Her aunt had told her in her usual sharp voice that brooked no argument that she was to change her clothes immediately after they had cut the cake.

“I have not asked where we are going when we leave here,” Honora had said.

She knew for some reason she could not understand that the question made her aunt even more annoyed than she was already.

“You are staying tonight in London. Then doubtless after that Ulric will inform you of his plans.”

Honora found it surprising that her aunt did not know, but again she was aware that it would be unwise to ask too many questions.

She was merely glad that they would not have too long a journey, as London was only two hours’ drive from Langstone Hall.

The cake, which had been laboriously cooked by her uncle’s chef, was cut with a sword, somebody proposed their health and the Duke replied with a few words.

Then Honora found herself being piloted upstairs by the Countess to where Emily, who had been chosen to go with her on her honeymoon as a lady’s maid, was waiting.

“Now hurry up! You know it is always a mistake to keep a man waiting!” the Countess said harshly and went from the bedroom leaving Honora and Emily alone.

“You looked lovely, miss – I mean – Your Grace!” Emily exclaimed. “Everyone’s a-sayin’ there’s never been such a beautiful bride.”

“I am glad they think so,” Honora replied.

She was, however, thinking that there was certainly one person who did not think so, if he had even noticed her at all, and that was the man who was now her husband.

When she thought about him, it was as if there was a lump inside her breast that grew heavier and heavier as she changed.

The moment had now come when she would be alone with the Duke and his dislike and resentment of her.

“Help me, Papa,” she murmured beneath her breath.

“Did you say somethin’, Your Grace?” Emily enquired.

“I was only talking to myself,” Honora replied. “Give me my bonnet, Emily. We must not keep the horses waiting.”

“You’ll be in London long afore I am, Your Grace, with the ’orses you’re travellin’ with.”

Honora looked surprised and Emily asked,

“Didn’t you know ’Is Grace is takin’ you in ’is phaeton?”

“I had no idea, but I am very glad,” Honora answered. “It will be pleasant to be out in the open air rather than cooped up in a carriage.”

She thought with relief that it would also preclude the necessity of talking to the Duke.

She had the feeling that at the moment it was the last thing she wished to do, although it was something she had wanted before.

She felt that he would be even more incensed than he had been before at having to drive away from his friends and relations with a strange woman whom he had married only to escape from a German Princess.