“Darling, the people we mix with had nothing to do with it. It was those nasty militaristic Prussians. Your father’s wretched cousin Kaiser Willie. No, you’d live well in Germany. Good food, if a little stodgy, and great wine, and Berlin is such a lively city. Or we could find you an Austrian and live in Vienna. Now there’s a delightful city for you. And the Austrians—all so fun loving and absolutely no interest in war or conquest.”

“Isn’t this new chap Hitler an Austrian?”

“Darling, we met him recently. Such a funny little man. I’m sure nobody will take him seriously. And there’s also Nicky’s brother, Anton. Now he would be quite a catch. I rather fancy him myself, but with Max as his brother’s godfather—well, one has to draw the line somewhere.”

“I’m surprised you’re still with Max,” I said. “He doesn’t seem your type at all. He doesn’t seem very lively. You’re much more at home with people like Noel Coward—theater people.”

“Of course I am, but so many of them are like dear sweet Noel—pansies, darling. And let me warn you that a certain prince in this house is one of them too. Because I have heard rumors that you’re being considered for the post of princess.”

“Siegfried, you mean?” I laughed. “Yes, he’s already proposed and let me know that I could take lovers after I produced the heir.”

“Aren’t men funny?” Mother laughed again. “But I rather think your interests lie in another direction. A certain Mr. O’Mara?” She laughed at my red face. “Darling, you have bitten off more than you can chew there. He does have a reputation, you know. Wild Irish boy. I can’t see him settling down and changing nappies, can you? And of course he has no money and money is rather important to happiness.”

“Are you happy with Max?”

Those large china doll eyes opened wide. “What an interesting question. I get bored and think I’ll leave and then the poor dear adores me so much that I simply can’t do it. He wants to marry me, you know.”

“Are you thinking of marrying him?”