“Absolutely. If the car can find its way there in this fog.”

She looked out of the window. “Goodness, it is quite dense, isn’t it?” she said, then added, “There’s a car pulling up outside now. Is it for us, do you think?”

I went over to look, worried it might be more policemen, which would certainly alarm the others or at least make them suspicious. But instead Marina said happily, “Oh, it’s George. How lovely.”

And Prince George himself headed for the front door. The knock was answered promptly, I noticed, and a rather flustered maid came in to announce, “His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent.”

George came striding into the room looking remarkably jaunty and debonair. “Well, that’s what I call a sight for sore eyes,” he said. “The Three Graces.”

“You should have warned us you were coming, George,” Marina said. “We are not yet dressed to receive visitors.”

“Ah, but I’m not really a visitor. I’m a husband-to-be and will soon be gazing upon you in your night attire. Besides, you look absolutely charming.” He went over and kissed her cheek. “I’ve come to whisk you away, my dear. I’m meeting the decorator at the house and I thought you’d want to see his suggestions for wallpaper before he puts it on the walls.”

“Oh yes, of course.” Marina looked pleased. “But we can’t take too long. Georgiana and I have a shopping spree planned for my trousseau.”

“Ah well, we can’t get in the way of your buying dainty little things, can we. Just make sure they can be taken off easily.” He gave her a wicked grin.

There was an intake of breath from Irmtraut, and Marina said, “George, we’re at the breakfast table, with young ladies present.”

“Sorry, old thing.” He didn’t look particularly sorry. “Didn’t mean to offend. I promise not to keep you from your shopping too long.”

“You must let me finish my breakfast first and then go and change. I’m not appearing in public unless I’m looking my best. Too many cameras around.”

“Yes, you have become the darling of the press, haven’t you?” George said. “I’m pleased they’ve taken to you so well. The public is glad that at least one prince is doing the right thing. And my brother is glad because it’s taking the spotlight off him. So come on. Eat up and off we go.”

“And I’ll go and round up my friend,” I said, rising from my seat. “The one who knows all the best places to shop in London.”

“Splendid.” Marina smiled at me. “We’ll meet back here at eleven, shall we?”

“And I? What am I to do?” Irmtraut asked.

“Oh, you can come shopping with us, of course,” Marina said as if she’d only just remembered that Irmtraut was in the room with us.