The Marquis felt that in a way he was being made use of but still obeyed.
Then sooner than he expected Flora came running down the stairs and out through the front door to where her horse had been brought to join his.
“I left a message for Papa, saying that I might be away for some time,” she told him.
The Marquis lifted her into the saddle.
“I suppose,” she continued, “you appreciate that we may have to go hungry or eat luncheon at an Inn, where I can assure you they serve delicious bread and cheese if nothing else.”
The Marquis laughed,
“I think I might be able to endure that for one day. At the same time it would be more pleasant to return to the castle.”
Flora did not say anything more as they rode off.
The Marquis thought, although he was reluctant to admit it, that it was nic
