Chapter 23: The Glorification of Monica

⁠​​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​​​⁠Slowing up, we were almost upon the group; and for once we were welcome to our enemies. Even Carmona’s face brightened, a flicker of hope lit Lady Vale-Avon’s grey eyes; and the Duchess deliberately courted us with a smile.

As for Monica, she was radiant as a child who has been surprised by the home-coming of loved ones; yet there was a new wistfulness in her eyes, despite the joy she showed.

“Oh, h