A voice sounded at her ear. “These are some exhibits from the East India Company Museum, my lady. The museum is also housed in Leadenhall, if you would like to visit it at your leisure.”

Gabby drew back. An imposing butler stood before her. She asked, “Are these the plunder from the capture of Seringapatam?”

The butler bowed affirmatively. “They are. They were sent as a gift for the queen and are here by special permission of Her Majesty.”

Quill slipped his hand under Gabby’s elbow. “What are you looking at, love?”

Her eyes were shining with anger. “I recognized that bird,” she said, indicating a large ruby-encrusted statue of a cock. “It was taken during the capture of Seringapatam. I played with it as a child.” She turned away suddenly and walked toward the far end of the hallway, ignoring the rest of the cabinets.

They entered the reception hall to find that the receiving line had just dissolved. There was a moment’s confusion, and then a man with long, drawn cheeks and a small amount of wavy hair tied back at his neck rushed toward them.

“My dear Lord Breksby!” he cried with apparent delight. “I scarcely dared hope that you would be able to join us today, that you would take note of our small endeavors!”

Breksby bowed. “Mr. Grant, the pleasure is all mine, naturally. May I present my guests? I have been so bold as to bring a few acquaintances to your gathering.”

Mr. Grant’s face was a trifle bleak as he cast a quick look over the group, even though his words were welcoming enough. “Could it be? Could you have done us the inexpressible honor of bringing the daughter of my esteemed friend, Richard Jerningham, to my little gathering?” He bowed in Gabby’s direction. She curtsied in reply.

Quill noticed that there was a little smile playing around the corner of Breksby’s mouth.

“Indeed,” Breksby replied, “I have brought Gabrielle Jerningham to your party, Charles, although she is now the Viscountess Dewland, as I am persuaded you must be aware. I was quite, quite convinced that you would wish her to greet your rediscovered prince. And this is Viscount Dewland.”

Quill thought that Grant’s face was looking a trifle longer than it was when the party entered. But he bowed politely enough.

Breksby’s voice was practically shimmering with naughty pleasure. “Now, we would hate to waste a moment before allowing the viscountess to meet her dear, dear childhood companion—”