“He fears he may be sent back to London,” Siegfried said. “And if he is able to join us once more, then I shall have learned the correct route and be able to lead. I have great experience, you know. I have tackled the Alps and the Dolo mites. I know no fear.”

“Jolly good,” I said. “Then we may well attempt the part with the overhang.”

He blanched, making his already pale face even paler. “But it seemed impossible.”

“Not with a good rope and pitons,” I said. “What is a thousand-foot drop if you are securely anchored? Until after breakfast, then.”

I thought he looked a trifle green. I was beginning to enjoy myself for the first time in ages.

The Americans were also not looking at their best. Babe looked particularly haggard. So did Mrs. Simpson. “How am I expected to get my beauty sleep if we’re awoken in the middle of the night?” she demanded.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I realize you must need quite a bit of it these days.”

I saw Mr. Simpson smirk. Again I felt sorry for the man. At least he had a sense of humor.

Lachan and Murdoch entered while we were in the middle of breakfast. I was tucking into the usual bacon, eggs and smoked haddock, while watching Babe and Mrs. Simpson having half a grapefruit and a slice of toast each.

“So are we all ready?” Lachan asked, helping himself to everything that was going.

“What for?”

“Did you no say you wanted to go on a haggis hunt?” Lachan asked.

“Not for me. Nothing fierce,” the countess said quickly.

“Well, I think that might be fun,” Babe said, eyeing Lachan’s broad shoulders. “Let’s do it, okay, Earl?”

“Whatever you want, baby.”

“And where is that delightful young man Hugo?” Babe asked. “Maybe he’d like to join us.”

“I think I saw him going out a while back,” Mrs. Simpson said. “I expect he’s gone back to his friends with the speedboat. Oh, and I gather from sources in the know that a shoot is being planned tomorrow at Balmoral, for any of you who enjoy such things. I may just go shopping in the nearest town, if there is a nearest town. I’m running low on nail polish.”

“We have to stay and go shooting, Babe,” Earl said. “You know I love shooting things. I’ve been looking forward to it. Wallis promised us shooting here every day and there has been none so far.”

“My brother was not intending to step on a trap and nearly lose his foot,” I said coldly. I was a trifle vexed by the way they discussed my family and my home as if we didn’t exist.

“Of course not, poor sap,” Earl said. “So should I take my gun on your little expedition today, young man?”

“Maybe not,” Lachan said. “You might miss and that would enrage them.”