‘That is something which will never happen again,’ the Earl assured himself.
To avoid thinking of Lady Hester, he applied himself to appreciating the witty if slightly caustic remarks of the lady on his right.
Then he tried to attract the attention of Lady Brook, who was on his left.
He realised at once that, because she was on the right of the Prince of Wales, he himself was in a place of honour. The Prince had in fact shown him a friendship that was the envy of every man present.
When he arrived at Marlborough House, the Prince of Wales had held out his hand, saying,
“It is good to see you, Dolphinston, I enjoyed our evening with the Regiment more than I have enjoyed anything for a long time.”
“That is very kind of you, sir,” the Earl said. “I enjoyed myself as well.”
“It is somet
