“What – happened?”
It was almost impossible for Susanna to say the words, but he heard them.
“I had a long talk with your father,” Fyfe replied, “and he has gone back to Florence where he will stay the night. If you want to see him, you can drive in now and talk to him. If not, he will leave first thing tomorrow morning.”
Susanna raised her head from Fyfe’s knees.
“I – don’t – understand. What did you – say to him – how did you make him go?”
“That I am going to tell you, Susanna. But I wish you had trusted me and told me who you were.”
“I did not – want anyone to – know. Did Papa – tell you why I – ran away?”
“You told me,” Fyfe answered, “and your father confirmed that you were to make a brilliant Society marriage.”
“I cannot marry the Duke or – any man who only wants me for my –
