The plants were very exotic. There were orchids of every size, shape and colour. There were strange cacti, azaleas and tropical lilies brought from the other side of the world and yet so well-tended that they were flourishing on alien soil.

The Prince of Wales was as knowledgeable about his plants and flowers as he was about his pictures.

There was no doubt, Alyna thought, that in decrying his extravagances and his theatrical behaviour where Mrs. Fitzherbert was concerned, the majority of English people missed his many extraordinary qualities.

He was erudite without being pompous, humorous without being coarse and brilliant without making other people feel inferior. He was also a very clever mimic.

She wondered if his being so knowledgeable and versatile was one of the reasons that made his father hate him. For George III had been appallingly badly educated.

Alyna was deciding that she must learn a great deal more about the Heir to the Throne when he was telling her a fascinating story of his acquisition of a very rare alpine flower, broke off his discussion to say,

“I see that we have other guests arriving, Lady Dorrington.”

He walked away from her as he spoke to greet someone who had just entered the conservatory.

And Alyna now found Lord Dorrington at her side.

“I have so much to ask you,” she said, eagerly looking up at him. “I want you to tell me more about His Royal Highness. I had no idea that he could be so fascinating!”

Then before Lord Dorrington could reply, she glanced towards their host and saw him shaking hands with an elderly man wearing a red and gold ribbon across his shirt front.

Then, with a little gasp that she could not suppress, Alyna saw who accompanied the newcomer.

There was no mistaking that flash of white teeth, the arrogant carriage of his head or the glitter of too many jewelled orders on his evening coat.

It was Prince Ahmadi who had entered the conservatory.

“It’s all right,” she heard Lord Dorrington say in a low voice, “he will not hurt you here.”

“We must leave!” Alyna said quickly.

Even as she spoke she knew that she was afraid not for herself, but for Lord Dorrington.

She could not think clearly, she could only feel frantically that they must get away, that they could not be together in the same room as Prince Ahmadi.

“You would hardly expect me to play the coward!” Lord Dorrington remarked. “And you are quite safe, Alyna. I will protect you.”

How could she explain to him, she thought despairingly, that it was his chivalry that she was afraid of?

She was not thinking of herself. It did not seem to matter at the moment whether the Prince spoke to her or not. All that concerned her was Lord Dorrington.

The Prince had made one attempt upon his life and she knew with a sudden terror rising within her heart, like a snake poising to strike, that he would never rest until he had gained his revenge and Lord Dorrington was dead.