“But I insist. You know as well as I do that we must see each other and that nothing and no one shall prevent it.”

“Let me pass – ” Gretna pleaded with him.

“Only when you have told me where I can find you,” the Marquis answered. “Although I daresay, if you refuse, the Prince would give me your address.”

The last remark was almost a challenge as if it was spoken because of some suddenly aroused suspicion within his breast.

“You can ask the Prince – if you please,” Gretna replied.

“But I would rather you told me. What is this mystery? Are you betrothed like your mother to someone you do not care for? Are you even married?”

“Neither of those – things,” Gretna answered.

“Then I see nothing I need be afraid of. Stop playing and tell me where I may find you.”

Gretna looked behind her and saw a man rise from one of the card tables and come towards the window. She realised as he advanced that he was about to open it obviously in need of fresh air.

She paused for a moment and then almost despairingly, as a man might make a last pronouncement before the waters closed over his head, she said,

“You will find me, should you wish for further acquaintance, my Lord, at Lord Uxbridge’s house in St. James’s Square.”

She saw the Marquis wrinkle his brow even as the window began to open and then, throwing back her head proudly, she added in a voice that was quite clear and unhesitant,

“It is – my friend’s house. Her name is Mistress Fitzherbert!”

She saw the sudden stupefaction of the Marquis’s expression and then, as the card player opened the window, she stepped through it and into the salon and was gone without looking back.

She hurried through the State apartments until, as she had expected, she found Maria beside the Prince. They were talking to a small circle of friends and, as Gretna approached them, Maria put out her hand and drew her close.

“I missed you, dearest,” she said, “and I have sent innumerable young men in search of you. Where had you lost yourself?”

“I-I was admiring the pictures and – and the treasures of The Palace,” Gretna stammered.

“I am gratified that they should prove so entrancing,” the Prince chipped in with a smile.

It was obvious that he was pleased and that any compliment to his house he took as a compliment to himself.

“I do hope it has not tired you,” Maria said. “For I declare you look quite pale. Shall we have a glass of wine or shall we retire? It’s getting late.”

“Please let us retire,” Gretna stressed.