“But there was no need for you to be so cross,” said Alice in a low voice. “We have not really talked in so long. Have I done something to make you angry?”

“Have you done…? Of course you have, you hen-witted brat. What on earth made you even consider wedding such a fool as Webb?”

“He was pleasant… at first,” said Alice. “And he seemed so handsome. I was flattered that he should show an interest in me.”

“Did he make love to you?”

“Yes,” whispered Alice.

“You have lost your virginity,” stated the Duke with contempt.

“NO!” shouted Alice, and then in a lower voice, “No, not that. He k-kissed me and f-fondled me.”

“And that did pleasure you?”

“No,” said Alice, raising her large eyes to look fully at him. “I felt nothing.”

“I’Faith, that was an excellent dinner,” said the Duke cheerfully. “I do not know why I was so much at odds with the world. Come, dear child, we shall forget Webb and Snapper. They shall be the wicked phantoms of thy life—gone now to haunt thee no more. I have found a lady companion.”

“Oh, dear,” murmured Alice.

“I have taken care with this one. Nonetheless, it is for you to decide whether you want her. Her name is Cassandra Fadden. I shall tell you no more about her.”

“Do you like my gown?” ventured Alice, not wishing to discuss this companion who would surely bully her.

“Stand up,” he ordered, and when she complied, “Turn around.”

He studied her thoughtfully for a long moment “Pretty,” he said at last. “Vastly pretty. Trust your own taste in clothes, child. You looked the veriest quiz under the tuition of the Snapper.”

She flushed with pleasure and shyly resumed her chair and gathering all her small stock of courage she said, “Mayhap it would please you to stay in London with me for some days?”

“Mayhap it would,” he drawled. “I have, however, started writing my memoirs. So far I am doing very well,” he said with simple pride. “Whether anyone will believe them or not is another matter.”

“Do you still wish me to get married?” asked Alice.

“What other future is there for you?” asked the Duke. “The money from the jewels will not last forever. You are young and healthy and normal. Of course you wish to have children and a home of your own.”

“But my husband, he must never know my secret,” said Alice. “How do you keep secrets from someone you love?”

“Well, you’d better learn to keep a still tongue in your head,” he said acidly. “If you start babbling on about ghosts you’ll end in Bedlam.”

“I may not be able to fall in love with anyone suitable,” pleaded Alice.