The Audacious Adventuress

she felt his hand go to her hair, pulling out the hairpins and dropping them onto the carpet until wave upon wave of fiery silk fell over her shoulders and almost down to her waist

Will you do me the very great honour of becoming my wife?”

You know that I cannot touch you until you ask me to do so

How do I know that this woman I speak about loves me

Come here, Druscilla,” the Marquis repeated masterfully, “or must I come and fetch you

Come here, Druscilla,” the Marquis commanded

The Marquis stopped speaking and then he said gently

Will you not bring her to me, Druscilla?”

But – s-she has – gone away,” she murmured incoherently

You must find the woman who nursed me when I was so ill,” the Marquis said, “for that is whom I love.”