‘No, I’m not. Very simply, I was startled to see you …’ He paused. His thoughts upstairs had made it clear to him what he needed to do. ‘There’s something I must say to you now, Vanessa.’

‘What is it? You sound so solemn,’ she cried, noting the serious expression on his face. ‘Don’t make me think you don’t want us to be together.’

Robert knelt down by her side.

‘Will you marry me, darling, once I am free? Will you be my wife?’

‘Oh yes, I will. I love you so much,’ she answered, her eyes suddenly brimming with tears. Sliding her hand out of his, she took a handkerchief out of her reticule and discreetly patted her eyes.

Robert watched her, loving her in a way he had never believed possible. And she was so guileless, so honest, it touched his heart. ‘I assume those are tears of happiness,’ he murmured.

‘Of course,’ she responded, laughing. ‘I can’t wait to marry you.’

‘Now that is settled, let us move on.’ He smiled at her warmly, and continued, ‘Let us say that if my life were normal, and I was single, the thing I would do now is go to your father and ask for your hand in marriage. I am sure he would welcome me as a future son-in-law. We would become engaged, an announcement would be placed in The Times, and there would be an engagement party. After that we would wait a year, and then get married. Always a year, so there’s no suspicion of a shotgun marriage.’

Vanessa nodded. ‘I understand all that, but what are you getting at?’

‘I don’t believe engaged couples should indulge in an affair before marriage. Don’t you agree?’ Robert focused his eyes on her intently, waiting for an answer.

After a moment’s reflection, she said, ‘I suppose you’re right, and what you’re saying is we’re not going to have an affair right now. Or ever.’

‘You are correct, Vanessa, but I promise you I will do my damnedest to get my divorce as swiftly as I can, and that we will get married the day after I’m free.’

She stared at him, bedazzled by those vivid blue eyes, his charm, the wide smile on his face. She loved him so much she would agree to anything. She must never lose this remarkable man. Caught up in his powerful personality, she could only nod her understanding.

Before Robert could say another word to her, Turnbull hovered in the doorway, and announced the arrival of Lord Fraser.

Adrian hurried into the yellow drawing room, smiling, holding an envelope.

‘Good evening, Vanessa, you look ravishing as always,’ he said to her, bowing slightly.

‘Good evening, Adrian, and thank you for your kind words.’

Going to Robert, Adrian embraced him, and said against his ear, ‘I’ve got great news.’