortify myself before I hear the tale.”
He settled himself in an armchair with a glass of champagne in his hand and listened in astonishment to the story that the Marquis unfo
