Oh golly. “You probably shouldn’t send him to Kensington Palace,” I said. “I don’t think the royals would approve. We’ll arrange where to meet when you’ve contacted him.”

“Bob’s yer uncle, ducks,” he said. He was looking at me with his head to one side. “You’re not doing anything dangerous, are you? Not involved in any kind of funny business?”

“No, it’s not dangerous, Granddad. More trying to avoid a scandal,” I said. “I’m afraid I can’t give you any details. I’m sworn to silence.”

“You watch yourself, my girl,” he said. “You’re too fond of dabbling where you shouldn’t. I remember when you almost got yourself killed up on Dartmoor by poking your nose in something that should have been left to the police.”

“But I found the murderer, didn’t I? They didn’t.”

“I’d rather you stayed safe and sound,” he said. “The sooner you marry that young man of yours and have some little nippers, the better, if you ask me.”

“Oh, Granddad.” My voice cracked and I was horribly afraid I was going to cry. “I don’t think I’ll be marrying Darcy after all.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t want to share him with other women. I want someone who loves me and me only.”

He put a wizened old hand over mine. “Lots of young men, especially your sort, sow their wild oats before they marry. I suspect your Darcy is a decent bloke and once you’re married he’ll do the right thing.”

“But what if he doesn’t?” I was crying now. “What if I never know where he is or who he’s been with?”

“It all comes down to trust. If you can’t trust someone, then there’s no basis for a marriage. Simple as that. You have to decide.”

“That’s just it,” I said. “I don’t think I can trust him anymore.”

“Do you want to tell me about it?” he asked gently.

I shook my head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you. I can’t tell anyone.” I attempted to get up. “I should leave. Go now. The princess is expecting me.”

He laid a firm hand on my shoulder. “It’s dinnertime. Now, how about a nice bowl of stew to warm you up before you dash off again. I’ve just made a corker with a lamb bone from Sunday’s joint. Lots of good carrots and parsnips and haricot beans.”

I nodded weakly. “Thank you. Yes. That might be a good idea. And it does smell heavenly.”

He ladled out a generous bowl and sat there watching me eat. Again I found myself wishing that I could live with him all the time and have him take care of me. And I could forget all about royal scandals and unfaithful men and be quite happy. But I knew that I couldn’t.

Chapter 22