“My nanny was actually quite kind, which was good as neither of my parents was in evidence. But windows are always required to be open at Castle Rannoch, even in Scottish gales.”

Marina smiled. “George has told me about the obligatory visits to Balmoral. I expect it will be much the same there.”

“Definitely. And the piper waking everyone at dawn.”

We laughed, at least Marina and I did. Irmtraut sat silent and staring past us, out of the window.

“Where are you to live, ma’am?” I asked. “Here at Kensington Palace?”

“Oh gosh, no. Too depressing for words, don’t you think?” she said. “We’ll be living in Belgrave Square. George is anxious to be moving out of his rooms at St. James’s Palace. Do you know Belgrave Square?”

“Our family’s London home is also there. What a coincidence.”

“Then we shall be neighbors. How lovely.” She reached out to me this time.

Irmtraut glared.

We chatted on as Marina worked her way through crumpets and scones and shortbread. It was all very pleasant and we probably lingered a little too long before finally realizing that we should go up and change for dinner at the palace. I found Queenie in my room, reading a magazine.

“Did you get your tea sent up to you?” I asked.

“No, I told them not to bother and I came down to have it in the kitchen. When it comes on a tray you only get one slice of cake.”

The thought of Queenie coming down the stairs at just the time that Princess Marina was obviously arriving made me go cold all over. “I’d prefer it if you stayed put, Queenie.”

“But it’s lonely up here all by myself. And it’s a bit creepy too. I kept hearing noises last night.”

“I’m sure it was just the wind,” I said brightly. No sense in telling her about the ghosts. “But now I have to get ready for dinner at the palace so please get out my blue evening dress.”

“Your blue one?” she asked.

“Yes. The cornflower blue silk with the beading. The one my mother bought for me in America when my best clothes were lost in the fire. And those nice silk evening shoes too. I have to look my best.”

There was a long pause. A feeling of doom began to creep over me. “Queenie, has something happened to my evening dress? You didn’t try to iron it, and melt it, did you?”

“Oh no, miss. Nothing like that. It’s just that . . . it ain’t here.”

“What do you mean?”

“I must have left it behind when we had to get out of your friend’s place in a hurry. I remember that I couldn’t fit all of your things into the wardrobe in the box room, so I shoved some into Miss Belinda’s wardrobe. I suppose I must have forgotten them.”