She had often stayed at Wyndonbury and the Marquis knew that she was a close friend of Queen Adelaide.
“Now, when will you come to me?” the Duchesse was asking.
As she spoke, her eyes were not on him but on Valessa.
Valessa had been waiting impatiently in the carriage for the Marquis to return and she was now sitting as near as she could to the door and gazing at him eagerly.
Her face was framed by her pretty bonnet and she was looking exquisitely lovely in the morning sunshine.
The Marquis was just wondering how he could refuse the Duchesse without appearing rude when she exclaimed,
“Surely – but I cannot be mistaken! This is Charles Chester’s daughter!”
Valessa heard her and impulsively got out of the carriage.
A footman had already opened the door for the Marquis.
“Did you know
