It was so rapturous, so utterly and completely glorious, that for a moment she felt as if she must have died and found Heaven where she and the Marquis were alone except for the glory of God Himself.
Then, as the Marquis kissed her and went on kissing her, she felt as if he drew her closer and closer until she was no longer herself but a part of him and they were one.
She could hear the birds singing a paean of praise above them and the magic of the fens became the magic of Vent Royal.
The whole world whirled round her.
Then there was nothing else but the arms, the lips and the closeness of a man who she had belonged to in Eternities past and for Eternities to come.
When finally the Marquis raised his head, they were both transfigured by the intensity of their feelings and the wonder
