He glanced from one to the other and added with a little twist of his lips,
“Or perhaps a walk in the garden would be more to his Lordship’s taste.”
“Yes, the – garden,” Ventura said in a strangled voice. Would you not honour it – with a visit, my Lord?”
“Yes, yes, of course. I shall be – charmed,” Lord Lynke quavered.
Ventura walked through the French window, and, stiffly, Lord Lynke followed her.
The Marqués watched them go and then, smiling a little to himself, he went back to his desk.
Ventura and Lord Lynke walked until they were out of hearing of the house.
Then almost savagely he turned on her,
“How could you leave me like that? Did you not realise I should be worried and distraught for fear that something could have happened to you?”
“It was best that I should do it as I d
