CHAPTER THREERocana waited until she had seen Caroline, the Duchess and Nanny off immediately breakfast was over and then hurried upstairs to change into her riding habit.
As she did so, she knew that she was neglecting the Duchess’s last instructions which had been very explicit.
She had called Rocana in her room as she and Caroline were going downstairs and, pointing to a large pile of garments on a chair, she ordered,
“While I am away you will mend these, and I shall be extremely annoyed if they are not finished by the time I return.”
She spoke in that sharp, harsh voice which expressed her dislike of her niece and which was echoed by the expression in her eyes.
Rocana did not speak and after a moment the Duchess went on,
“I have been thinking over what you will do when Caroline i
