A Dangerous Disguise (17 page)

"Why are you frowning?"

"I was just wondering – why a crossing- sweeper?"

She gave a sleepy, contented laugh.

"It was the furthest thing from a Duke that I could think of. Mind you, I think I prefer you being a Duke, and having all those lovely horses to ride."

"Ah, you're marrying me for my horses?"

"Well, you made them sound marvellous when you talked about them."

"Do you remember all that?" the Duke asked.

"I remember everything you have ever said to me,"

Ola told him. "I want you to remember what I am going to tell you now, because it will never alter. I love you, I love you and there has never been another man in my life and there never will be."

The Duke was very moved.

As he kissed her he knew he had found what he thought would never be his. A true love that came from the heart, from a woman with a deep, honest soul, who loved him for himself alone, without thought of worldly advantage.

There would never be in either of their lives anyone else of any importance.

A week later, wearing her most beautiful white gown and some of her mother's precious jewellery, Ola was married to the man she loved in the small chapel adjacent to the Duke's great mansion.

The chapel was filled with flowers which scented the air, as the old priest pronounced them man and wife.

"How can it be possible that we are so happy?" the Duke asked later that evening. "How can I have been so fortunate as to find you?"

"My whole heart and soul are yours," she said. "God brought us together and no human being will ever separate us or make us unhappy again."

"Amen to that," the Duke replied.