“That’s very sensible of you, Tania. Now what can it be? You seemed so happy last night.”
“I was happy, very happy, except, as I expect you know by now, war has been declared.”
“Yes, of course I know. Sir Sidney Herbert told us after everyone had left. I suppose that nice Rupert More is already moving his troops out of Barracks.”
“He is going – to the battlefield,” Tania murmured.
There was a noticeable break in her voice she could not prevent and Selina enquired,
“Is that what is upsetting you, Tania?”
“No. It’s my stepmother.”
“What has she done now?”
“She has told me I have to marry a man I met only yesterday. He is called Lord Watford and he apparently desires a young wife.”
“Lord Watford! But, of course, you cannot marry him! He has a very bad reputation with women. He was ex
