Also on the floor were Fouché with his wife, Lord Montague with Countess Bini and Franziska with Count Gilberto Borromeo of the Commission for Heraldry.
In the centre of the hall, Ziani and Irina danced as they looked into each other’s eyes as if they were the closest of couples because of their steps, their spins and with every note.
‘You’ve a wonderful smile this evening,’ whispered Ziani.
‘I’ve a thousand reasons for being happy. The party has begun well, the people are enjoying themselves, you’ve achieved the esteem of Prince von Metternich and you dance so well’.
‘In truth, I didn’t believe I did. It’s all thanks to you’.
‘Me? I’ll show it was you to have guided me’.
‘Guiding you has changed me into something I believed I’d never be’.
‘Sometimes, the right person is n
