Fabia's hands were clasped together, her head was bent, and the Duke of Ilminster was aware that she was praying. The Duke rose and walked towards her.

" I... I had to come," she said. " I... I was... afraid."

"There is no need to be," he said. Very gently the Duke put his arms around her. "Your prayers have been answered."

She looked up at him. "You mean...?"

" I mean," he said gently, "the only woman I want in my life is you, and I know now that I cannot live without you."

Then his lips were on hers. At first he kissed her gently, tenderly, and for the moment without passion, because everything that had happened made him feel as if they were part of something sacred and divine. Then his arms tightened, and his lips became more demanding, insistent....