“And you, if it is possible, are even more beautiful,” Lord Athelstan replied.
As he spoke, he was conscious of feeling a surge of anger at the hint of amusement in Natasha’s eyes.
He wondered irritably why she did not leave the room. She must be well aware that her presence was not required.
“I tried to see you this morning,” the Baroness said, “for I don’t wish to miss a moment when we might be together; but I learnt you had gone with Prince David to meet the dreaded Tartars.”
“That is true,” Lord Athelstan said.
“Tell me about them,” the Baroness said. “Are they as wildly attractive, as passionate and as handsome as they are reputed to be?”
Lord Athelstan did not reply and with a little light laugh the Baroness went on,
“Everyone is so sorry for the Princesses shut up with those
