‘I suppose the clerk knows.’
‘I wonder if a lord has ever been married so privately before.’
‘Frequently: when he marries far beneath him, as in this case. But even if I could have had it, I should not have liked a showy wedding. I have had no experience as a bride except in the private form of the ceremony.’
‘Berta, I am sometimes uneasy about you even now and I want to ask you one thing, if I may. Are you doing this for my sake? Would you have married Mr. Julian if it had not been for me?’
‘It is difficult to say exactly. It is possible that if I had had no relations at all, I might have married him. And I might not.’
‘I don’t intend to marry.’
‘In that case you will live with me at Enckworth. However, we will leave such details till the ground-work is confirmed. When we get indoors will you see if the boxes have been properly corded, and are quite ready to be sent for? Then come in and sit by the fire, and I’ll sing some songs to you.’
‘Sad ones, you mean.’
‘No, they shall not be sad.’
‘Perhaps they may be the last you will ever sing to me.’