“Forgive me, I don’t have the right, I know. But I’ve loved you myself for at least two years and, well, he is quite a lot older than you, and he . . .”

“Has a reputation with women,” Petra finished for him. “Yes, I know all about that, Charlie. And, I couldn’t care less about his reputation. I love Guy, and he loves me. It’s as simple as that. Although I can feel the speculation all around me. Do they think I’m marrying him for his money . . . or for his title?”

Charlie didn’t immediately answer and Petra said, “So, as I thought, they’re all wondering why Guy’s bothering with me.”

Charlie didn’t contradict her. “Gossip is never pleasant.” He steered her deftly around a stationary couple before saying hesitantly, “Do your parents approve of the marriage?”

Petra sighed. “Because they’re not here, you mean?”

“Well, it is unusual. People do notice such things.”

“If I didn’t love you as a dear, dear friend, Charlie, I would resent these questions,” she stated. “But to answer you, my father gave his consent very readily, but he managed to injure his ankle, which stopped them from traveling for the moment.”

“I know I shouldn’t be saying any of this,” he replied. “But I wanted you to know that people are asking and speculating and I think you should be prepared. Diana agreed.”

“So you were discussing me with Diana,” Petra said, sounding resigned.

“Only because we both love you.”

“Yes, I know.” Petra looked around the floor for Diana and Guy, wondering if Diana was having a similar conversation with him. She didn’t think Guy would take kindly to such comments. She caught sight of them across the room. Guy was returning Diana to Rupert, but he looked quite unperturbed as he kissed her hand and moved away to talk with a group of men standing by the orchestra dais. So, no troubled waters then, whatever Diana had said.

“Don’t be angry, Petra,” Charlie said. “You look really fierce.”

“Do I? I’m sorry, I’m not in the least angry. Guy had said there would be gossip, it was why he wanted a big party so there were no secrets to fuel it.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “I’d like some champagne. Let’s go and sit in the window over there.” She gestured to a deep embrasure where two gilt chairs stood invitingly empty.

Charlie readily directed their steps there and Petra sat down, resisting the urge to fall back and stretch her legs out in front of her. Sprawling was frowned upon at a formal ball. She tucked her feet under the chair and fanned herself while Charlie went off for champagne.