“I always know when you are apprehensive or afraid,” he replied, “but tonight I wish you to enjoy yourself and I hope you will like my friends.”

“Will many of them be there?” Alyna enquired. “I understand it is quite a small dinner party,” Lord Dorrington replied, “that is, according to Carlton House standards. About thirty guests, I should think.”

“Do you – think that I look – smart enough?” Alyna asked hesitatingly.

Lord Dorrington smiled.

“Have I been so remiss as not to have informed you that you look very magnificent and very lovely?”

She felt herself quiver.

This was the second time he had described her in such a way and tonight she was sure that there was a note of sincerity in his voice.

Then she thought that perhaps she was just imagining that he admired her simply because she so deeply longed for him to do so.

She made no reply and after a moment he said,

“I have been wondering why you chose to wear the sapphires. Was it because you thought that they would warn you if there was danger near us?”

“You remembered what I said to you?” Alyna asked.

“I remember everything you have said to me,” Lord Dorrington replied simply. “You told me that sapphires change their colour if their owner is likely to die or was in danger.”

“I told you that was what I had read in a book belonging to Papa,” Alyna said. “I wonder if it is true.”

She held out her hand as she spoke so that the light fell on the huge sapphire that she wore on her left hand.

It looked dark and mysterious in the dimness of the coach.

After a moment Alyna said,

“I am not quite certain what I expect to see.”

“Then let’s assume that everything is all right,” Lord Dorrington remarked dryly.

Alyna thought with a little stab of her heart how overoptimistic he was!

Even at this moment the Prince could be plotting against him and there might be an assailant waiting outside Carlton House.

She felt herself shiver, but she knew that to speak of her fears would do no good.

“For whatever reason you chose your jewels tonight,” Lord Dorrington went on, “they are certainly most becoming.”

“They are very impressive,” Alyna said, “and Mr. Greyshott informed me that in the family collection there are sets of almost every stone. Diamonds, emeralds, turquoises and – rubies.”

She paused before she mentioned the last jewel.

Then she said, remembering the ring the Prince had given her,

“Those – I will never wear.’’

“I should not wish you to do so,” Lord Dorrington replied sharply. “They would be most unbecoming, considering the colour of your hair.”

There was silence for a moment before he continued,

“Did Mr. Greyshott tell you that the sapphire set was my mother’s favourite?”

“No, he did not mention it,” Alyna replied. “Do you mind my – wearing them?”