As the Countess had warned Gisela, the staff were lined up in the hall, all eager for a glimpse of the distinguished guest whom they had served, from the housekeeper to the youngest scullery maid. This was a great occasion for them and, although they had been told that the Empress’s incognito must be observed outside The Castle, it was their privilege to know the truth and they were all determined to keep the secret because they had been trusted and Her Majesty had faith in them.
As Gisela came down the stairs, she felt that perhaps this was the worst thing she had ever done. To deceive these innocent people and to act a lie to them was somehow worse than deceiving Lord Quenby himself. And yet, once again, she was determined not to fail the Empress.
She went down the lines of staff, smil
