“Princess Marina of Greece,” Binky said. “Danish royal family, you know. You’ve met her cousin Philip, haven’t you? Very handsome. Nice boy. Good sportsman.”

“And of course we’ve been invited to the wedding,” Fig added with satisfaction. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world, would we, Binky?”

“Oh no,” Binky said. “Ripping good fun.”

“I wonder if I’m invited,” I said. “Is it to be a big affair?”

“Westminster Abbey,” Fig said. “I wouldn’t know if you’ve been included in the guest list. They have to draw the line somewhere.”

Binky pulled up his chair a little closer to me. “So, Georgie, what are your plans now you’ve returned from America? Are you staying in London?”

“I was borrowing a friend’s mews cottage,” I said, “but she has returned home unexpectedly so I’m having to move out. I was thinking of coming up to Castle Rannoch while I look for a suitable job, but of course that’s now out of the question. There is always my grandfather. . . .”

“The one in Essex?” Fig made it sound as if it were one of the outer circles of hell.

“Since the other one has been dead for many years the answer to that would be yes,” I replied. “He’s a perfectly charming person, just not—”

“Of our class,” Fig cut in. “You can’t seriously be thinking of living in Essex! What would the family say if they found out? I don’t think they would appreciate the news that you were staying with a Cockney in Essex, Georgiana. However charming he is.”

“Then do you have a better suggestion?” I asked.

“You must stay here,” Binky said with great enthusiasm.

Fig’s face was a picture. She opened her mouth, went to say something, closed it again. I couldn’t resist answering hurriedly, “If you’re really sure it wouldn’t be inconvenient?”

“Inconvenient?” Binky said. “It’s your home, Georgie, old bean. We’d love to have you—wouldn’t we, Fig?”

There was a distinct pause before she managed a tight smile and said, “Of course we would. Absolutely love you to stay.”

Chapter 4

OCTOBER 29

RANNOCH HOUSE, BELGRAVE SQUARE, LONDON W.1.

I had to smile to myself as I left Rannoch House and headed for the Hyde Park Corner tube station. I had somewhere to stay for the immediate future. Now all I needed to do was to collect Queenie from her parents so that she could pack up my clothes and help me move in.