CHAPTER THREEMr. Winton and the Earl came into the library.
Behind them was a groom with a tray and on it there was a bottle of champagne.
Almost without realising it, Aleda then noticed that the three glasses with it were odd and one of them was slightly cracked. The groom put the tray down on a table and Mr. Winton said,
“I will pour it, Jed. You see to the luncheon.”
“Very good, sir.”
The man went from the library and Mr. Winton said,
“I took the precaution of bringing my luncheon with me and I hope, as your household is very busy, that you will join me.”
He sounded polite but Aleda thought that he was well aware that there was no one in the house to cook except for herself and that once again he was being charitable.
She did not speak, but her brother said,
“Thank you very muc
