CHAPTER FOURValeria looked at her Papa in amazement.
“An offer of marriage?”
He leaned forward, excitement all over his face.
“It could be the answer to all our prayers. You will be set up in the finest style with a husband who adores you, and who is someone, incidentally, who I greatly admire – and I can remain in my home.”
He looked towards the lovely house that meant so much to him.
Valeria could say nothing.
Her mind was in a whirl.
“He will join us for dinner tonight, my darling. I know he hopes for a favourable answer. He is very much in love with you and I believe you have formed an attachment to him. But, if the match is in any way distasteful to you, I shall not mind if you refuse your suitor.”
He rose.
“I have to visit the stables. There are some matters that need t
