He did not look at Lady Genevieve as he said quietly,
“It is not an oversight.”
There was a moment’s silence before she reacted in an incredulous tone,
“You mean I am not to be invited?”
“The Queen has crossed out your name on the list that was presented to her.”
“I cannot believe it,” Lady Genevieve said in a stifled tone. “How can she dare – how can she presume – ?”
Her voice faded away and Lord Melbourne gave a little sigh.
“You have, my dear, been somewhat indiscreet.”
“You mean – with Osric Helstone?”
“He is one of many, but maybe your association with him and the way it has been talked about has brought things to a head.”
“You mean it has annoyed those catty old women, those frowsty and old Dowagers, who have been angling over him for their pie-faced daughters for years, de
