They had in fact never been alone, since that was considered incorrect at the time.
René told himself that never again would he be put in the ignominious position of being part of an arranged marriage.
“You will get over the shock, dear boy,” the old Duc assured him
“I have no intention, Father, of marrying anyone,” his son had answered.
It was difficult to believe that this was what he really felt.
When he came into the Dukedom, the older members of the family pressed him to produce an heir and he repeated firmly, in a manner that prevented them from arguing any further with him, that he had no intention of marrying.
Now Yvonne, who had been his mistress for the last nine months, stared at him as if she could not believe her ears.
“Married?” she exclaimed. “But why, why?”
“For var
