“But you’re not even part of the direct line,” she blurted out.

“Actually I am. Albeit thirty-fourth,” I said.

“And Binky is thirty-second and at least he’s a duke.”

“Ah, but Binky wouldn’t look quite right in a bridesmaid’s dress, holding a bouquet,” I said. “You see, the princess particularly asked for me to be one of her bridal attendants.”

Fig’s eyes opened even wider. “You? Why on earth did she ask for you?”

“Because we were great friends at school,” I said, not bat-ting an eyelid as I said it. “You see, that horribly expensive education that you gripe about did have its advantages after all.”

“Binky!” Fig shouted in a way no lady should. “Binky, Georgiana has been asked to represent the family at a royal wedding, in Romania.”

Binky appeared from the library, still wearing his overcoat and muffler. “What’s this?”

“She’s been asked to represent the royal family, at a wedding,” Fig repeated. “Did you ever hear of such a thing?”

“I expect they didn’t want to send any of the direct heirs for fear of assassination,” Binky said easily. “They’re always assassinating each other in that part of the world.”

It was clear that Fig liked this answer. I was being sent because I was expendable, not because I was worthy. It did put a different complexion on things. “And when is this wedding?” she asked.

“I’m to leave next week.”

“Next week. That doesn’t give you much time, does it? What about clothes? Are you expected to have some kind of dress made to be part of this bridal procession?”

“No. Luckily the princess is having us all dressed by her couturiere, from Paris. That’s why I have to go early.”

“What about your tiara? It’s still in the vault in Scotland. Will we have to have it sent down to you?”

“I’m not sure whether tiaras will be worn. I’ll have to ask the queen’s secretary.”

“And what about travel? Who is paying for all this?”

“The queen’s secretary is taking care of everything. All I have to come up with is a maid.”

Fig looked from me to Binky and back again. “How are you going to do that?”

“At this moment I have no idea. I don’t suppose any of the servants at Castle Rannoch would like a jaunt to Romania?”

Fig laughed. “My dear girl, it’s hard enough to persuade the servants at Castle Rannoch to come down to London, which they perceive as a dangerous and sinful place. If you remember, your maid Maggie wouldn’t do so. Her mother wouldn’t allow it.”

I shrugged. “Then I’ll just have to see if I can borrow a lady’s maid from someone in London. Failing that, I’ll have to hire one from an agency.”

“How can you hire one? You have no money,” she said.