“Wasn’t there some kind of scandal that involved him earlier this year?” the Prince of Wales chimed in. “Horse doping at the Gold Cup or something. The winning horse dropped dead and it was found it had been doped.”

“That’s right. And O’Mara’s father was the trainer,” Dicky agreed. “There was a frightful fuss but nothing was ever proven.”

I could hardly stand it a second longer. I wanted to jump up and yell at them to stop talking about it as if they were discussing the weather. This was my Darcy’s father, my Darcy’s whole future we were discussing. I desperately wanted to go home and was so glad when the princess suggested that we ladies retire and leave the men to their port. The moment we were out of the dining room I took her aside and told her I was not feeling well. Could she possibly have her chauffeur drive me back to the palace?

Then she was terribly solicitous. “Of course. You’ve had such a tiring day. And you’re worried for Darcy. But I’m sure he will sort it all out. They’ll find it was a horrid misunderstanding and all will be well.”

When I tried to thank her she took my hands. “Come and visit me again. Anytime,” she said. “And if you need to borrow the Armstrong, it’s yours.”

Her kindness, more than anything, made me feel as if I was about to cry. I pressed my lips together and nodded.

“I’ll make your excuses to the others,” she said. “Jean-Claude will be disappointed, of course. But it’s good for him to find he is not irresistible to every female in the world.” She glanced back to where the sound of male laughter came from the dining room. “Although I have to say he really is awfully good at it. You might have found it surprisingly fun.” Then she gave my hand a little squeeze.

I was driven back to the palace and found that the fire in my room had not succeeded in making it much warmer. There was no sign of Queenie. I struggled with the hooks on my dress and climbed into a cold bed. Then I curled into a tight little ball and tried to sleep. But sleep wouldn’t come. Had Darcy telephoned? I pictured him also lying alone in a cold bed, worrying and thinking of me.