I was amazed to receive a reply to Binky’s letter the day after he sent it. It was addressed to me and, what’s more, was written in the queen’s own hand.

My dear Georgiana,

I was delighted to hear that you have now returned to London and will be here for my son’s wedding. I understand you have been abroad until recently. My granddaughters certainly missed seeing you at Balmoral this year.

Perhaps you would be good enough to come to the palace tomorrow, if it’s convenient. I must tour a factory in the morning and have lunch in their canteen, but I should be home in time for tea at four.

Your affectionate cousin,

Mary R.

The R, of course, meant Regina.

Fig came in as I was reading the letter.

“Something came from the palace, I hear,” she said. “That was certainly rapid. They are able to fit you into the guest list then?”

“I don’t know. The letter is from the queen. She wants me to come to tea tomorrow.”

“Good heavens. From the queen herself? What could she possibly want to see you for?” She looked up as Binky joined us. “The queen has written to Georgiana,” Fig said in clipped tones. “She’s invited her to tea. We never get invited to tea at the palace, do we?”

“The queen is dashed fond of Georgie,” Binky said. “One noticed that when Georgie didn’t show up at Balmoral. She probably wants to hear all about her travels abroad.”

Oh golly. I hoped not. I didn’t want to have to tell someone like Queen Mary about the shenanigans that went on in Hollywood. She would not be amused, I was sure.

“You should do more to make our presence in London known, Binky,” Fig said. “Then we might receive more invitations. We should get out more. Be more social. Go to nightclubs and dine where we are seen.”

“All that takes money, old bean,” Binky said. “Something we have precious little of. Unless there is some of your legacy left after the central heating?”

“Oh, I don’t think there will be,” Fig said hastily.

Chapter 6

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31

Tea with the queen today. Oh golly. Please don’t let me spill anything or smash a priceless vase.