‘It was both pleasing and disturbing. I was momentarily glad to see him again, yet relieved when he went away.’

‘Did you dream about him last night?’

‘No, and that was odd. Ever since I met Orsino, I’ve dreamt about him and the life we’d have together. I always awoke refreshed and happy.’

‘And now?’

‘Something has changed in me, Miss Granville. Since the moment when I remembered what he said about dedicating his life to the theatre, I felt used. Was he really as sincere as he seemed to be?’

‘Only you can answer that question, Dorothea.’

‘I know.’ She walked away, then swung round to face Hannah. ‘When are you going to Brighton Pavilion?’

‘The date has yet to be set.’

‘Oh, I thought you were invited to a ball.’

‘No, it was simply an open invitation to meet the Prince Regent in Brighton. I’m to name the day that’s most convenient.’

‘Just think,’ said Dorothea, excitedly, ‘a letter that you write will actually be read by His Royal Highness.’

‘It will be very formal.’

‘Yes, but it’s yours. I’m sure that he’ll treasure it.’

‘The Prince Regent must get dozens of letters every day.’

‘They don’t all come from a famous actress. Oh, it will be a magical experience for you, Miss Granville. I’m so jealous. You will tell me what the Pavilion is like, won’t you?’

Hannah smiled. ‘I’ll bore you to death with excessive detail.’

‘Orsino promised to take me to Brighton one day. He said that it’s the ideal place for actors to promenade. I used to dream of walking along on his arm and turning heads. Sadly, that will never happen now.’

‘There’ll be other opportunities, Dorothea … with someone else.’

‘I’m not ready to believe that yet.’

Hannah got up from the piano and crossed to her. She could see the doubt whirling in the other’s eyes. Dorothea was still torn between believing the fantasies that she and Price had created and accepting fully that she’d been a victim of his wiles. There seemed to be no chance of her ever finding out the truth.

Dorothea suddenly became animated. ‘Do it now,’ she urged. ‘Reply to that royal invitation and say that you’d love to accept it. What’s holding you back?’

Hannah shrugged. ‘I wish I knew.’

When the Prince Regent walked slowly into his study, the first thing he did was to look at the pile of correspondence on his desk. He turned to his secretary.

‘Has Miss Granville replied to my invitation yet?’

‘No, Your Highness.’

‘Then send someone to make sure that she does.’

CHAPTER NINETEEN