“Stop it!” Verena exclaimed angrily. “You are being monstrously unfair and you know it! That is the sneakiest underhand method of trying to coerce me.”
“Nevertheless, it is the truth,” the Duke murmured.
“You know that I could not leave here whilst Grandpapa is so ill. If he – dies then I might consider your suggestion.”
“And when your grandfather dies,” the Duke asked, “what do you intend to do? You will not be able to live here alone.”
“I know that! I am not completely green,” Verena countered. “My old Governess, Miss Richardson, will come to stay with me until I can make proper arrangements. Then I will get in touch with Giles and we shall be married.”
“Where is he at the moment?” the Duke enquired.
“I think he may be in India,” Verena answered. “I have not heard from him for a lo
