She gave a little sigh.
“You will find, dear, that we women must often stand aside and let the strong male go his way alone.”
Elvina moved swiftly to Lord Wye’s side.
“You promised,” she said earnestly. “You promised.”
“Yes, that is true,” Lord Wye answered. “I am afraid, Lady Cleone, I have promised Elvina that she can come with me. She is used to hardship and will not find the speed that I have to reach London in too exhausting.”
Lady Cleone’s eyes were veiled as she responded,
“It must, of course, be as your Lordship wishes. I would have been glad of Elvina’s company as I feel a little weak and might be inclined to faint.”
Lord Wye hesitated and Elvina knew that this was an appeal that was far more likely to succeed than any that Lady Cleone had produced so far.
“I think her Lad
