“That is what I – want you to – feel. Is it really – true? That you love me and I am here in The Castle close to you?”
She gave a sound that was almost a sob.
“Supposing I – wake up to find it has all been a – wonderful dream and I am in the – Orphanage and the children are crying because there is not enough – food for breakfast?”
The Duke held her so close against him that she could hardly breathe.
“You are awake, my precious. You are in my arms and you will never be lonely or hungry again.”
He kissed her eyes before he went on,
“We will make the Orphanage a model of its kind. I shall always bless the fact that it was there and was owned by the family, otherwise I might never have found you.”
“Supposing I had been – apprenticed when I was – twelve?” Tara whispered.
The Duke’s lips
