”I expect they are managing, Grandmama,” the Marquis had replied.
“The gossips of St. James’s will have nothing to talk about and you will certainly be missed at all the balls and perhaps your lady friends will have found somebody else to take your place.”
“I have always been told that ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’,” the Marquis parried.
“I still think that when you do return you will find the flags at half-mast,” the Marchioness said mockingly.
When she was alone with Mina, the Marchioness had told her how efficiently the Marquis ran his estate.
“Even though he is away a great deal,” she said, “he still keeps his finger on the pulse, and in some way peculiarly his own, knows exactly what is happening. Woe betide any of his employees who neglect his instructions!”
“I am sure
