Michael and Loris were by the fire enjoying hot tea. The rain had not stopped, and they had not been able to inform Clarissa's parents of Clarissa's whereabouts.
"You should talk to Lord McLaren when you take Clarissa home," Loris warned his brother.
"Later?" Michael muttered as he sipped his tea. "I don't think we're going home today. The rain won't let up." Michael gave a smile that had a special meaning.
Loris knew what kind of thoughts were in Michael's mind.
"Don't do anything to Clarissa before you are officially married. You may be used to living in Sorream with a modern lifestyle. But Clarissa is not like that, Michael."
"Nobody knows," Michael said. "Clarissa is more intelligent than you think, Brother. That's what attracts me to her."
As they were chatting, Miss Ruwina appe
