This fine building had two ballrooms besides a number of other rooms that were used for card assemblies and tea parties as well as dancing.
Ever since Tara had arrived in Edinburgh, the Peeresses to whom she had been introduced by her father and grandmother had talked of little else except the ball that they were concerned with.
“It is to be the most splendid spectacle that has ever been seen in Scotland,” the Countess of Elgin said enthusiastically.
“If that does not impress His Majesty,” the Marchioness of Queensbury answered, “then nothing will.”
“I can assure you,” the Earl said, “that His Majesty is very much looking forward to it.”
When he was alone with Tara, he said,
“I am looking forward to it too, my dearest, for this is the night you will be able to talk with the King and
