“Her Majesty asked for you, which is why I realised you were not present,” the Duc said. “Before you go to her, I have something of importance to discuss with you.”
As he spoke, he drew from the dispatch box a number of letters. With a sudden leap of her heart Sheena recognised the writing on one.
“That is my letter,” she said accusingly. “My letter to my father.”
“I know. That is what I wish to discuss with you.”
“But – but why is it here?” Sheena asked. “I was told – ”
“You were told that it would be carried to Scotland in safety and without surveillance,” the Duc said curtly. “As it happens, the man you employed has been suspect for some time as being in the pay of Spain. When he left The Palace that night, he went straight to the Spanish Ambassador who read all the letters that ha
