"It doesn't sound like good training for a future queen."
"No," Sara admitted, "but in spite of everything her mother did, Drina has turned out very well. She has a mind of her own and is very conscientious. When she became queen, she began to pay off her father's twenty-year-old debts out of the Privy Purse."
Her husband raised his brows. "A Hanoverian who pays her debts? Her royal uncles must be spinning in their graves. Perhaps she's a changeling."
Sara chuckled. "That is something else you had better not say in public. Drina is a good person, and she will be a good queen. She asked me to become one of her ladies, and I almost accepted, but court life is very tedious and requires much standing around, so I declined on the grounds that my leg was not strong enough. Lameness is not without its advantages."
The carriage lurched forward another few feet, then halted again. Mikahl said, "I don't know about the court, but the aristocratic social life is definitely tedious. I'll be glad to go back to Sulgrave."
"You're so patient with all this nonsense. Do you ever long for the simple primitive life?''
"Primitive does not mean simple. Most tribes have social systems and rules that make London look uncomplicated." Mikahl lifted her hand and peeled back the edge of her glove so he could kiss the inside of her wrist. "Besides, if I become bored, I shall refresh myself with thoughts of those delectable black silk pantalets that I gave you earlier this evening. You did wear them tonight?"
Tingling from the touch of his lips, Sara blushed and nodded. "You have the most improper mind."
He raised his brows. "Of course. Isn't that one of the things you like about me?"
Sara blushed even more and nodded again.
"And you, sweet Sara, have the most enchanting blushes," he said with approval. "Do we have to stay very late? I would like to investigate those blushes further."
"We needn't stay more than an hour," Sara reassured him, being not uninterested in the subject of the blushes herself.
Their turn had finally arrived, so they climbed from their carriage and went into Sanford House to wait again, this time in a receiving line. Lady Sanford was pleased to see Sara and positively ecstatic at meeting Sara's husband.
Mikahl exerted some of his charm, kissed the hands of both Letty and her debutante daughter, and left both females glowing. Sara was used to women reacting that way to her husband. As long as he didn't glow back at them, she didn't mind.
The huge ballroom was beginning to fill. Under the sparkling chandeliers, the black-clad formality of the men provided stark contrast to the drifting flower-bright gowns of the women. Sara had a dance with Mikahl, wanting one good waltz before the room became too crowded for easy movement. Orchestra music competed with a babble of voices, and the air was filled with the mixed scents of perfumes and active bodies.
After their waltz, Mikahl dutifully went off with the Duke of Haddonfield, and Sara began visiting with other guests. But she kept a watchful eye on the crowd. If she and Charles were to meet tonight, she wanted to be prepared for the encounter.
* * *
A group of men were clustered in one corner of the ballroom, and from that vantage point Charles Weldon saw Lady Sara and her husband enter. His mouth hardened. Much as he disliked the idea, he intended to talk to Peregrine before the night was over in the hope that a fulsome apology would persuade the Kafir to forgive the unpleasantness of their last meeting. If the breach were healed, perhaps Peregrine might lend the money needed to stave off financial disaster.
Weldon's expression eased when he saw Lord Melbourne, the Whig prime minister, arrive. Though the two men were not personal friends, Weldon's support for the Whig party always assured him of a cordial welcome from the prime minister.
Thinking that it was a good time to ask about his barony, Weldon made his way across the overheated ballroom. On seeing him, the prime minister said, "Good to see you, Sir Charles. Bit of bad luck about the lawsuits filed against your railroad."
Irritated at how quickly bad news traveled, Weldon waved his hand dismissively. "Spurious charges by a man deranged from the tragic death of his son. Everything will be resolved within a week. Meanwhile, since the price is temporarily depressed, it's an excellent time to buy L & S stock."
"I'll bear that in mind," Melbourne said vaguely. His eyes began scanning the ballroom. "Now if you'll excuse me..."
"A moment, please." Choosing his words carefully, Weldon said, "About that matter we discussed last year when you visited my estate. I've been expecting to hear about the outcome. Have you any definite news?"
The prime minister shook his head. "Drop a note to my secretary. He might have some information."