It was impossible for Gerry or Lady Bramforde to thank the Marquis enough and he was obviously embarrassed by their gratitude.
When he was alone with Carmella before she retired to bed, she asked,
“How can you be so really kind and generous to Gerry? If he is happy, so is Mama. And I do not think it is possible for me to be any happier than I am at this moment.”
“I intend that you shall be very much happier when you are my wife,” the Marquis said.
“It is – difficult to tell you how – grateful I am.”
“It is the only way I can show you how grateful I am for being alive,” the Marquis said, “for if you had not saved me, Carmella, I would not be here to tell you how much I love you and how I am longing for the night to pass so that tomorrow you will be mine.”
Then, as she wanted to go on
