“One must not pay any attention when one is lauded in the press, any more than when one is being castigated.” Meeting Margaret’s gaze, she laughed. “Yes, I was flattered, and so, too, was the queen. I think she is finally taking me seriously as an artist, M. Tomorrow we are to visit Baron Marochetti’s studio.”

“How exciting.”

Louise chuckled. “Well I think so. I have such hopes now that the queen will listen to Mrs. Thorneycroft’s pleas for me to have some formal training.”

“Does that mean Her Majesty has no plans to marry you off next? You are turned eighteen now, and . . .”

“Good heavens, no. Mama will need me to act as her scribe when Lenchen is married, and, though that is something I dread, at least it will allow me some time to myself, while a husband would demand all of it. Besides, there is dear Leo to be cared for. I have news on that front, too.”

“Oh no, poor Leopold—has he been ill again?”

“Quite the contrary. He is in excellent spirits. My brother has a new governor.” Louise leaned even closer. “Lieutenant Walter Stirling of the Horse Artillery. A most handsome young man, and the most good-natured of fellows. Leo adores him.”

“By the sound of it, Leo is not the only one who adores him,” Margaret said, completely taken aback.

To her further astonishment, her friend blushed. “I confess, I find him most attractive.”

“Louise!”

“I know, I know, it is a bit rich after all my advice to you, but I swear, M., I’ve never felt so alive as when I am in Lieutenant Stirling’s company. He has the sweetest smile, it makes me quite dizzy; and when he stands next to me, my heart simply pounds. I know, it sounds so extreme and so unlike me, and I barely know the man. Oh, M., do you think I could be developing a passion?”

Without waiting for an answer, which was as well because Margaret was speechless, Louise continued breathlessly. “He has said not one word regarding his feelings, naturally—he is such a gentleman—but I know he senses it, too. You won’t understand, but there is a—a connection when we look into each other’s eyes. Oh, M., your face! You are thinking that your sensible friend sounds utterly foolish.”

I’m thinking that I know exactly how you feel, Margaret thought, before saying, “I think you must listen to your own advice. You are a royal princess; your reputation must be spotless.”

“It is, and shall remain so.”

“If you ensure that this attraction doesn’t develop any further. For heaven’s sake, what would Her Majesty say if she knew you had set your cap at a mere lieutenant?”