Again there was silence.
Then the Prince said unexpectedly,
“I am surprised that my father did not think it a mistake to send Margarita to Russia with someone as young and unsophisticated as you.”
Paulina stiffened.
“Are you saying that I am not the right person to be a Lady-in-Waiting to the Princess?”
“What I am thinking is that perhaps an older woman would have been able to accept such things and would certainly not be shocked as you are.”
“You may consider such behaviour of no importance, but I am thinking of your sister.”
“I too am thinking of her,” the Prince said, “and I assure you, Miss Handley, that I meant what I said tonight in all sincerity. The past is past and Margarita’s future lies with a man who will love and look after her and perhaps be able to do so far better be
