“As you often do,” I reminded her.

She grinned. “It usually works wonders.”

“Did she go off with the American?”

“I can’t tell you. I think he left soon after. He didn’t look as if he was enjoying himself. Not the usual Crockford’s type. Didn’t look comfortable in evening dress, if you know what I mean.”

A strange look came over her face. “In fact the odd thing is I thought I saw her leaving with—” She broke off suddenly, then shook her head. “No, it couldn’t have been.”

“Who?”

“Nothing. It doesn’t matter.” She waved a hand expansively. “Take Princess Marina to the Café de Paris. That’s grand enough and staid enough that none of George’s or Bobo’s cronies will be there.”

“I’d better be getting back to the palace. I’m supposed to be at the princess’s beck and call,” I said. “Will you come with me when I have to take her around? It could be fun, shopping for a trousseau at all the salons.”

“Maybe,” she said. “I’m not sure if I’ll have time.”

“What do you mean? You’ve just come home. Of course you have time.”

As I stood up to walk to the front door I turned back suddenly. “And I have a brilliant idea—you could design her an outfit. If she wears it, it would really put you on the map.”

I didn’t get the response I expected. “I suppose I could,” she said hesitantly.

I’d expected her to jump up, hugging me and yelling, “Darling, you’re a genius.”

“Come on, Belinda,” I said. “This could be your big chance. If Princess Marina wears your clothing, everyone will want it.”

She nodded. “You’re right. I wonder if I have time to pull it off.”

“Time to pull it off? What else are you doing right now? Buck up and get on with it!”

“Right.” She gave me a resolute smile. “I will. She’s tall, isn’t she? About my height?”

“Wait until you meet her and then you’ll get an idea of what she likes to wear. I’ll keep you posted on what she wants to do,” I said. A sudden dreadful thought struck me. “Crikey, Belinda. What if she says she wants to mingle with London society and I can’t take her to nightclubs?”

“Lunch at the Savoy Grill, darling. That’s a good start. You’ll see everyone you know if you sit there for half an hour. And bring her to the new Noel Coward play—oh, I know, all those rumors about Noel and the prince, but who could resist Noel’s charm, and you know him quite well, don’t you? Feather in your cap.”

“He did stay with my mother last Christmas, so I know him a little,” I said.