The Earl Escapes

We must get married. And quickly

but Lady Hester will do her utmost to prove it is a lie.”

Highness and instinctively I knew that she was telling him that she and I were engaged to be married.”

“Engaged?” Valencia exclaimed

What – happened? I was – instantly afraid when I saw Lady Hester

wild animal, he knew that she had heard as, of course, he had intended, what he had said.

From her point of view he had turned victory into defeat

For the moment Lady Hester had been forgotten.

Then, as the Earl met her eyes glaring at him like those of a

Valencia Hadley is in fact my wife.”

There was a moment’s silence.

The Prince then looked at the Earl in astonishment

the Earl said, “the

He was in a position where His Royal Highness was obliged almost to turn his back on Lady Hester.

“May I present to you, sir,” the

Forgive me, sir, but I have something of the utmost importance to tell you