‘I only hope you are right,’ she wanted to say.
Then an equerry opened the door and announced,
“Her Majesty the Queen has graciously consented to receive the Honourable Miss Flavia Linwood and the Earl of Haugton.”
Now that the moment had actually arrived, Flavia drew in her breath, not only in fear but also in surprise.
She had never for a single moment dreamt that the Queen would see her alone with the Earl.
She had expected at least her father would be there to present her in person, as he had always wanted to do.
As she stood irresolute, the Earl put out his hand.
Without even thinking, she slipped her fingers into it.
Lord Linwood bent forward as if to speak to his daughter, but the Earl moved her quickly across the room and through the door where the equerry was standing.
As
