“But I am not intending to meet your uncle, your sister or any other members of your family,” Verena replied to him in a hard voice. “My Godmother has made very extensive plans to introduce me to the Social world that Grandpapa desired for me. I have no need of your assistance and certainly not of your patronage. You will oblige me, my Most Noble Duke, if you will just leave me alone.”
“That, Verena, is something which unfortunately I am unable to do,” the Duke said. “I have been to see Mr. Critchwick and he has appointed, as your grandfather’s will has suggested, a Guardian who will administer your fortune and protect you from undesirable suitors until you reach the age of twenty-one.”
“So you have now been to see Mr. Critchwick!” Verena exclaimed. “I intended to see him tomorrow. What
