“There is something exciting about April and May, is there not?” Gretna agreed. “One moment everything is bare, branches etched against the sky as if someone has drawn them in pen and ink. And then suddenly everything is green and gold. A few weeks ago the daffodils seemed to cover the garden at home. Now the lilacs are purple and white and the apple trees a cloud of blossom.”

The Marquis gave her a curious glance, but, as he did not question her further about her home, Gretna felt that he was disinterested until suddenly the question that she had been instinctively dreading came from his lips,

“ – tell me about yourself.”

“There is – nothing to tell,” she replied a little hesitantly. “Unlike you, my Lord, I have lived a – very quiet life.”

“Where?” he asked.

“Near Winchester.”

“With your parents?”

“My father died nearly eighteen months ago and my mother last November. She did not wish to remain in this world – after he had gone.”

“They were fond of each other then?”

“They loved each other completely and absolutely,” Gretna answered. “Life apart for them was intolerable and so my mother pined away, just counting the hours until she could be – with my father again.”

“And she did not mind leaving you?”

“I think she minded, but I was of little import beside the fact that she believed that she would be with Papa again.”

She felt that the Marquis might say something cynical and stiffened. But instead he remarked in a voice that was almost kindly,

“So, you are all alone? Except, of course, for your aunt.”

“My aunt?” Gretna queried and then remembered Mrs. Merryweather. “Yes – yes – of course.”

She wondered whether she should tell him the truth now that they were alone together and then Mrs. Merryweather’s words of warning kept her silent. It was ridiculous, of course, and her instinct told her to take no notice of such croakings. At the same time common sense whispered that it was wisest to play safe rather than take a chance.

“And what do you plan to do in London?” the Marquis now asked.

“I plan to stay with – a friend for a time. Someone I have known all my life.”

“Will she find you employment do you think? I gather that your parents have not left you well off.”

“No, indeed,” Gretna answered. “I have not a penny to bless myself with. That is why I am going to London.”

The Marquis rested his chin on his hand and watched the exquisite little face turned towards his.

Her eyes, surprisingly blue in the light of the candles, were so expressive that it seemed to him that he could see the thoughts mirrored in them almost before the words came to the full red lips.

“What can you do?” he asked, his voice surprisingly deep. “What is there in London for anyone like you to do?”