Ten minutes later, with Sirius beside her, she was being driven through the crowded streets, which as soon as they got outside the City gave way to the open country.
She was going home because it was the only place where she belonged.
But she knew that she had left her heart behind with the Marquis, who was to marry Lady Sybille.
*
The Marquis walked into White’s Club, and the moment he appeared Roderic rushed up to him.
He was obviously very excited as he drew the Marquis aside to ask in a conspiratorial whisper, although he could not repress his elation, “How did you manage it? How could you have been so clever?”
The Marquis smiled faintly.
“I imagine from what you are saying that Sir Mortimer’s contest will not now take place.”
“He has just informed us that, owing to unfortunate
