I tried to eat but in truth I was still too upset. I kept hearing the strange whoosh of that bullet passing close to me and then imagining it thudding into Elizabeth’s back. The thought of it made me quite sick.

I looked around the room, trying to make light conversation, and my gaze fell on a collection of silver-framed photographs on the little writing desk in the corner. I recognized a much younger Major Padgett, with resplendent mustache and a chest full of medals, standing beside Queen Victoria. Another one with King Edward VII. Yet another on a polo pony. He had been a dashing man in his time. Then there were pictures of Ronny: standing beside her plane, holding up a trophy, as a young girl in her swimming suit, laughing amid the waves.

“Is Ronny your only child?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said. “She came to us rather late in life. We couldn’t have children, you see. And then we were offered her. It seemed like a miracle at the time.”

“She’s certainly gone on to wonderful feats,” I said.

A smile flashed across the sad, tired face. “Yes, hasn’t she? And we’ve been so happy to see so much of her this summer. Usually she finds Scotland too boring, but this year she’s been coming and going all summer. I realize it is the speedboat trials and not her parents that entice her, but it’s very nice all the same. We are rather cut off here for most of the year.” And her expression reverted to sadness again.

“Hester, old thing, any chance of a cup of tea?” came a booming voice down the hallway, and Major Padgett came in. He started visibly as he noticed us. “Good gracious,” he said. “Your Royal Highness. Lady Georgiana. What on earth are you doing here?”

“They were shot at,” Mrs. Padgett said. “They took refuge here and of course we still have no telephone so I couldn’t let anyone at the castle know.”

“Shot at? Are you sure?” He frowned. “But there is no shooting going on today. In fact we’ve had the place full of blasted policemen, tramping over everything and asking damned fool questions. Well, I hope my wife has kept you entertained?”

I noticed a look that I couldn’t interpret pass between them.

“Very well, thank you.”

“Then we’d better get you back to the castle, hadn’t we?” he said. “Your parents will start to worry about you if you don’t show up soon, Your Highness.”

“We have our ponies,” Elizabeth said firmly. “We can’t leave them here.”

“Princess Elizabeth can ride in your motorcar with you, and I’ll follow with the horses,” I said.

“Splendid.” He smiled at me. He was still a handsome man when he smiled.