Chapter Twenty-One
Alys could only laugh at Lord Gorling’s enthusiasm. She then remembered something, so she turned to him. “How would you know who is who? I thought you’d just returned from America, my lord?”
He looked shocked for a moment and then burst out laughing, throwing his head back. When he could finally speak, he said, “Yes, yes, you are quite astute, Your Grace, absolutely. I hardly know anyone, but… I have met quite a number of people in these past few weeks and have already insinuated myself into society well enough that I am quite interested in seeing who is with whom. You see, madam, gossip, I have found, is the greatest way not only to understand a society but discover who truly holds the power.”
“Really?” Alys was thoroughly intrigued.
“Yes, of course. For instance, w
