The Defiant Mistress. Claire Thornton

wall. Athena leant back gratefully. ‘I knew him before I was married,’ she said.

      ‘Were you his mistress?’ Martha sounded shocked.

      ‘No!’ Athena lifted her head in indignation. ‘I was to marry him.’

      ‘Marry him?’ Martha’s mouth fell open. ‘Why didn’t you?’

      ‘We had a small misunderstanding several years ago. Lord Halross wanted to clear it up this evening, that’s all,’ said Athena, trying to conclude the conversation.

      ‘It’s not all, by a long shot,’ Martha said grimly. ‘Richard wasn’t the only one who saw the Marquis carry you off. Sir Walter’s valet also saw you. By tomorrow morning everyone in the embassy will be sure Lord Halross has set you up as his mistress.’

      An inn, Brussels

      ‘There is one other matter, your Grace,’ said Philpott, Gentleman of the Privy Purse to the Duke of Kilverdale.