Then looking up at her he said very slowly,
“I swear by Almighty God to protect and serve you for as long as my life lasts, to live or to die for you. I will love you with my whole heart, worship you as my wife and will strive to give you happiness. May God help me!”
His voice seemed to vibrate through Clola and every word brought a response from her which seemed part of the music she had been playing.
Then, because she sensed that he was waiting for her response, she put her hands on each side of his.
Shyly, aware that her heart was beating wildly, she bent her head to kiss him as he had kissed her on the cheek. But somehow, instead of his cheek it was his lips she found.
Then holding her captive with his mouth, the Duke’s arms were round her.
He rose to pull her close against him a
