She screwed up her eyes and was moving her lips in prayer as footsteps drew near.
“Anthea, it’s safe for you to come out now – my darling, are you all right?”
Filled with joy, she crawled out from under the bed and leapt straight into the Earl’s arms.
“Darling Anthea!” he cried, stroking her bedraggled hair and dirty face. “I was so dreadfully worried.”
Then, his lips moved towards hers as he pulled her closer.
Anthea could scarcely believe what was happening as she sank into a passionate kiss that went on for ever.
Pulling back from him, she fluttered her eyelids – feeling certain that she would swoon.
“Am I dreaming?” she murmured, her mouth still quivering from his kiss.
“No, my darling one. This is real. I was so worried about you. I have only just realised what you mean to
