“Sir⁠— Mr. Everard⁠—whoever you are⁠—if you have any spark of manliness in you, of chivalry, if you care for me at all, you will this instant set me down!”

Never had she seemed more beautiful, more desirable. Her eyes shone with unshed tears, soft and luminous, and the tragic mouth pleaded, even trying to smile.

“It would appear that none of these attributes belongs to me,” murmured his Grace, and wondered if she would weep. He had never a taste for a weeping woman.

But Diana was proud. She realised that tears, prayers and all would avail her nothing, and she was determined not to break down, at least in his presence. Tracy was surprised to see her arrange her skirts and settle back against the cushions in the most unconcerned manner possible.