You need not even endure the ignominy of being known as the Marchioness of Coombe.

But when I am dead Donal's son will be my successor.

It will not be held against him that I married his beautiful young mother and chose to keep the matter a secret.

I have long been known as a peculiar person given to arranging my affairs according to my own liking.

The Head of the House of Coombe"-- with an ironic twitch of the mouth--"will have the law on his side and will not be asked for explanations.