The Grand Duke was in very good spirits and made the best of a difficult situation.
After luncheon was over the guests were shown round The Palace and the gardens before they returned to the Battleship.
They were asked if they would like to dine at The Palace that evening, but said tactfully,
“I am sure that you will want to be en famille on your last night before you leave and our Captain is eager to cast off as early as possible in the morning.”
en famille“Very well,” the Grand Duke agreed. “We will board at nine o’clock and so my daughter and I are very much looking forward to the voyage, are we not, Zelie?”
“Indeed we are, Papa,” Sola answered, “and I love being at sea. A Battleship will be new and exciting for both of us.
Their guests went on to talk about how much the King enjo
