Then she told herself that the person who would really be most horrified if he knew the truth was the Duke of Wellington.
In her sudden feeling of fear she was not aware that Lord Kiniston was watching the expression in her eyes, and he said to her in a quiet voice that no one else could hear,
“What is worrying you? I want you to enjoy yourself, Charis. This is a very special evening.”
“Yes, I know,” Alecia replied, “and it is – very exciting to meet the Duke.”
“Then don’t look so worried about it! I can assure you that he is a great admirer of yours.”
Alecia managed to smile back at him.
Then other guests began to arrive and by the time everybody was introduced and had had a glass of champagne, dinner was announced.
Because Lady Lillian was still acting as hostess, the Duke was sea
