CHAPTER THREEMrs. Winston was fetched to be informed of this unexpected development.
When she learned of the connection between this lady and her stepdaughter, she had to be helped to a seat.
Her obvious concern that she might not henceforth exert total influence over Madelina was tempered by the fact that, with no effort on her part, she was already related by marriage to an actual Lady.
Her face clouded as she remembered the reason for Lady Bamber’s original snub. She had not liked the idea that her old acquaintance, the Duke, was the target of title-hunters. How would she feel about it now?
Timidly, she cleared her throat, intending to broach the subject of the Duke’s interest in her stepdaughter. But Lady Bamber’s next few words negated the need.
“It’s such a pity,” she sighed, “t
