CHAPTER TENVerena was grateful that the staff at the Consulate had given her a flask of fresh water, for as she and the Marquis trudged up the long dusty streets, she soon became thirsty.
The road seemed to lead forever upwards and although the sun was now dipping in the sky, its heat was still incredibly fierce.
“Is it much further?” she gasped, stopping to take a sip of water.
They were in a narrow street full of square-built white dwellings – they looked as if they were staggering up the hill in a jumble.
“Do you need to rest awhile?” asked the Marquis. Although he had taken off his jacket, he seemed quite at home in the soaring temperature.
Whilst Verena felt certain that her face was red and unattractive, the Marquis looked as if he had just stepped off the Seahorse after a braci
