Concerns of unrest seemed trivial to Skiffy’s view of the Continent. ‘I am so excited that you are going abroad. Travel is so improving to one’s character, do you not agree? I find that the most interesting people come from the Continent. Of course, one might be biased in that it is possible all the interesting people come here and leave only the dull ones there, but it is very much to be hoped that is not the case. In any case, I have so many friends who have gone to Brussels, some of them on the “economical plan,” if you take my meaning. Financial difficulties would not be your reason for going, of course, and I am certain that with Prinny’s patronage you can gain entrée into all the best houses there.’

‘That would be most generous of him.’

‘When do you set out? I must know so I can write to my friends and tell them to look for you.’

Jane looked again to the end of the table where Vincent sat, wishing she knew whence this belief in their going to the Continent had sprung, but her husband’s attention was occupied by the lady on his left, who was speaking with some animation. ‘We have hardly set our plans. I would hesitate to venture a guess which might cause you to lead your friends astray.’

‘Well then, I shall tell them they must look for you whenever you arrive.’

‘But indeed, we might not go to Brussels at all.’

‘Surely not Paris? Oh, that would be heaven. M. Lecomte aside, the French have quite the head for fashion. Everything is in the best taste there. I am so glad you are going to Paris.’

Across the table, Lord Chesterford snorted, saving her a reply. ‘All this sallying forth to the Continent is in bad taste, if you ask my opinion. We defeated those cursed frenchies, and it was deuced hard to do – begging your pardon, ladies. Why the devil – pardon – anyone would go fawn at their feet in the name of Fashion now is beyond me.’

‘Oh, Fordy, you really must control yourself. The war is over. What more is there to say?’

‘Over?’ His moustache fairly quivered with indignation. ‘My brother left an arm there, and you speak to me of “over”? Mark me: those frogs will be no end of trouble. Giving the Corsican Ogre leave to continue to rule is a travesty, after what we went through.’

From farther down the table, Lord Fairchild abandoned his dinner partner to say, ‘Napoleon is “ruling” – if you can call it that – the tiniest of islands. I scarcely think he can mount an invasion from there.’

‘But his followers might.’ Lord Chesterford huffed through his moustache. ‘Mark me: those cursed Bonapartists will use the youth of the Ogre’s son as an excuse to place a regent on the throne.’