“No, I am returning to Paris almost immediately. Very exciting things are happening there, which is why I need your help.”
“My help?” the Countess questioned.
“Yes, Mama, I need a wife!”
“A wife! Are you joking?”
“No indeed. Mama, I am extremely serious.”
“I cannot believe it!” the Countess exclaimed. “You know that you have always said you would never marry and we all know it is the fault of that woman who has done her best to ruin your life.”
“This is not the time, Mama, to talk about Lady Trenton.”
“It is over? You are no longer infatuated with her?” the Countess asked.
“I have no intention of talking about my private affairs,” William replied. “We went through all this three years ago when you and Papa made it very clear that so long as my liaison continued you did not wish to
