CHAPTER THREEHicks opened the Earl’s bedroom door and Mariota carried in a large vase filled with flowers.
“I thought these would cheer you up,” she said as she set them down on a table where the Earl could see them from the bed.
“I certainly need something,” he replied in the dry manner she had come to learn was characteristic of him.
She looked at him questioningly and he added,
“I am feeling rather neglected. You have not been to see me this morning.”
“I am sorry,” Mariota replied, “but I thought as you had your valet with you that you would not want me.”
“Hicks, while admirable in many ways,” the Earl replied, “is not the most interesting of conversationalists.”
The valet had left the room as soon as Mariota entered it and now, having arranged the flowers, she walked to stand be
