Chapter 47

She woke the next morning in a fog of confusion. Even before opening her eyes she realised that things were different. The smells were wrong. And she was warmer than she had been in her own cold white sheets.

Then she remembered. And opened her eyes. He was already awake, leaning against one arm and smiling down at her. Outside the hangings of the bed she could hear the personal attendant moving around, readying to receive the duke

‘Good morning,’ he whispered. ‘Did you sleep well?’

‘Yes, thank you.’ She had, she realised, and the fact surprised her. She had been restless ever since coming here, and her easiest nights had been in the first weeks, when she’d,worked herself to exhaustion and fallen into bed. But last night, after forcing herself into his bed to grant his request,

she’d found more peace than she’d felt in a long time. It seemed there was even less to be afraid of than she thought.

‘And you? Did you sleep well?’

He stretched and yawned. ‘That was the best night’s rest I’v