Chapter SevenFor a moment everyone seemed to be frozen with surprise.
Then the Earl jumped up, saying,
“Valaire, my dear boy, I had no idea that you were in London.”
The Earl walked briskly across the room to shake his hand and saying,
“I am delighted to see you and it is far too long since you came here.”
“I have come for your help,” the Duc replied.
As he was speaking, he suddenly saw Lencia for the first time.
As their eyes met, she put her finger quickly to her lips.
“My help?” the Earl repeated. “But, of course, you know that I will help you in any way that I possibly can.”
He turned round and added,
“Come and meet my family.”
They walked towards Lencia and Alice.
They were standing and feeling as if their hearts were beating far too quickly for them to breathe.
“Now, thi
