CHAPTER TENCornelia slipped into her room at The Ritz a few minutes after five o’clock.
She had been afraid that she might meet the Duke in the vestibule or on the stairs, but the chances were slender because he had accompanied them back to Renée’s apartment and it had been some time after his departure before Cornelia was ready to leave.
Archie had also said “goodbye” to both ladies at the door with a meaningful pressure on Cornelia’s hand which she responded to with an undisguised squeeze.
Then the door was closed, she and Renée heard the gentlemen descending the stairs and a few seconds later the clatter of horses’ hoofs as the carriage departed.
Cornelia gave a little sigh of relief and with shining eyes held out her hands to her new friend.
Thank you, thank you, madame,” she enth
