The police should be called immediately, I thought, and I was about to tell the maid to take me to a telephone. But I realized that Princess Marina should not be made upset. Then I remembered Major Beauchamp-Chough. There were rules of protocol to be followed in a royal palace and he was currently master of the house. So if anyone summoned the police it should be he.

“Do you know where one would find Major Beauchamp-Chough?” I asked the maid.

“I expect he would be in his own apartment at this time of night, my lady,” she said, looking at me strangely.

“It was apartment 10, I believe. Do you know which one that is?”

“I’m not sure. I’d have to go and ask,” she said.

“It’s important that I see him right away,” I said. “A situation has arisen that demands his immediate attention. Where can I find a writing desk?”

She took me through to a small sitting room and seated me at a Queen Anne desk by the window. I found an old-fashioned inkwell, pen and paper. I started to write as the maid went to find out how to locate the major’s suite.

Dear Major Beauchamp-Chough,

I am sorry to disturb you at this time of night, but a difficult situation has arisen that demands your immediate attention. Please come to apartment 1 as soon as you receive this.

By the time I had finished, the maid had returned. “His apartment is all the way around at the front of the building,” she said, her expression betraying that she didn’t want to walk all that way in the dark.

I felt for her, but speed was of primary importance. “Then please take him this letter,” I said.

“Now, my lady?” She looked scared and I wondered if she’d heard the stories about Kensington’s ghosts.

“Yes, now. I’d go myself, but that would not be seemly. It’s most urgent, you understand, or I would not be asking you to do this.”

“Very well, my lady.” She bobbed a curtsy and went. I sat at the desk, staring out into blackness, waiting. The image of that white face with staring eyes swam before me and I found I was shivering. It wasn’t long before the major appeared, looking absolutely resplendent in full dress uniform with much braid and a row of medals that were most impressive.

“Lady Georgiana, what on earth is the matter? You look quite white. The maid said it was most urgent. Has the princess been taken ill?”

“Nothing like that, Major. I’m so sorry to disturb you, but it is indeed crucial,” I said. “There is something that you must see. If you’d kindly come with me.” I turned to the maid, who was still hovering in the doorway. “Thank you. You may go now.”