I wrestled with taking this one stage further and telling him that I had seen the young man myself and his portrait had hung in my room until it was mysteriously changed for another one. But Dragomir decided this for me by saying, “Pardon me, Highness, but I am wanted elsewhere.” And he backed away from me.

I was just considering how strange it would be if I really were a princess and people had to back away from my presence, when Lady Middlesex came over to me, with Miss Deer-Harte in tow.

“Well, there’s a turnup for the books,” she said. “I see you’ve made a good match for yourself. The queen will be pleased. My congratulations.”

I managed a weak smile and nod. “I asked Dragomir if any of the servants had reported seeing Miss Deer-Harte’s young man, but he dismissed the idea that there could be a stranger in the castle.”

“I know what I saw,” Miss Deer-Harte said emphatically. “And I’m going to prove to you all that I was right. He can’t escape in this weather so I’ll spot him eventually and I’m wearing my whistle. As soon as I see him I’ll blow it to attract attention.”

“Watch what you’re saying, Deer-Harte—here comes that awful man.” Lady Middlesex glanced over her shoulder. And sure enough, Patrascue, with a couple of his men in tow, had entered the drawing room. Although everyone else was dressed for the evening, he was still in a black street coat with the collar turned up. He stood in the doorway, looking around. It was as if an icy blast had entered the room. The women froze in midconversation. Patrascue waved his hand lazily. “Do not let me disturb you, Majesties. Pray continue.”

He spotted me and women stepped aside for him as he made a beeline for me. “I hear that congratulations are in order. So you changed your mind and accepted his offer, did you, English Lady Georgiana? Soon you will be one of my people. I look forward to that day.”

Again I felt the threat: soon I will have control over you. But I managed a gracious nod and words of thanks.

“The men have not yet left the dinner table, Mr. Patrascue,” the queen said in her clear French voice. “I suggest you leave us ladies to finish our coffee and brandy in peace.”

“Majesty.” Patrascue managed a semipolite nod and retreated again. I heaved a sigh of relief.

“Don’t let that man upset you, my dear,” the queen said, extending her hand to me. “I can’t think why he is so interested in you, but ignore him. We all do. Come and have a glass of cognac. You look quite pale.” And she led me back into the fold.