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leave?"
    "Do you know, I think it might be better if you did not," the Marquis murmured. "I have left a letter to be delivered to him when he wakes, offering my apologies for whisking you away."
    "In that case," the Earl said decidedly, "let us be gone immediately."
    The carriage took them as far as the railway station where they boarded the train that would take them to Tilbury.
    "I cannot believe that this is happening," said Lavina when the train was moving.
    The Marquis had gone out into the corridor, leaving them alone to talk.
    "It does seem incredible," the Earl agreed. "Two days ago we had no idea that any of this was possible. And now, here we are, headed for the coast. I do hope we have a calm sea for our voyage."
    "I hope so, too. Although, on the whole, I think I'm a good sailor."
    "You have been one ever since you were three years old, when I took you on the yacht, and you ran from cabin to cabin. Of course you were terribly spoilt by the crew, who thought you adorable."
    "Which I was," Lavina answered with a smile.
    "You certainly were, and you have been even more adorable ever since. I cannot think what I would do without you."
    Lavina knew what was in his mind, by a sudden sadness in his voice.
    "You are thinking of Mama," she said gently, "and how wretched you were when she died."
    He nodded.
    "I loved your mother from the first time I saw her, and she gradually fell in love with me. It took a little time and a little ingenuity to make her love me, but when she did so, it was with her whole heart and soul. We were very happy. Do you remember that?"
    "Of course. That's why, when I was young, I was happy, too. The house never seemed quite the same after Mama died, and I still miss her very much, even though it is four years since she left us."
    "I miss her too," the Earl said. "I will miss her even more when you leave me. How dark and lonely the house will be without you."
    "But Papa, what are you saying? I'm not really getting married. Eventually this 'engagement' will end, and we will go on as before."
    "I wonder if it will be so easy. Suppose the Queen cannot find another bride to take your place?"
    "I hope she doesn't. Why should I wish on another woman the fate I don't want for myself? She will have to find some other way, that doesn't involve marrying some poor creature off like selling a head of cattle."
    "You're right of course. I only mean that she may continue to apply pressure for some time, and that would make it hard for you to break the engagement. You might even have to go through with the marriage."
    Lavina laughed.
    "Have no fear, Papa. Lord Elswick would find that idea as horrifying as I should myself."
    The train had slowed now so that there was much less noise and Lavina's voice carried clearly.
    It carried to Lord Elswick standing outside in the corridor, and, since there was nobody to see him, he allowed himself a private smile.
*
    Nothing surprised Lord Ringwood more than arriving at Tilbury to discover that the Captain of his vessel was ready for him, having received the telegram.
    The boat, which despite being called a yacht was actually powered by steam engines, was looking exceedingly smart.
    Lavina was delighted to see her father had had the inside decorated in a pale blue.
    The Captain greeted them heartily, and told the Earl that he would be pleased with the crew, and with the refitted engines.
    As guest of honour, the Marquis was given the Master Cabin. As soon as he was settled in and all the baggage was aboard the Captain gave the order to cast off.
    As they moved slowly out of port, Lavina watched the shore recede. After a moment the Marquis came to stand beside her.
    "Are you easier in your mind now?" he asked.
    "Oh yes. They cannot catch us. How will they know where to look? Your butler will not tell anyone."
    "I instructed him to say that we were going to the Mediterranean. On the other hand – "
    He looked into the distance.
    "Is that not a naval gunship I see pursuing