He realised that she was having a nightmare.
She was struggling helplessly against the bedclothes and at the same time muttering,
“Save me – save me!”
The Marquis reached her side and bending down put his hands on her shoulders.
“Wake up, Perdita,” he urged her. “Wake up, you are dreaming.”
She opened her eyes with a little scream and seeing him flung out her arms to hold onto the lapels of his robe.
“Save me – save – me!” she cried.
The Marquis held her close and she hid her face against his shoulder. He could feel her trembling and her heart beating frantically against his breast.
“I have saved you,” he said gently. “So listen to me, Perdita, you are safe. You are only dreaming. It is over. Whitton will never trouble you again. That I swear to you.”
“I am – frightened of him – h
