Jarita's hair was glinting in the light of the candles, and her eyes were wide and frightened in her small face. Another crash of lightning reverberated in the room and now, as if she could not help it, she reached out towards Lord Vernham and instantly his arms were around her, holding her close.

"You are quite safe," he whispered.

She hid her face against his shoulder and he could feel her trembling.

In time the rainstorm eased. She moved and instantly Lord Vernham released her.

"I... I must go back to my own room."

"There is no hurry."

And suddenly he yearned with all his might to make her stay, to hold her in his arms; above all to make this strange and exotic woman his... in reality and not only in name.