SHE DANCED ALONE IN THE EMPTY BALLROOM AFTER MIDNIGHT-UNAWARE THE DUKE WAS WATCHING

in the pocket where she kept the things she owned. Then she rose and went to see to the flowers.

The Duke was already in the blue drawing room, standing at the window with his hands behind his back. He wore a dark, plain, well-cut coat. His hair was still damp at the ends from washing.

He did not turn when she came in, perhaps because he had not heard continue reading …