There was just a slight pause before the last word and the Duke said,

“Did your mother always go with him when he was staying away with friends?”

Honora was quick enough to realise that this was a pertinent question which concerned herself and she answered truthfully,

“Mama always wanted to go with Papa because she hated being separated from him, but sometimes when there were racing or hunting parties ladies were not invited.”

Her voice softened and she finished,

“Then she would be left at home and missed him so much that the only way of consoling herself during his absence was to read.”

The Duke was just about to say something when dinner was announced and they went into the large dining room where Honora had dined before.

The table was decorated with white flowers and there was a special dinner with a large number of courses that the chef deemed appropriate to the occasion.

Only when the servants were for the moment out of earshot did Honora say in a conspiratorial tone,

“I cannot eat all this!”

“Nor can I,” the Duke admitted, “but I suppose we shall have to make an effort.”

“Yes, of course, otherwise your chef would feel hurt.”

She looked down at the menu in front of her, which was supported by a gold stand bearing the Duke’s monogram and said,

“I see there is a cake.”

The Duke gave a groan and then he said in a tone of relief,

“At least I shall not have to make a speech after we have cut it!”

Honora laughed.

“I thought the one you made today and, which was the shortest, was the best.”

“Because it was the shortest?”

“No, because I admired the way you put everything that had to be said so concisely and so wittily.”

The Duke looked at her with what she thought was a twinkle in his eye and said,

“I am gratified by your approval, Honora.”

A faint colour came into her cheeks as she replied,

“Perhaps – you think it – impertinent of me to – approve or disapprove, but what I said was very sincere.”

“I suppose because you have been in a Convent you always tell the truth,” the Duke remarked, as if he was working it out for himself.

“I tell the truth because I was brought up to do so,” Honora corrected. “Both Papa and Mama hated people who lied and they always knew, as I do, when someone was lying.”

She thought there was a slight frown between the Duke’s eyes and wondered if she had said anything wrong.

Then the servants came in with another course from which they must help themselves and they started to talk on other subjects.

It was a relief when finally the dinner came to an end and, the Duke having said he did not wish for port, they walked together back to the sitting room where they had met before dinner.

Honora went at once to look at the bookshelves, recognising many books she had already read and a great number she wished to read.