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He clearly thought it would be quite impossible for her to learn a language in so short a time and it made her even more determined than she was already that she would speak Velidosian fluently.
    She was looking out to sea, aware that the moonlight was now turning the water to silver and the night held an enchantment that was difficult to put into words.
    She was not thinking of him, but she suddenly became aware that Darius was looking at her.
    â€œYou are very lovely, Miss Brooke,” he murmured, “and as we in Velidos love beauty, I promise you that you will be a great success in our country.”
    Titania smiled at him.
    â€œIt is very kind of you to say anything so encouraging, but I doubt if I shall be allowed to meet many of your people or, as I would like to do, explore the country.”
    â€œWhy should you not do so?” he asked.
    Titania thought quickly that it would be a mistake for him to realise what an unpleasant position she occupied in the family to which she belonged.
    â€œI think,” she said at length, “that I must retire to bed. My aunt will be displeased if she hears I am on deck talking to you and of course unchaperoned.”
    â€œNow you are making difficulties,” protested Darius. “I assure you most people take such matters of etiquette more easily at sea and forget all the social restrictions that are so important on land.”
    â€œI only hope you that are right and I don’t wish to be forbidden to take my lessons with you. I must therefore go and ask both my aunt and my cousin if there is anything I can do for them before I retire to bed.”
    She put out her hand as she spoke and added,
    â€œGood night and thank you for saying you will teach me what I want to know.”
    â€œIt is an honour and a privilege,” Darius replied.
    To Titania’s surprise he raised her hand to his lips and kissed it.
    â€œGood night, Miss Brooke. I am looking forward to our first lesson tomorrow.”
    Titania left him, thinking he was very kind and friendly. If all the people in Velidos were like him, it might make life easier than she had expected it to be, but equally there were still Sophie and her aunt to cope with.
    She went first to the cabin occupied by the Duchess.
    â€œI have come to say good night, Aunt Louise,” ventured Titania, as she entered.
    â€œYou should have come to me earlier,” the Duchess told her sharply. “What have you been doing? I heard that dinner was over at least an hour ago.”
    â€œI have been on deck.”
    â€œAlone?”
    â€œThe Equerry spoke to me before I came below.”
    â€œNow you will kindly behave yourself while I am tied to my bed and cannot keep an eye on you. If I find you flirting with that young man or anyone else, I will make you stay in your cabin and lock you in until we arrive. Is that clear?”
    For one moment Titania wanted to tell her aunt she would not be spoken to in such a fashion.
    As her father’s daughter she knew how to behave herself properly, but then she knew only too well there was no point arguing with her aunt.
    She merely responded,
    â€œI assure you, Aunt Louise, that I know how to behave as I have been at sea many times with my father.”
    At the mention of Lord Rupert, the Duchess sniffed, but did not say anything. She merely looked round the cabin as if she was trying to find something to find fault with.
    Finally after a pause she said,
    â€œGive me my glasses. They are on the dressing table and then you had better go to bed. I have told Martha when I wish to be woken tomorrow morning.”
    Titania brought her aunt her glasses and walked towards the door.
    â€œGood night, Aunt Louise. I hope you sleep well.”
    The Duchess did not answer.
    Titania left closing the door quietly behind her and then moved on to Sophie’s cabin. Sophie had obviously enjoyed a good dinner and was in a better temper than she had been when they first