“Must we do that?” Calista asked in a low voice.
“Unless you wish to stay forever in the obscurity of this inn or others like it?”
“You want to get back to your estates, your horses and, of course, your political life.”
The Earl did not reply and after a moment she asked,
“Have you forgotten that the Coronation will take place on the twenty-eighth, a week from now?”
“I had forgotten it,” the Earl answered. “I cannot say it is an event that I am very much looking forward to.”
“You will certainly need to be well for it.”
“I agree. Five hours in Westminster Abbey will be a feat of endurance for anyone!”
“You will be well enough by then,” Calista suggested confidently.
“I certainly hope so,” he replied.
“I have been thinking,” she said slowly, that we need not tell anyone that you ha
